While The Next Urban Millionaire traditionally celebrates legends aged 50 and older, certain individuals transcend age to become icons in their own right. Selena Gomez, at just 32 years old, has already secured her place among the world’s most influential figures. From her humble beginnings as a child actress to her meteoric rise as a global entrepreneur and philanthropist, Selena’s journey is nothing short of legendary.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Selena Gomez grew up as the daughter of a young single mother. Her Mexican-American heritage shaped her identity, and her upbringing was grounded in resilience and determination. Selena’s mother, Mandy Teefey, worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for her daughter, igniting a fire in Selena to succeed.
At just 10 years old, Selena began her acting career on the children’s show Barney & Friends. Her big break came in 2007 when she was cast as Alex Russo in Disney Channel’s hit series Wizards of Waverly Place. This role not only launched her into stardom but also marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial spirit.
Breaking Barriers in Entertainment
Selena’s career quickly expanded beyond acting. By her late teens, she had transitioned into music, releasing multiple platinum-certified albums with her band Selena Gomez & The Scene before embarking on a successful solo career. Hits like Come & Get It, Good for You, and Lose You to Love Me showcased her versatility as an artist and cemented her place in the music industry.
Beyond music, Selena made her mark in film and television. She produced and starred in various projects, including the critically acclaimed Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and more recently, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Her role as Mabel Mora earned her praise as both a comedic and dramatic actress.
Rare Beauty and Entrepreneurial Success
In 2020, Selena founded Rare Beauty, a cosmetics brand that revolutionized the beauty industry with its focus on inclusivity and mental health. Rare Beauty’s mission—to celebrate individuality and self-expression—struck a chord globally. The brand’s Rare Impact Fund, which donates a percentage of profits to mental health services, has further solidified Selena’s commitment to giving back.
Rare Beauty is now valued at over $2 billion, making it a cornerstone of Selena’s estimated $1.3 billion net worth. This achievement places her not only among the most successful entrepreneurs in the world but also as one of the few Latina women to reach billionaire status.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Selena’s influence extends far beyond business. She is a dedicated philanthropist, serving as a UNICEF ambassador since the age of 17. Through her foundation and public platform, she has raised awareness for critical issues, including mental health, lupus research, and disaster relief.
Her candidness about her struggles with lupus, a kidney transplant, and mental health challenges has inspired millions. Selena’s advocacy for mental health led to the launch of Wondermind, a platform that promotes emotional fitness and provides resources for mental well-being.