How Famous Entrepreneurs Built Empires from Scratch

From Sara Blakely turning $5,000 into a billion-dollar brand to Jan Koum risking it all for his vision, these famous entrepreneurs built empires from scratch. How they built it, why they refused to give up, and what you can learn from their journey?

Entrepreneurship is not just about innovation; it’s also about perseverance, vision, and overcoming adversity. Many of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs started with nothing but a dream and the drive to make that dream a reality. 

As Elon Musk says, “I think it is possible for ordinary people to choose to be extraordinary.”

These individuals faced incredible challenges in their personal lives, yet their relentless efforts and resourcefulness helped them build empires that have changed industries and impacted lives globally. 

The stories of these famous entrepreneurs serve as a powerful reminder that success is not solely determined by initial resources but by resilience, ingenuity, and a willingness to take risks.

The power of perseverance in building empires

Perseverance, creativity, and resilience are key traits that drive entrepreneurial success.

These stories of famous entrepreneurs who built empires from scratch highlight that success is not determined by wealth or resources but by vision, perseverance, and the willingness to overcome obstacles. 

Each of these individuals faced significant challenges, yet through hard work, creativity, and adaptability, they turned their dreams into global successes. 

After all, every empire begins with a dream.

Aspiring business owners can find inspiration in their stories and apply their lessons to their entrepreneurial endeavours. With determination and a clear vision, anyone can build an empire from scratch.

Famous entrepreneurs who built empires from scratch

Jan Koum (Co-Founder & Former CEO of WhatsApp)

Jan Koum co-founded WhatsApp, a globally recognised messaging app that revolutionised how people communicate. Born in Ukraine, Jan and his mother immigrated to the United States to escape poverty and political unrest. 

They lived in government-subsidised housing, relying on food stamps to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, Jan was determined to create a better future for himself. He taught himself programming, which led to a job at Yahoo, where he gained the necessary skills for his future ventures.

Jan’s breakthrough came when he co-founded WhatsApp in 2009. The app was designed to provide a simple and efficient way for people to communicate across the globe, particularly focusing on making messaging accessible and free. WhatsApp quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity and focus on user privacy, and by 2014, it was acquired by Facebook for $19 billion. 

Today, WhatsApp has over two billion active users worldwide and remains one of the leading communication platforms. Jan's journey from hardship to success is a testament to his perseverance and his ability to identify a gap in the market.

Today, Jan Koum’s net worth is estimated at approximately $15.2 billion and become one of the most famous entrepreneurs. His company, WhatsApp, generates an estimated $906 million in revenue, though it does not have direct advertising or subscription models like other social media platforms.

Oprah Winfrey (Founder Oprah Winfrey)

Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul whose career trajectory has inspired millions around the world. Born into poverty in Mississippi, Oprah faced a difficult childhood, including abuse and family instability. She was sent to live with her grandmother at a young age, where she was raised in poverty. 

Despite these challenges, Winfrey excelled in school and developed a passion for public speaking. After high school, she attended Tennessee State University on a scholarship, and her career began when she became a news anchor for a local television station.

Her breakthrough came when she transitioned into hosting a morning talk show, AM Chicago, which later became The Oprah Winfrey Show. Winfrey’s ability to connect with her audience and her focus on personal development and social issues helped her rise to become one of the most influential figures in television. 

She expanded her reach through her own production company, Harpo Productions, and later launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). As one of the most famous entrepreneurs, Winfrey’s influence has gone far beyond television, with her focus on empowering others and supporting various charitable causes. Oprah Winfrey’s net worth is approximately $3.1 billion as of 2025. 

Do Won & Jin Sook Chang (Co-Founders Forever 21)

Do Won and Jin Sook Chang, one of the famous entrepreneurs, began their journey when they moved from South Korea to the United States in search of better opportunities. With limited resources, they took on multiple low-wage jobs to survive in Los Angeles. 

Despite their struggles, Do Won Chang identified an emerging market for affordable, trendy clothing, leading him to open their first store, Fashion 21, in 1984. The couple’s keen sense of style and understanding of the market helped them tap into a younger, fashion-conscious audience.

Fashion 21 quickly became a success, and within a few years, it was rebranded as Forever 21. The store’s affordable and trendy offerings caught the attention of consumers, and the brand expanded rapidly across the United States and internationally. 

At its peak, Forever 21 had hundreds of locations worldwide and became one of the largest fast-fashion retailers globally. Do Won and Jin Sook Chang’s combined net worth was estimated at $1.6 billion as of recent reports. At its peak, Forever 21 generated approximately $4.4 billion in annual revenue.

Ingvar Kamprad (Founder of IKEA)

Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, transformed the way people buy furniture by making stylish, functional furniture affordable for everyone. Born in rural Sweden, Kamprad’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. He started by selling matches to his neighbours and later expanded into selling pens and Christmas decorations. 

At the age of 17, Ingvar founded IKEA, initially selling furniture by mail order. His vision was to provide high-quality furniture at affordable prices, and this vision led to the creation of IKEA’s unique flat-pack model, which allowed customers to transport their purchases more easily.

Ingvar’s business model, focusing on cost-efficiency and functional design, helped IKEA expand from a small Swedish store to a global retail giant. Today, IKEA operates hundreds of stores worldwide and is known for its minimalist, modern designs. Ingvar’s innovative thinking, combined with his focus on accessibility and affordability, has made IKEA one of the largest furniture retailers in the world. 

At the time of his death in 2018, Ingvar Kamprad’s net worth was estimated at $58.7 billion. IKEA generates over $40 billion in annual revenue, maintaining its position as one of the world’s largest and most successful home furnishing brands.

Sara Blakely (Founder of Spanx)

Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx, a company that revolutionised the shapewear industry. Blakely started Spanx with just $5,000 in savings and without any experience in fashion. She created a product that made women feel confident and comfortable, and her hard work paid off.

Today, Spanx is a multi-billion-dollar company, and Blakely is one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world. Her story is a reminder that with creativity, persistence, and hard work, anyone can turn an idea into a successful business.

John Paul DeJoria (Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell line)

John Paul DeJoria’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful story of overcoming adversity. After experiencing homelessness, John co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems in 1980 with a $700 loan. The company initially sold hair care products, and through persistence and hard work, it quickly became a major player in the beauty industry. John DeJoria’s ability to innovate and create quality products that resonated with consumers helped the brand grow rapidly.

In addition to his success with John Paul Mitchell Systems, DeJoria co-founded Patron Spirits Company, which revolutionised the tequila industry. His involvement in both industries allowed him to build an empire that spans beauty and spirits. DeJoria’s story highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability, as he turned his life around by leveraging his experiences and believing in his vision.

John Paul DeJoria’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3.2 billion as of 2025. Paul Mitchell Systems generates over $900 million in annual revenue. The Patron Spirits Company, which DeJoria co-founded, was sold to Bacardi in 2018 for $5.1 billion, further solidifying his wealth.