Now Casting: Maternity Moguls
Each week, Hollywood Hustlers looks at a hot career pursuit that’s drawing everyone from their respective corners of Tinseltown to vie for the role. Got an idea for an upcoming “Now Casting” feature? Email tips to cashleelee@gmail.com.
Reality star Kim Kardashian is an empire of her own, well known for turning a life event into a profitable venture. Now that she’s expecting a baby with beau Kanye West, media commenters are speculating that she’s possibly gaining so much weight because she’s eyeing a deal to partner with a weight loss campaign after giving birth. Oh, New York Post, that’s just crazy. Kim’s just pregnant. Leave her alone.
However, we at HH have already outlined how inspiring — and lucrative — a newborn baby can be for a Hollywood hustler. So why would stars wait until the baby’s born? The entire process of pregnancy and birth has actually proven to be yet another promising business opportunity. As the baby bumps get bigger, so do their wallets!
Most famously to have championed this maternity mogul avenue is Jessica Simpson. Though she entered Hollywood as a pop singer and reality television star, she has since launched a booming clothing brand and become a mentor on NBC’s Fashion Star design competition, alongside Nicole Richie and John Varvatos. So just after she gave birth to Maxwell Drew, she expanded her brand to include maternity fashions, and was reportedly eyeing a Weight Watchers deal while still pregnant to her daughter. Currently, Simpson is expecting a second child, and possibly popping out new products soon as well…
Simpson’s not alone in cashing in on the neglected demographic. Supermodel Elle Macpherson features nursing bras in her lingerie line following her frustrations to find one she liked, while fellow runway star Molly Sims launched a selection of baby products when shopping for her upcoming newborn. Tori Spelling, Bethenny Frankel, Kendra Wilkinson, Kourtney Kardashian and Snooki have all featured their pregnancies on reality shows, and practically every star entertains bids for magazine covers that highlight their expectant form. The only thing that could cost more? The first photos of the baby, of course!
Best of luck to you, Kim K. We’re wishing you a happy, healthy and profitable pregnancy.
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