Reality TV Stars Who Are Quietly Winning 2025
While reality TV may have started as a genre of drama-filled moments and high-stakes competition, it has evolved into a platform for individuals to build long-lasting careers and personal brands. In 2025, some reality TV stars are proving that there’s more to success than just the airtime they get. Whether it's through business ventures, personal growth, or a continued fanbase, these stars are quietly winning in ways that go beyond the screen.
1. Kylie Jenner – Keeping Up with the Business
Kylie Jenner might have started her reality TV journey with Keeping Up with the Kardashians, but in 2025, she’s continuing to prove she’s one of the most successful stars of the franchise. While many still focus on her high-profile lifestyle, Kylie’s business empire is quietly expanding. She’s working on launching new product lines for her cosmetics brand, expanding her fashion collection, and venturing into sustainable beauty products.
Why She’s Winning: Kylie’s ability to leverage her reality TV fame into long-term business success has made her a dominant force in both the beauty and fashion industries. Her focus on sustainability and her growing investments in tech start-ups also show her versatility as an entrepreneur.
2. Tom Sandoval – From Villain to Entrepreneur
Tom Sandoval has had his fair share of drama on Vanderpump Rules, and in 2025, he’s slowly shifting away from his reality TV villain persona. Rather than chasing headlines for his controversial personal life, Sandoval has become a successful entrepreneur, opening a number of upscale bars and restaurants. His approach to business is unique, focusing on niche, upscale concepts that appeal to his growing fanbase.
Why He’s Winning: By embracing entrepreneurship, Sandoval has been able to secure a steady income beyond reality TV. His business savvy and ability to create buzz around his projects are setting him up for a stable future, proving that reality TV fame doesn't have to be fleeting.
3. Emily Simpson – The Real Housewife With Real Business Smarts
The Real Housewives of Orange County star Emily Simpson has been a fan favorite since she first joined the show. While much of her time on screen has revolved around her personal life, Emily has quietly built a successful career as a lawyer and businesswoman. In 2025, she’s expanded her focus to creating lifestyle products, including home goods and wellness brands that align with her brand.
Why She’s Winning: Emily has built a sustainable career off the screen with a focus on legal work, entrepreneurial ventures, and lifestyle branding. She’s proving that there’s more to her than the drama of reality TV.
4. Tayshia Adams – Beyond The Bachelorette
Tayshia Adams gained fame as the lead on The Bachelorette and later joined Bachelor in Paradise—but in 2025, she’s cementing her status as a well-rounded media personality. She’s worked as a co-host on The Bachelor franchise, started her own podcast, and expanded her reach as an advocate for wellness and mental health. Her authenticity and commitment to positivity have made her a role model for many.
Why She’s Winning: Tayshia’s ability to pivot from reality TV to meaningful media work and social advocacy has positioned her as one of the more balanced and impactful stars from the franchise. Her focus on mental health and wellness initiatives has made her a beloved and respected figure in the space.
5. Chrishell Stause – Real Estate Mogul in the Making
Chrishell Stause’s journey from The Bachelorette to Selling Sunset shows the power of reality TV to showcase talent in other industries. While Stause’s drama-filled moments on Selling Sunset captured attention, she’s quietly becoming one of the most successful real estate agents in Los Angeles. Her extensive real estate portfolio and savvy business moves have allowed her to steadily climb to the top of the industry.
Why She’s Winning: Chrishell has transformed her reality TV exposure into a flourishing career in real estate, making her an example of how reality stars can parlay their fame into legitimate business success. Her success on-screen and off-screen in the property market shows her adaptability and hustle.
6. Zac Clark – The Bachelor Contestant Who Found His Purpose
Zac Clark may have won The Bachelorette season with Tayshia Adams, but he’s quietly winning in 2025 with his non-profit organization. After overcoming personal struggles, Zac dedicated himself to supporting addiction recovery through his charity, “The Release Recovery Foundation.” He’s used his platform to raise awareness and help others on their journey to recovery.
Why He’s Winning: Zac’s commitment to helping others and making a difference with his foundation has turned him into a role model for people who are looking for personal growth and redemption. His passion for philanthropy shows that reality TV can serve as a stepping stone to something much greater.
7. Paris Hilton – The Legacy Continues
Paris Hilton has been a fixture of reality TV since The Simple Life, but in 2025, she’s quietly winning by expanding her personal brand into new and exciting avenues. From launching a skincare line to creating new music, Paris is focusing on continuing her legacy in a way that aligns with her modern persona. Her latest projects have embraced sustainability and innovation in the fashion and beauty industries.
Why She’s Winning: Paris Hilton’s long-standing influence in the entertainment industry, combined with her savvy entrepreneurial spirit, shows that she’s in it for the long haul. Her projects, which focus on sustainability and inclusivity, position her as a timeless star who continues to evolve and adapt.
8. Kourtney Kardashian – The Health and Wellness Guru
Kourtney Kardashian has used her platform to build a thriving business empire centered around wellness. In 2025, her brand Poosh continues to grow, focusing on lifestyle, beauty, and wellness products that align with her personal philosophy. Kourtney is shifting the conversation from just her reality TV fame to being a true entrepreneur and advocate for healthy living.
Why She’s Winning: Kourtney’s ability to transition from reality TV star to wellness mogul showcases her depth and commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle. She’s found success in a space that resonates with today’s wellness-conscious generation, and it’s clear she’s here to stay.
Final Thoughts
These reality TV stars are proving that success doesn’t always have to be loud or dramatic. In 2025, they are quietly building legacies, growing businesses, and making a real impact outside the confines of their reality TV shows. While we may see them on our screens from time to time, it’s clear that these stars are winning in ways that go far beyond the glitz and glamour of reality TV fame.