Kris Jenner: The Mastermind Behind the Kardashian Empire

In the sparkling realm of reality TV and social media influencers, one name resoundingly echoes as the epitome of shrewdness, business prowess, and a remarkable sense of seizing opportunity: Kris Jenner. The 'momager' extraordinaire isn't merely the linchpin of the globally-adored Kardashian-Jenner family, but the inventive designer who metamorphosed a family from relative anonymity into a universally recognised brand associated with wealth and fame.

Early Beginnings

Kristen Mary Houghton, better known as Kris Jenner, was born in San Diego, California, in 1955. Her parents, Mary Jo Shannon and Robert Houghton, divorced when she was just seven, leaving her mother to raise Kris and her younger sister, Karen. It was during these formative years that Kris learned the art of resilience and survival, qualities that would later play a pivotal role in her journey to fame and fortune.

After finishing high school, Kris took to the skies, becoming a flight attendant for American Airlines. This profession exposed her to the world, its diversity, and the innumerable opportunities that lay ahead. However, a chance meeting at a racehorse track in the mid-70s would mark the start of her real ascent into the world of the rich and famous. At the track, she met Robert Kardashian, a prosperous attorney, with whom she felt an immediate connection. They married in 1978, marking the beginning of Kris's life in the Kardashian household.

The Kardashian family was thrust into the limelight in the early 90s due to Robert Kardashian's involvement in the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, who sadly passed away of cancer in 2023. The trial was just a prelude to the tidal wave of fame that was to come. The real turning point came in 2007. Following the leak of Kim Kardashian's sex-tape, Kris Jenner, ever the astute businesswoman, sensed an opportunity amid the controversy. She pitched the concept of a reality TV show focused on her unique, charismatic family to Ryan Seacrest, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Building The Empire

With an unyielding determination and a keen sense of business, Kris Jenner grasped the reins of her family's fame in 2007, harnessing the spotlight as a platform to construct an empire. The creation of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" marked the commencement of her strategic blueprint. As the executive producer, Kris ensured the daily drama and glamour of her family were broadcast into millions of homes worldwide. The show quickly morphed into a cultural phenomenon, catapulting the Kardashian-Jenner clan into stardom. Yet, Kris realised that the fame gained through the reality show was merely a stepping stone towards greater objectives.

In capitalising on the escalating popularity of her children, Kris ensured that each had unique opportunities to launch their brands and enterprises. Kris played a pivotal role in propelling Kim to billionaire status through her guidance and support in the launch of Skims, a highly successful venture that capitalised on Kim's influential status and the strong demand for her brand, which generated $475m in 2022 alone. Kris's strategic mindset recognised the potential in the beauty and the apparel industry, leading to the creation of KKW Beauty and a line of perfumes, which further contributed to Kim's remarkable rise.

Khloé and Kourtney were also beneficiaries of Kris's expertise. Khloé ventured into the fashion world with Good American, a clothing brand that gained significant traction and success under Kris's guidance. The brand generated $200m in revenue in 2022. Additionally, Kourtney embarked on the successful venture Poosh, capitalising on her unique vision and entrepreneurial spirit.

Regarding her youngest daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Kris's guidance proved equally influential. Kendall was navigated towards a successful career in modelling, which saw her rise to become one of the most sought-after models globally and launched 818 Tequila, which sold 1.5 million bottles in it’s first year (I discussed Kendall on a previous post, you can view here). Meanwhile, Kylie was guided towards the beauty industry, a move that reaped tremendous rewards with Kylie Cosmetics. The success of Kylie's venture was such that she was dubbed the youngest self-made billionaire by Forbes in 2019.

However, Kris didn't halt at her children's ventures. In an endeavour to ensure the empire continued to flourish and thrive, Kris launched Jenner Communications, her own production company. The company took responsibility for managing all her children's careers, overseeing their various business ventures, and ensuring their brand continued to evolve.

Net Worth and Business Moves

As of 2023, Kris Jenner's net worth is estimated at $190 million, a testament to her shrewd business moves and tireless work ethic. But it's not just about personal wealth. Kris has positioned her family to generate a staggering amount of income. Combined, the Kardashian-Jenner clan is worth over $2 billion.

Kris Jenner's business acumen is evident in the various ventures she's undertaken. She launched her own production company, Jenner Communications, which manages all her children's careers and business ventures. Kris has also expanded her influence into the world of talk shows, hosting her show in 2013, and published a cookbook and two memoirs, which have further increased her wealth.

In recent years, Kris has shown no signs of slowing down. In 2021, after 20 seasons, KUWTK concluded, marking the end of an era. However, Kris quickly negotiated a multi-year deal with Hulu/Star, launching a new reality show featuring her family.

Blueprint Tips

1. Recognise Opportunities: Kris has an uncanny knack for recognising opportunities, even in difficult situations. She took a family scandal and turned it into a cultural phenomenon. This teaches us the importance of being observant and open-minded to potential opportunities that may arise in unexpected places.

2. Prioritise Family: Despite the fame and fortune, Kris Jenner always emphasises the importance of family. This serves as a reminder that in the pursuit of success, we should not neglect our loved ones and the relationships that truly matter.

3. Utilise Your Network: Kris has made excellent use of her network, leveraging connections to create business opportunities. This teaches us the power of a robust network and the importance of maintaining and developing relationships.

4. Influence is Powerful: Kris recognised early on that influence could be monetised and used as a powerful tool. She teaches us to understand the value of influence in today's society and how it can be used effectively.

5. Stay Resilient in the Face of Criticism: Kris and her family have faced significant criticism, yet they have remained steadfast. This resilience is a valuable lesson in not allowing criticism to derail your journey or cloud your judgment.

6. Nurture and Mentor Talent: As seen with her children, Kris has not only nurtured their talents but also guided their career paths, resulting in successful ventures for each. This demonstrates the power of mentorship and the importance of investing in others' growth.

7. Be Bold and Fearless: From pitching a reality show about her family to leading multiple business ventures, Kris’s journey embodies fearlessness. She highlights the importance of being bold, taking calculated risks, and stepping out of our comfort zones.

Kris Jenner's story is one of resilience, foresight, and a relentless desire to succeed. She turned her family's circumstances into a business opportunity, and then into a global empire. Kris's ability to recognise and seize opportunities has not only built an empire for her family but also revolutionised reality television and social media marketing. The Kardashian-Jenner brand, under Kris Jenner's leadership, is a testament to her unyielding dedication and hard work. Undoubtedly, Kris Jenner's story offers valuable lessons in brand-building and business management, making her an undeniably influential figure in today's entertainment industry.