Stars with shocking side hustles

Fame keeps them busy, but for some stars, having one single career all their lives isn’t enough. Between acting and singing gigs, or competing in sports, their schedules seem to be packed but they have found ways and time to step into another field of work.

These major celebrities have ventured into side business that may surprise you.

Here are some of your favourite stars proving there is more to them than the career that made them famous.

Jessica Alba: The Honest Co.

Back in 2012, Jessica Alba teamed up with Christopher Gavigan, who once led the  Healthy Children Healthy World, to start the company ‘The Honest Co.'

The company came into being after the Fantastic Four actress had a poor experience with baby products in the existing market.

Initially the focus was on creating baby products and the goal was to develop safe, eco-friendly and affordable products for families, but it eventually expanded beyond that and introduced skin care, bath and beauty goods.

However, last year in 2024, Jessica stepped down from her position as Chief Creative Officer but she still is involved in the company as a board member.

Steve Carrel: Marshfield Hills General Store

In November 2008, Steve Carrel alongside his wife Nancy became owners of the Marshfield Hills General Store located in Massachusetts, closing the deal on New Year’s Day 2009.

Having grown up near Marshfield Hills, they often return to the place in the summer. Their decision behind buying the store came from their willingness and desire to protect and preserve its history and keep the community spirit alive. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Drama Book Shop

Teaming up with theatrical producers James L. Nederlander, Jeffrey Seller, and theater director Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda bought the shop located in New York City back in 2020.

The Drama Book Shop held special meaning for Lin-Manuel as in 2002, he worked with its resident theater company and used the downstairs theater where he used to rehearse In The Heights.

The purchase of the shop saved the bookstore from closing down due to the increase in rent. 

Jensen Ackles: Family Business Brewing Co.

After completing his service in the Navy, Jensen Ackles’s brother in law Gino Graul moved in with him and Daneel Ackles in California, where the idea of launching a brewery first came about.

So now, the Supernatural alum shares ownership of Family Business Brewing Co. in Dripping Springs, Texas with his wife, and Gino.

Talking to Forbes, in 2018, Jensen shared, "Finally, Gino and I decided to fire the thing up and see if we could make beer since the whole craft beer industry was really growing in Southern California."

Continuing, "Gino and I started making batches of beer in the backyard on the weekends, and just kind of really fell in love with it. We lived in Malibu and even put some of our tap at local bars. Gino ended up graduating school from Santa Monica College and then went to UC Davis taking a brewers course, and finally in Chicago where he studied at the Siebel Institute, a fantastic brewing school."

"That investment of his time and our investment of enjoyment into the whole craft brewery scene really started to flourish," he added.

Machine Gun Kelly: 27 Club Coffee

In his hometown Cleveland, Ohio, Machine Gun Kelly owns the lounge 27 Club Coffee.

According to the General Manager, Troy Nethken, the 35-year-old American rapper and singer wanted to create an art inspired coffee shop with 27 Club, honouring great artists who died too soon.

Speaking to WKYC, the manager expressed, "MGK kind of wanted to turn the 27 Club into an art facility coffee shop. He wanted to pay homage to all the greats that passed before their time."

"With the owner being Machine Gun Kelly, his motto is EST, everyone stands together. We really wanted to have that permeate through the menu," Executive chef Kristin Balark added.