Kim Kardashian: Biography, Success Story, Media Personality (2024)

Kim Kardashian is an American media personality and entrepreneur. Her biography showcases her diverse career and impact on popular culture. From early ventures in fashion to becoming a global media personality and entrepreneur, her journey reflects a blend of savvy business acumen and a knack for staying at the forefront of societal trends. Kardashian’s success story is not just about fame; it’s about evolving roles—from reality TV star to advocate for criminal justice reform, underscoring her ability to leverage her platform for change.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Kimberly Noel Kardashian, born October 21, 1980, became famous initially as Paris Hilton’s stylist and later for her 2007 sex tape with Ray J. This exposure led to Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E!, which ran until 2021 and spawned spin-offs like Kourtney and Kim Take New York and Hulu’s The Kardashians.

With millions of followers on social media, Kardashian co-founded the Dash boutiques (2006-2018), launched KKW Beauty and Fragrance (2017-2022), reaching a billion-dollar valuation, and founded the shapewear brand Skims in 2019, valued at over $4 billion. Post-beauty ventures, she introduced Sknn By Kim in 2022, alongside products like the mobile game Kim Kardashian: Hollywood and the book Selfish. Her acting includes Disaster Movie, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, and American Horror Story.

Time listed her among 2015’s 100 most influential people. With a net worth of $1.8 billion by 2022, Kardashian has recently focused on prison reform and a four-year law apprenticeship with #cut50 since 2019. Her marriage to Kanye West (2014-2022) and their four children have also been widely covered.

Early Life and Education

Kimberly Noel Kardashian was born to parents Robert and Kris Kardashian in Los Angeles, California, on October 21, 1980. She grew up with an older sister, Kourtney, a younger sister, Khloé, and a younger brother, Rob. The Kardashian children have Scottish and Dutch heritage from their mother’s side and Armenian heritage from their father’s. After her parents’ divorce in 1991, Kris remarried Bruce Jenner, a former Olympian, broadening Kim’s family to include step-siblings Burt, Brandon, Brody, and Casey, as well as half-sisters Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

Maybe my fairy tale has a different ending than I dreamed it would. But that's OK. – Kim Kardashian Share on X

Kim attended Marymount High School, a Roman Catholic all-girls institution in Los Angeles. Her father, Robert Kardashian, was a well-known attorney who represented O.J. Simpson during his 1994 murder trial, with Simpson being Kim’s godfather. Her father passed away from cancer in 2003. Kim was close friends with Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton during her teenage years, initially bringing her into the media spotlight. After a car accident at 16, her father promised her a new car under the condition that she cover future damage expenses, teaching her financial responsibility early on. Kim worked at Body, a local clothing store, for four years, including helping to open its Calabasas branch, until she left the job in 2000 upon getting married.

Career

2003–2006: Early Career

Kim Kardashian’s career beginnings trace back to 2003 when she worked as a personal stylist for Brandy, an R&B singer and actress, and sister to Ray J. In 2004, Sonja Norwood, Brandy, and Ray J’s mother and manager, claimed Kardashian made over $120,000 in unauthorized charges on her American Express card, mainly at the Kardashian family’s boutique. Despite these allegations, which Kardashian denied, and Sonja’s initial reluctance to press charges after a personal apology from Kardashian, the issue led to a lawsuit in 2008. The dispute was eventually settled confidentially in 2009, and the lawsuit was dismissed.

By 2006, Kardashian had become a stylist for Paris Hilton, a friend from her childhood, making several appearances on Hilton’s reality show The Simple Life. She was often seen with Hilton at various high-profile events and parties. In 2020, PR strategist Sheeraz Hasan and photographer Rick Mendozza highlighted Kardashian’s determination to build a successful brand. Kardashian acknowledged in 2021 that Hilton “literally gave me a career,” showing gratitude for Hilton’s role in her rise to fame.

2007–2010: Breakthrough

Kim Kardashian’s breakthrough period from 2007 to 2010 was marked by significant events that catapulted her into fame. In February 2007, a sex tape she made with Ray J in 2003 was leaked, leading to a lawsuit against Vivid Entertainment. Kardashian settled for a reported $5 million, allowing the tape’s distribution. This controversy preceded the October 2007 Keeping Up with the Kardashians premiere, featuring her family, on E!. The show became a hit, spawning spin-offs like Kourtney and Kim Take New York and Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, concluding in June 2021 after 294 episodes.

