Are the Kardashians Really Famous for Nothing?
When’s the last time you turned on the TV and didn’t hear the name “Kardashian.” The family has completely overtaken the media. Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t deny the Kardashian family has managed to make a multi-million-dollar business out of nothing. Well, not entirely nothing. Many people feel the Kardashians don’t deserve their fame but there is something undeniable, the family has really managed to capture their target audience without a hitch.
But seriously, how did the Kardashians become so famous and manage to maintain their empire for so long?
It all started with the patriarch, Robert Kardashian
Robert Kardashian sadly passed away in 1995 after losing his battle with cancer. His death resulted in his remaining family receiving quite an inheritance, one that would be the cushion on their journey to notoriety. Where did the large estate come from? In case you aren’t in the know, the senior Kardashian was a world-renowned lawyer.
Back in 1995, Robert K. was the man responsible for representing O.J. Simpson in one of the most publicized lawsuits to ever hit the media. The nature of the case immediately turned Robert Kardashian into a household name. After all, the name of the man defending a convicted killer is bound to make its rounds. The publicity put both the controversial lawyer and his entire family in the spotlight.
Kris moves on with Bruce Jenner
The former Kris Kardashian found love again with Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner just one month after her and Rob K. divorced in 1991. Being married to another spouse in the spotlight once again had cameras focused in on the Kardashian-Jenner family. Of course, things only got crazier when Bruce Jenner transitioned to Caitlyn Jenner in 2015.
While the spotlight was clearly on Jenner for making the switch, the Kardashians still benefited from the extra publicity.
Then Kim K stole the show in 2007
Just in time to keep the camera’s rolling, a sex tape of Kim Kardashian and Ray J surfaced. This caused a massive explosion among the media outlets and really set the stage for the reality TV life the family has now. Of course, the leak occurred the same year that the reality show, Keeping Up with The Kardashians debuted on E!
The family utilized the media coverage as a tool, one that allowed them to direct all eyes on the show which has turned into a multi-million-dollar franchise over the last 11+ years. It was probably the best and smartest move the family made throughout their entire time in the limelight. While the show may have tons of haters, it garners so much attention that it has become one of the longest running and most popular reality shows ever to hit television.
Where did the Kardashians go from there?
Actually, the Kardashian sisters were already making moves before their show even aired. They opened up their very first clothing store, DASH, in 2006. Originally it was located in Calabasas, but in 2012 the crew moves to West Hollywood. That definitely shows things were going pretty alright for the K sisters.
They also opened a Miami location in 2009 and a SoHo, NYC location in 2010. It doesn’t end there though. The three moguls have their own snazzy collection of items at Sears under the aptly named, Kardashian Kollection. Kim K and Kris Jenner have both authored various lifestyle books, just another side hustle in their growing empire.
It’s not all clothing and lifestyle goodies. KUWK isn’t the only appearance the family has made on TV. Kris used to have her own talk show and Khloe starred in Kocktails with Khloe back in 2016.
There have been mobile games, personal apps for each sister, and tons of other endeavors the family has taken on over the years. Even if it was their connections and a perfectly timed sex tape that got them in the spotlight, it’s their hard work, insane business planning, and ability to keep fans talking that has turned what should have been 10 minutes of fame into ten years of fame.
