By Shanali Fernando
The internet is blowing up again! Thanks to RiRi’s pregnancy news, but the real Rihanna fans are saying I told you so. This island tomboy turned platinum pop sensation and fashion icon is no stranger to the headlines. After entering into the music scene in 2005 as a teenage RiRi has always given the world something to talk about, be it her success with music, her game changing beauty line or her luxury fashion house making her so popular, successful and rich.
GROWING UP
Rihanna didn’t have the easiest childhood. This Barbadian star was born in February 1988 to a family with two brothers, a full-time working mom and a drunk and abusive father. She also suffered from strong headaches which only ceased after her parents finally divorced when she was 14. Her school life was no better than her one at home even though she was a bright student. Rihanna was toughened by what she went through as a child and almost prepared her for the traumatic events she encountered with Chris brown later on in life.
Her TEENAGE YEARS
Took a turn when she was discovered by a holidaying American record producer Evan Rogers in 2003. At the age of 17 she recorded her 1st label Pon de replay. Her music career from there on grew at rocket speed. Many of her songs made it to US billboard charts making her a global pop star winning multiple industry awards including Grammys and MTV awards.
After her 1st breakthrough in 2005 some of her major hits have been ‘unfaithful’, ‘SOS’’ and umbrella’ featuring Jay-z. Towards 2007 she transformed from her cute persona to a sexy one which was well received by her fans worldwide. In 2019 according to Forbes Rihanna was the world’s richest female musician which was a result of her venturing out to create her own beauty and fashion line.
With her worldwide fan base growing, her sense of style and fashion was soon adapted by many across the globe and soon making her an influential figure in the world of fashion and make up. In 2017 she launched her own beauty line.
FENTY
This game changing beauty brand was soon a favorite across all skin tones and gender because of its 40 now extended to 50 different shades. It was her solution to a problem she had been facing for many many years ; finding a shade that matched her dark skin, which most mainstream make up brands did not have at that time. Through her instagram she portrayed that her audience could now unapologetically be themselves and celebrate diversity through make up just like she did, being a woman of color herself.
Overtime with the growth of her fashion and beauty businesses she was now not only known for her voice but as a successful business woman taking the world by storm.
While her highs have definitely overcome her lows her love life has also been a roller coaster ride for her. Her first big love caught much attention after she was a victim of domestic abuse from her then partner Chris Brown. Things have turned around for her, leaving her fans thrilled and excited as the star debuted her baby bump in the most iconic way. At the age of 33 the award winning star is expecting her first baby with rapper ASAP Rocky.
Rihanna also strives at putting her fame and fortune into worthy cause by helping the needy and focuses on helping organizations that work towards different socio economic issues in the world.
Over 100 million fans have been following @badgalriri on her bumpy road to success through her social media platforms. As a strong woman of color who overcame many struggles that includes poverty and domestic abuse she inspires and encourages her followers to stand up for what you believe in even if it means to break pre-fixed norms.
