Celebrities not only have the fame and fortune, they also have the connection and network to start up their own businesses. Most would start their own production companies, while others would put out their own line of clothes, perfumes and jewelries. Of course, these would lead to more fame and fortune if the business venture proves to be a success, but the good part is that their investments have provided opportunities and employment to other people.

Here is a list of ten companies owned by celebrities.

10. Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba started out in show business when she was just 13 years old, appearing in teen shows like “Camp Nowhere” and “The Secret World of Alex Mack.” She caught everyone’s attention when she starred in the television series called “Dark Angel” from 2000 to 2002. She was then featured in movies like “Honey,” “Sin City,” “Fantastic Four,” “Into the Blue,” “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” and “Good Luck Chuck.” Alba also owns The Honest Co., which sells products like diapers, shampoos, bubble baths, dish soaps, sunscreens, hand sanitizers and household cleaners. What sets the products apart is its use of environmentally friendly materials. Chemicals are carefully screened as some that are used for popular items are linked to diseases like asthma and cancer.

9. Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock is one of the highest paid actresses in the world. She started off in the 90s in films like “Speed,” “Demolition Man,” “The Net,” “Hope Floats,” “A Time to Kill” and “While You Were Sleeping.” She was also featured in the critical darling of 2007 entitled “Crash.” In 2009, she starred in the football movie called “The Blind Side,” a film that won for her Best Actress awards from several award-giving bodies. She also revealed her culinary side by opening a popular restaurant in Austin, Texas called Bess Bistro. She is also a co-owner of Walton’s Fancy and Staple, a gourmet café that offers delicatessen, catering and floral services.

8. Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner is a multi-awarded movie and television actor. He has portrayed memorable characters in movies like “Bull Durham,” “The Untouchables,” “Field of Dreams,” “Dances with Wolves,” “JFK,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” and “The Bodyguard.” He also co-starred in the recent acclaimed television mini-series called “Hatfields and McCoys.” He is also the man behind Blue Water Planet Solutions, a company that owns the patent to a centrifugal force oil and water separator. It is probably the most effective tool for cleaning up oil spills. Costner also owns Midnight Star, a South Dakota casino and museum.

7. Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre is Andre Romelle Young, a rapper and entrepreneur  who has helped oversee the careers of other artists like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Xzibit, 50 Cent, The Game and Kendrick Lamar. He helped popularize the West Coast G-Funk, a synthesizer-based rap with slow and heavy beats. He is one of the richest men in hip hop. He is also the CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. Aftermath has released 19 albums from different artists, 14 of which went to platinum. Beats Electronics is known for its audio products and equipment.

6. Jay-Z

His real name is Shawn Carter, but besides being known as one of the richest men in hip hop and being the husband of Beyoncé, Jay-Z is also the creator of Rocawear. The company offers clothing, footwear, fragrance and fashion accessories. Its revenue has reached as much as $700 million. He also owns 40/40 Club, a chain of sports bars in New York and New Jersey. Jay-Z is also part owner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

5. Lil Wayne

His real name is Dwayne Carter and he has been rapping since the age of nine when he signed up with Cash Money Records as part of the duo called The Bag’s.  He is also the founder of the record label called Young Money Entertainment, the company behind artists like Nicki Minaj, Drake and Tyga. The group has been responsible for seven albums that have gone to the number one spot in the album charts.

4. Sammy Hagar

Sammy Hagar was part of the group called Van Halen, though fans of the band will always associate the group with David Lee Roth. Hagar, however, still made a name for himself for owning the Cabo Wabo chain of restaurants. The original is in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and is considered one of the top nightclubs in the area. It also has outlets in Stateline, Nevada and at the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. It used to make its own tequila before it sold the liquor line for more than $80 million.

3. Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake started out in ‘N Sync before becoming one of the most popular artists of his generation. Not too many knows that he is also the owner of MySpace after buying the social networking site from News Corp. It plans to leverage its library of music videos and songs to anchor MySpace TV, which will allow chatting in real time as the audience watches the show.

2. Mark Wahlberg

Mark fronted the group called Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He has come a long way since, as he is the man behind shows like “Entourage” and “Boardwalk Empire.” He played memorable roles in “Fear,” “Boogie Nights,” “Rock Star,” “The Departed” and “The Fighter.” He also co-owns with his brother the restaurant called Wahlburgers, a popular joint near Boston known for its family-friendly atmosphere and tasty burgers.

1. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is known as the Queen of Talk and she has translated that to an extremely successful production company called Harpo Productions. It is behind shows like “Dr. Phil,” “Rachael Ray,” The Dr. Oz Show” and “The Rosie Show.” She is also behind the Oprah Winfrey Network, or OWN, a joint channel of Harpo Productions and Discovery Communications. Its reach extends to 80 million households and is the replacement of the Discovery Health Channel.