How Kris Jenner Built the Kardashian Empire
Kris Jenner is a reality TV star, a producer, an author, and, of course, the world’s most famous momager. The Kardashian-Jenner matriarch has built quite an empire in the less than two decades she and her family members have been household names.
But how did Mama Kris build it from the ground up?
As Kris turns 70, we’re taking a look back and how the Kardashian-Jenners became a $2 billion brand.
How it started
Kris had four children with her first husband, Robert Kardashian Sr. Kourtney was born in 1979, followed by Kim in 1980, Khloé in 1984, and son, Robert Jr., in 1987.
Following their divorce in 1991, Kris married Caitlyn Jenner. Together, they had two daughters, welcoming Kendall in 1995 and Kylie in 1997. Kris and her second spouse separated in 2013, and she’s been in a relationship with Corey Gamble since their marriage ended.
Still, the world wasn’t introduced to the Kardashian-Jenner clan until 2007, when Kim began getting attention for a sex tape with Ray J, a tape that Ray J claims was purposely leaked by Kim and Kris.
Months later, Kris met with Ryan Seacrest about creating Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The show debuted on E! network on Oct. 14 of that same year and featured Kris, Kim, and the rest of the family.
In the years since the series first aired, the siblings have had several spinoffs, including Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Khloé & Lamar, Kourtney and Khloé Take The Hamptons, Dash Dolls, Rob & Chyna, and Life of Kylie.
How it’s going
The TV exposure gave the family a platform and opened doors for plenty of career opportunities.
Today, Kim is co-founder of the successful shapewear SKIMS line. She also launched a beauty and skincare line, as well as a private equity firm called SKKY Partners in 2022. In addition, she’s had a few acting gigs, including a starring role in Hulu’s legal drama All’s Fair.
Kourtney launched her own website called Poosh in early 2019, and the health brand Lemme in 2022.
Khloé co-founded the size-inclusive fashion apparel brand Good American and the protein snack company Khloud’s. She also has a podcast Khloé in Wonder Land.
Unlike his sisters, Rob prefers to stay out if the spotlight these days. However, he competed on Dancing With the Stars Season 13 and came in second place with professional partner Cheryl Burke. He later founded the sock company, Arthur George. In 2018, he sold a 50% stake to Kris due to financial difficulties.
Kendall has worked as a model for years. She’s been quite successful walking in numerous shows for some top fashion houses. She also done campaigns for Calvin Klein, Chanel, Versace, and L’Oréal Paris. In addition, Kendall founded her 818 Tequila.
Kylie has quite a few business ventures, which primarily revolve around her beauty empire, including the well-known Kylie Cosmetics. She also founded Kylie Skin, a skincare line, Kylie Baby, and the fashion brand called Khy. She has a new vodka soda brand as well.
Kris manages all of her kids’ careers and gets a 10% cut of what they make.
