Swimsuit model Kathy Ireland has been turning heads since her late teens. Featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue for thirteen consecutive years, it’s clear that her career as a model has been very successful. Despite this, Ireland decided to venture into the world of business as an entrepreneur.
The supermodel was born in 1963 to parents who worked as labor union organizers and charity volunteers. Coming from humble beginnings, Ireland felt she needed to do something in her life to change her family’s situation. Opportunity knocked when she was discovered by an agent for the Elite Model Management Company, but she only saw modeling as a way to pay her way through college and start a business of her own. After a long and lucrative career in front of the camera, Ireland started her first business.
She put her name on a line of socks in 1993, which soon proved to be a best-seller at Kmart. Seeing the potential returns, the retailer gave Ireland her own clothing line. This prompted her to create “Kathy Ireland Worldwide,” a brand product marketing company.
With her partnership with Kmart, Ireland was able to market products from sixteen different manufacturers, including Standard Furniture. When the exclusive contract with Kmart Corporation ended in 2003, she was able to take in more clients, mostly independent mid-tier retail stores. Thousands of clients brought her an annual take of about ten million dollars, making her Forbes prototype for model-turned-mogul.
In addition to her marketing firm, Ireland recently launched her latest business, wedding dresses.
Ireland used modeling as a tool to reach her goal and never lost sight of what she wanted in life. With her perseverance and relentless drive, Ireland is a perfect example of a person who uses her strengths to fulfill her ambitions.
Kathy Ireland's interview with Parents TV
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