Kathy Ireland, one of the most famous supermodels of the ’80s and ’90s, appeared in 13 straight Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and built a $420 million fortune. Discovered at 16 by Elite Model Management, she quickly became a global icon. Behind the glamour, she also faced challenges in the modeling world, including harassment early in her career.
Her modeling success peaked with major magazine covers and three iconic Sports Illustrated covers, but Ireland always knew the runway wouldn’t last forever. In the early ’90s, she launched her own company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, starting with a sock line that sold 100 million pairs. With guidance from Warren Buffett, she expanded into home goods and built a multibillion-dollar brand that earns over $3 billion annually.
Ireland credits her work ethic to her father, who taught her to “under promise and over deliver.” Today, she is recognized as a powerful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Licensing Hall of Fame member. She and her husband, Greg Olsen, share three children.
A devout Christian, Ireland says aging doesn’t scare her. Now 62, she stays active with surfing, hiking, and biking, and focuses on balance rather than strict dieting. She continues to credit Elizabeth Taylor as a key mentor who shaped her career and confidence.