When it comes to staying relevant, celebrities have to evolve. Over time, entertainers enter new eras and phases, different from the last, to keep their fans interested. Whether it’s elevating their artistry or becoming a business mogul, several celebrities have reinvented themselves.
The art of “rebranding” or reinventing yourself is not always easy. Fans should still recognize you, but there must also be new elements. Those who are best at rebranding can keep fans guessing what is next for them, maintaining an element of surprise or mystery. At the same time, people remain invested in who celebrities are authentically.
Stars like Cher and Michael Jackson are great examples. They both have had decade-long careers that can be broken into eras, each better than the last. Today’s celebrities are following in their footsteps and taking it one step further. Here are six celebrities who have reinvented themselves!
1. Rihanna
Rihanna has been known for her self-reinventions over the years. While she was still making music, each album came with a new look. When she first hit the scene in the 2000s, the singer-turned-beauty guru was sporting long dark brown hair and presented a girl-next-door style.
Since then, the 36-year-old has continued to switch it up. She became known for the asymmetrical bob, influencing teenage girls everywhere. She also helped return the pixie cut, popularized fiery-red hair, and had Black women rocking the half-shaved hairstyle. Each new hairstyle brought a unique personal style to match.
Her most significant rebrand came when she put music on the back burner and introduced us to business-minded RiRi. Since 2017, the singer has opened several successful business ventures. The Rihanna rebrand brought us Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Savage X Fenty.
2. Jackie Aina
Jackie Aina is an OG beauty influencer who started her career in 2009. Many may not know this, but becoming an influencer was her first rebrand. Before posting to YouTube, Aina joined the military and was in a less-than-happy marriage. Her circumstances caused her to use YouTube and beauty as a distraction. As such, her pivot turned into a lucrative career.
After spending over 10 years as a beauty influencer, Aina reached for a new self-reinvention as a businesswoman. As a lover of fragrances and luxury items, the makeup artist partnered with her fiancé, Denis Asamoah, to create the lifestyle brand, FORVR Mood. The brand offers an extensive line of candles, silk headbands, pillowcases, towels, and more.
3. Coco Jones
We were first introduced to Coco Jones in the hit Disney Channel movie “Let It Shine.” Fans loved Coco, as she served as a positive influence for little Black girls. After the movie’s release, Jones faded into the background until she began posting covers on TikTok.
Utilizing the power of social media, she reinvented herself from a child star to an R&B songstress. Jones became known for rewriting hit songs with R&B lyrics and sounds. This transition led to Jones signing with Def Jam Records. In 2024, she won her first Grammy.
4. De’arra Taylor
As one-half of the former YouTube couple, De’arra & Ken, De’arra rose to fame in the late 2010s. The couple was considered “couple goals” for everyone as they documented their relationship. After they became engaged, their relationship crumbled in the public eye. In August 2021, the pair took to YouTube to announce their separation on the platform. Ken shared that fans can look forward to daily vlogs that highlight health/fitness and awareness projects. As for De’arra, she shared that she will be sharing cooking, fashion, beauty, and travel content on her separate channel.
Although the two never publicly announced their breakup, fans immediately believed that they had cut ties. In fact, the former couple has not been pictured or seen together since 2021. Since the breakup, De’arra has invested in herself. In 2022, she launched Lorvae, a sunglasses line.
5. JT and Yung Miami
Since The City Girls debuted in 2017, the femcees have entered several lanes. Yung Miami has gone viral several times on social media, often becoming a meme. Thanks to her unapologetic personality and Miami flair, the 30-year-old landed a show on Revolt, “Caresha Please.”
As for JT, the femcee has been in her brand deal bag, promoting Beats earphones and KISS Colors and Care. Additionally, she has become a fashion icon, as she is not afraid of things considered untypical for a Black girl.
The City Girls have continued to make music but remain focused on expanding their brands and reinventing themselves.
Other stars like Beyoncé, Jay Versace, and Aaliyah Jay have all used reinvention to elevate their artistry and careers. Celebrities who have reinvented themselves successfully have prioritized longevity, making their legacy undoubtedly stamped.
Who is your favorite celebrity reinvention? Let us know in the comments below.
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