Ireland worked a paper route as her first job before she was scouted by Elite modeling agency aged 16. From 1984 onwards she graced Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue for 13 consecutive years, including a 1989 25th anniversary issue which become the highest-selling Sports Illustrated cover of all time. In 1993, Ireland launched a line of socks with Kmart and founded Kathy Ireland Worldwide, with her business expanding rapidly ever since.

Most recently, Ireland has expanded her wedding and honeymoon-appropriate resorts into Greece and Fiji (you can also get married at a Kathy Ireland property in California or Hawaii). Ireland now has her own publishing imprint, Bendon, which produces children’s books, toys and puzzles.  She also hosts a TV show on Fox Business Network, Worldwide Business with kathy ireland. Count music among Ireland’s media business, too. When Janet Jackson posted a video this month to announce a new album and world tour, few noted that Jackson is managed by Sterling/Winters, which is owned by Kathy Ireland Worldwide. Ireland is the author of several books, including Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons That Will Change Your Life and Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity. Read Less ^