In 2007, Kardashian posed nude for Playboy, followed by a 2010 cover for Romanian Playboy. She made her film debut in Disaster Movie (2008) and participated in the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars, being eliminated third. Kardashian engaged in various endorsem*nts, including a 2009 campaign with Fusion Beauty, launching her first fragrance, “Kim Kardashian,” and releasing a workout DVD series. She guest-hosted WrestleMania XXIV and appeared on America’s Next Top Model, How I Met Your Mother, Beyond the Break, and CSI: NY.

By 2010, Kardashian had new endorsem*nt deals, including Carl’s Jr., and was immortalized with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds in New York City. She co-authored Kardashian Konfidential with her sisters, hitting the New York Times Best Seller List. December 2010 saw her music video debut for “Jam (Turn It Up),” directed by Hype Williams, featuring Kanye West. Despite stating there was no album planned, proceeds from the song benefited a cancer foundation, aligning with her charitable efforts. Critics panned the song, but Kardashian continued to explore various media ventures, including producing The Spin Crowd, appearing on The Apprentice, and guest-starring on 90210 with her sisters.

2011–2016: Continued Success

Between 2011 and 2016, Kim Kardashian broadened her empire with ventures like her third perfume, “Gold,” the novel Dollhouse with sisters Kourtney and Khloé, and a $50 million renewal of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. She launched fragrances “True Reflection” and “Glam,” which appeared in Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, securing a Razzie Award amidst a $53.1 million global box office.

2014 saw Kardashian delve into digital with Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, a hit mobile game, and voice work on American Dad!. Her Paper magazine cover, intended to “Break the Internet,” sparked widespread media buzz and boosted traffic to Paper’s website.

In 2015, she published Selfish, a selfie collection that received positive reviews, covered Vogue Spain, and released the popular app Kimoji. By 2016, Kardashian’s social media endorsem*nts could fetch up to $300,000 per post, showcasing her ability to secure premium rates due to her media visibility.

2017–present: Business Ventures

Since 2017, Kim Kardashian has significantly expanded her business portfolio. In 2006, she opened the Dash fashion boutiques with sisters Kourtney and Khloé, which lasted until 2018. In 2017, she launched KKW Beauty and KKW Fragrance, entering the beauty industry with her lines.

Kim took on TV production with Glam Masters in 2018, a series spotlighting beauty bloggers vying to work with her. The same year, she saw her cameo in Ocean’s 8 and produced the series You Kiddin’ Me. She appeared in the 2019 music video “B.F.A. (Best Friend’s Ass)” and, after controversy over her shapewear brand’s initial name, Kimono, rebranded it to Skims, which has become known for inclusivity and a wide range of products.

I'm an entrepreneur. 'Ambitious' is my middle name. – Kim Kardashian Share on X

Skims partnered with Team USA for the 2020 Summer Olympics and continued collaborating for the 2022 Winter Olympics, even launching a special collection. A Skims and Fendi collaboration debuted in November 2021. By 2023, Skims had become the official underwear partner for the NBA, WNBA, and USA Basketball, highlighting its growth and acceptance.

Kim’s efforts with Skims have been recognized with awards from WSJ: Innovator Awards and the CFDA, underlining her impact on the fashion and beauty industry. By July 2023, Skims reached a $4 billion valuation and was listed among Time’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

2020–present: The Kardashiansand Other Acting Ventures

In 2020, Kim Kardashian expanded her influence in the media and business. She delved into criminal justice reform with Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project and appeared in This is Paris. Kim and her family launched The Kardashians on Hulu in April 2022, a successful follow-up to Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

Kim continued her activism in The First Step, made guest appearances on Martha Gets Down and Dirty and Cooking with Paris, and voiced in PAW Patrol: The Movie series. Her Saturday Night Live hosting gig in October 2021 highlighted her comedic skills.

