Kim Kardashian West, born Kimberly Noel Kardashian on October 21, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, is a prominent American media personality, socialite, model, businesswoman, producer, and actress. She gained widespread fame through her family’s reality television series, *Keeping Up with the Kardashians*, which premiered in 2007 and became a cultural phenomenon.
### Early Life and Family:
Kim is the second of four children born to Robert Kardashian, a prominent attorney, and Kris Jenner (formerly Kris Houghton), a socialite and businesswoman. Her father gained national recognition as a defense attorney for O.J. Simpson during his 1995 murder trial. Kim has two sisters, Kourtney and Khloé, and a brother, Rob. She also has two half-sisters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, from her mother’s second marriage to Olympic decathlete Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner).
Kim grew up in a wealthy and well-connected family in Beverly Hills, California. She attended Marymount High School, a private Catholic school in Los Angeles, and later studied at Pierce College.
### Early Career:
Before her rise to fame, Kim worked in various roles, including as a stylist for celebrities like Brandy Norwood. She also gained attention for her friendship with socialite Paris Hilton, appearing in Hilton’s reality show, *The Simple Life*. However, her career trajectory changed dramatically after the release of a private tape with her then-boyfriend, Ray J, in 2007. While controversial, the incident brought her significant media attention.
### Rise to Fame:
In 2007, Kim and her family launched *Keeping Up with the Kardashians* on E!, which documented their personal and professional lives. The show became a massive success, running for 20 seasons until 2021. It spawned numerous spin-offs, including *Kourtney and Kim Take New York*, *Kourtney and Kim Take Miami*, and *Life of Kylie*.
Kim’s fame grew exponentially, and she became a household name. She leveraged her celebrity status to build a multifaceted career.
### Business Ventures:
1. **Fashion and Beauty**:
– In 2017, Kim launched KKW Beauty, a cosmetics line that gained immense popularity. The brand later expanded to include fragrances and skincare products. In 2021, she sold a 20% stake in KKW Beauty to Coty Inc. for $200 million.
– She also ventured into shapewear with her brand Skims, which launched in 2019. Skims received widespread acclaim for its inclusive sizing and innovative designs, becoming a billion-dollar company.
2. **Mobile Game**:
– In 2014, Kim released the mobile game *Kim Kardashian: Hollywood*, which allowed players to live a virtual celebrity life. The game was a commercial success, earning millions in revenue.
3. **Other Ventures**:
– Kim has collaborated with various brands, including endorsements for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. She has also authored a book, *Selfish*, a collection of selfies.
### Acting and Media Appearances:
Kim has made several appearances in films and TV shows, including *Disaster Movie* (2008), *Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor* (2013), and *Ocean’s 8* (2018). She has also hosted *Saturday Night Live* and appeared as a guest judge on *RuPaul’s Drag Race*.
### Personal Life:
Kim’s personal life has been widely publicized. She married music producer Damon Thomas in 2000, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2004. She later dated NFL player Reggie Bush and NBA player Kris Humphries, whom she married in a highly publicized wedding in 2011. The marriage lasted only 72 days.
In 2014, Kim married rapper Kanye West. The couple has four children: North (born 2013), Saint (born 2015), Chicago (born via surrogate in 2018), and Psalm (born via surrogate in 2019). Kim and Kanye filed for divorce in 2021, finalizing it in 2022.
### Legal Advocacy:
In recent years, Kim has pursued legal studies with the goal of becoming a lawyer. She has been actively involved in criminal justice reform, advocating for the release of non-violent offenders. Her efforts led to the commutation of Alice Marie Johnson’s life sentence in 2018, among other cases.
### Philanthropy:
Kim has supported various charitable causes, including disaster relief, children’s hospitals, and cancer research. She has also used her platform to raise awareness about issues like racial justice and prison reform.
### Social Media Influence:
Kim is one of the most followed celebrities on social media, with millions of followers on Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms. She has been a trendsetter in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, influencing global pop culture.
### Legacy:
Kim Kardashian’s impact on popular culture is undeniable. She has redefined celebrity branding, turning her fame into a vast business empire. Her ability to adapt and innovate has made her one of the most influential figures of the 21st century.
### Controversies:
Throughout her career, Kim has faced criticism and controversies, including accusations of cultural appropriation, her involvement in the 2007 tape scandal, and her portrayal of wealth and privilege. However, she has consistently used her platform to evolve and address societal issues.
### Conclusion:
Kim Kardashian’s journey from a socialite to a global icon is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. She continues to expand her influence across industries, leaving an indelible mark on entertainment, fashion, and business.
