I am a child but I have to think and act like a woman, this business forces you to. – Rihanna

First name is Robyn, Last name is Fenty, but you know her simply by one name: Rihanna.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born on February 20, 1988 and raised in Bridgetown, Barbados. At an early age, she had an interest in music and choose to leave high school (as many artists have done) to pursue a music career.

Although, she started out in a musical trio, Rihanna went on to land a solo audition with record producer Evan Rogers and recorded a demo to send to record labels.

As you can see, she chooses a career at a young age and pursued it. College is not the only path to success. If you want something in this life, then go after it and go get it. Do not let lack of money, resources, or connections stop you from living your dreams. If it is important to you, then you will find a way. I wanted to be a writer, so I write. Rihanna wanted to sing, so she did. And Rihanna did not let anything stop her in the way of her dreams.

THE AUDITION

From there she would get an audition with the then president of Def Jam in New York, Jay-Z. He would go on to sign her to a six-album record deal.

She moved from Barbados to the United States to record her first album. Rihanna’s debut single, “Pon de Replay” was released for summer in May 2005 and became a worldwide hit.

Her first album Music of the Sun was released in August of 2005 was the start of her non-stop charting success and would eventually go on to sell two million copies worldwide.

CHART TOPPER AND BREAKTHROUGH ALBUM

Rihanna’s breakthrough album would be her third, Good Girl Gone Bad in 2007. Her new image and sound would become what she is known by today. Her lead single, “Umbrella,” became an international chart topper and would end up selling 8 million copies. She then headlined a tour and was nominated for and won her first Grammy in 2008 for the song. This album not only went platinum, but was the start of the superstar’s international powerhouse takeover of the music world.

Over the next decade, she would perform, record, tour, and work almost non-stop.

Rihanna’s fifth studio album, Loud, would go on more charting topping success for the artist with the songs “What’s my name?”, and “Only girl (In the World),” that would eventually lead to a world tour. Loud Tour would become one of the highest grossing in 2011. And the album would go on to win a Grammy at the 53^rd Grammy Awards.

She followed this up with her sixth studio album, Talk that Talk, released in 2011 and her seventh studio album, Unapologetic, was released in 2012 with the lead single “Diamonds.”  Rihanna picked up her sixth Grammy Award in 2013 and headlined the Diamonds World Tour, her fifth headline tour.

One of my favorite songs and performances of Rihanna’s is “Diamonds” which she performed flawlessly for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show back in 2012.

Here is one of her most recent and memorable interviews on Ellen in 2016.

Rihanna’s infamous and often discussed Instagram account also brought up on the Ellen show. This is just a sample and you can see why it’s so talked about here. Just Rihanna hanging out with Prince Harry. Before the #RoyalWedding. Just a day in the life.

OTHER BUSINESS VENTURES

I love music, and after my first experience with movies, I can’t wait to do more. – Rihanna

She started doing more acting work as well with roles in television and film such as Bates Motel and Battleship. She also inked a $25-million-dollar contract with Samsung adding to her impressive list of endorsements (some seven-figures) over the years – Christian Dior, Puma, Gucci, MAC Cosmetics and Covergirl – making her one of the most bankable celebrities on the planet. She has also landed on the covers of magazines worldwide such as Maxim, FHM, Rolling Stone, Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ.

FORTUNE WELL-EARNED AND NETWORTH

Rihanna has a net worth of a reported $245 million dollars. She is recognized as a pop culture phenomenon and fashion icon. She even started her own beauty business and make-up line, Fenty Beauty and is a co-owner of the music streaming service, Tidal. She also has her own charity foundation and has helped raise millions for charity including cancer research. Time Magazine even listed her as one of the most influential people in 2012.

No matter what Rihanna does – from acting in movies, performing live, singing, endorsing products, or starting her own business – she always keeps her style unapologetic.

Just FYI: Rihanna has received 9 Grammys and sold over 100 million singles and albums worldwide.