Facing a legal hiccup, Kardashian settled with the SEC for $1.26 million in October 2022 over cryptocurrency promotions. A related lawsuit was dismissed in December 2022.

In business, she co-founded Skky Partners, debuted at Paris Fashion Week with Balenciaga, partnered with Beats Electronics, and creatively directed for Dolce & Gabbana’s 2023 collection. Kim ventured into podcasting on Spotify, using The System: The Case of Kevin Keith.

Her acting pursuits include a role in American Horror Story: Delicate and upcoming projects like Netflix’s comedy The Fifth Wheel and an untitled Hulu legal drama by Ryan Murphy, further showcasing her diverse engagements in entertainment and advocacy.

Personal Life

Love Affairs

Kim Kardashian’s relationships have garnered significant public and media interest. At 19, she eloped with Damon Thomas in 2000; they divorced in 2003 amid claims of abuse. Before the divorce was finalized, she dated Ray J.

She had an intermittent relationship with NFL’s Reggie Bush after meeting him in 2007 at the ESPY Awards, with a brief breakup in 2009. A short stint with NFL’s Miles Austin followed in 2010.

In 2011, Kardashian engaged NBA player Kris Humphries and married him in Montecito, California. The marriage lasted 72 days, leading to divorce and speculation of a publicity stunt, which amplified media scrutiny.

Kardashian started dating Kanye West in April 2012 and married him in May 2014 in Florence, Italy. Amidst constant media attention, they faced divorce rumors in early 2021. Kardashian filed for divorce in February 2021, with an agreement on joint custody of their four children.

Religion

Kim Kardashian identifies strongly with her Christian faith, describing herself as “really religious.” She received her education in Christian settings, attending schools affiliated with Presbyterian and Roman Catholic denominations. In a significant expression of her faith and heritage, Kim was baptized in October 2019 at the Etchmiadzin Cathedral complex in Armenia, adopting the Armenian name Heghine.

Kim’s commitment to her religion was further demonstrated in April 2015 when she and her husband, Kanye West, traveled to Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter. Their daughter was baptized in the Armenian Apostolic Church at the Cathedral of St. James, where Khloé Kardashian was the godmother. In October 2019, Kim continued this tradition by baptizing her three younger children at the same Etchmiadzin Cathedral complex, underscoring her deep connection to her faith and Armenian roots.

Health

Kim Kardashian, together with Kanye West, has four children: two daughters born in 2013 and 2018 and two sons born in 2015 and 2019. She has openly shared the challenges she faced during her pregnancies, including a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia with her first child, leading to an early delivery at 34 weeks. Post-delivery of both pregnancies, she developed placenta accreta, requiring surgery to remove the placenta and scar tissue. Following her second pregnancy, medical advice recommended against future pregnancies, leading to their decision to welcome their third and fourth children via surrogacy.

Beyond her pregnancies, Kardashian has been vocal about her battle with psoriasis. In May 2021, she confirmed having tested positive for COVID-19 in November 2020, addressing rumors and clarifying that her diagnosis was not related to a party she hosted on a private island.

When there's so many haters and negative things, I really don't care. – Kim Kardashian Share on X

Net Worth

In May 2014, Kim Kardashian’s net worth was estimated at $45 million. By 2015, Forbes noted her earnings nearly doubled to $53 million from the previous year’s $28 million, highlighting her unparalleled ability to capitalize on fame. Her wealth comes from various sources, including significant earnings from the Kardashian Kollection at Sears, which earned $600 million in 2013, and her cosmetics line, Kardashian Beauty. Other income streams include Kardashian-branded tanning products, the DASH boutique line, and sponsored posts on social media, which can fetch between $300,000 and $500,000 each. By July 2018, her net worth had soared to $350 million. Notably, Kardashian never received alimony in her first two marriages. As of April 6, 2021, Forbes elevated her status to billionaire, estimating her net worth at $1 billion.

Robbery at Paris Fashion Week

During Paris Fashion Week on October 2, 2016, Kim Kardashian experienced a traumatic robbery at gunpoint in her apartment. Five individuals, disguised as police officers, tied and gagged her before stealing jewelry valued at $10 million. They gained entry by coercing the concierge and then proceeded to Kardashian’s room, where they threatened her life, ultimately leaving her bound in the bathtub. Although physically unharmed, Kardashian freed herself and called for help after the thieves fled.

The incident led to the temporary suspension of Keeping Up with the Kardashians‘ filming. Skepticism arose regarding the authenticity of the robbery, especially after a video surfaced showing Kardashian post-robbery without apparent injuries and using her reportedly stolen cellphone. This skepticism prompted Kardashian to file lawsuits against media outlets, later dropping them, which fueled further speculation about the robbery’s legitimacy. Filming for the show resumed on October 26, 2016.

French police detained 17 individuals related to the robbery in January 2017 and arrested 16 later that year. By 2020, prosecutors aimed to bring 12 suspects to trial, known in the media as the ‘Grandpa Robbers’ due to their age. As of 2021, the trial was pending, with at least one suspect considering a no-contest plea.

Personality Traits

Kim Kardashian exhibits several distinctive personality traits that have contributed to her success and public persona:

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Kim has consistently demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, launching and managing successful businesses in fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Her ventures into mobile apps, cosmetics with KKW Beauty, and shapewear with Skims showcase her ability to identify and capitalize on market trends.
Resilience: Throughout her career, Kim has faced personal and professional challenges, including public scrutiny and the Paris robbery incident. Her ability to bounce back and continue pursuing her goals shows a strong sense of resilience.
Advocacy and Compassion: Kim has used her platform for advocacy, particularly in criminal justice reform. Her efforts to support individuals serving excessive sentences and her pursuit of a law degree highlight her compassion and dedication to the causes she believes in.
Adaptability: Kim’s career trajectory shows her adaptability to changing media landscapes and public interests. She has evolved her brand from reality TV to social media influence and maintained relevance in a fast-paced industry.
Family-Oriented: Despite her public persona, Kim often emphasizes the importance of family. Her close relationships with her siblings, parents, and children are a significant aspect of her life, showcased in her reality show and public appearances.

These personality traits, among others, paint a picture of a multifaceted individual who has navigated fame with a combination of business acumen, personal strength, and a commitment to making a difference.

Political Beliefs and Activism

Kim Kardashian, a Democrat, endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. election, as reported in GQ‘s July 2016 issue. In January 2017, she gained attention for tweeting statistics on gun violence in the U.S., which the Royal Statistical Society highlighted as the “International Statistic of the Year” for 2017. In October 2018, during a trip to Uganda, Kim and Kanye West were criticized for meeting with President Yoweri Museveni amid concerns over his dictatorial practices.

In April 2019, Vogue revealed Kim’s pursuit of the bar exam via “reading law” rather than attending law school. Despite failing the “baby bar” exam twice, she passed on her fourth attempt in December 2021. Kim has spoken out against the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, supporting Armenia, and aided female Afghan soccer players’ escape to England in November 2021.

Armenian Genocide Recognition

Kim Kardashian has actively advocated for the recognition of the Armenian genocide, condemning the WSJ ad denying the Armenian Genocide and praising President Joe Biden‘s formal recognition in April 2021. She visited Armenia’s Genocide Memorial in 2015 and 2019 and donated $1 million to the Armenia Fund in October 2020.

Prison Reform and Clemency Advocacy

Kim has been instrumental in prison reform, aiding in the commutation of sentences for Chris Young and Alice Marie Johnson, the latter granted by President Donald Trump in June 2018. She supported the First Step Act, leading to significant U.S. prison system reforms. In 2019, her “90 Days to Freedom” campaign released 17 nonviolent drug offenders.

In April 2022, Kardashian advocated for Melissa Lucio, contributing to a stay of execution for the Texas death row inmate. In July 2022, she supported the release of rapper Gunna, who was later sentenced to five years in December, commuted to time served plus probation and community service.

Epilogue

In conclusion, Kim Kardashian’s biography reveals that her influence extends far beyond entertainment. Kardashian has crafted a compelling and complex narrative through her entrepreneurial ventures, advocacy work, and personal trials. Her success story is an intriguing example of a modern celebrity, where success is measured not only in wealth and fame but also in the ability to effect meaningful change.