Kathy Ireland

Kathy Ireland

Ireland at GooglePlex, 2012
Born Kathleen Marie Ireland
(1963-03-20) March 20, 1963
Glendale, California, U.S.
Residence Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
Occupation Model, actress, entrepreneur, businesswoman
Net worth Increase $420 million (Forbes 2015)[1]
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Spouse(s) Greg Olsen (m. 1988)
Children 3[2]
Website www.kathyireland.com

Kathleen Marie "Kathy" Ireland (born March 20, 1963) is an American model and actress, turned author and entrepreneur.[3][4][5] Ireland was a supermodel in the 1980s and 1990s, best known for appearing in 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues.[5] In 1993, she founded a brand marketing company, "kathy ireland Worldwide" (kiWW), which has made her one of the wealthiest former models in the world.[4][6][7]

As a result of her career as a businesswoman, she had made a $420 million personal fortune by 2015 (Forbes).[1] In 2012, $2 billion worth of products bearing her company's brand were sold.[8]

She has remained involved with various charities and non-profit organizations dedicated to global women's rights and justice, education, emergency response and training for children, disease research and management, and HIV/AIDS.[9]

Early life

Kathy Ireland was born in Glendale, California, the daughter of John and Barbara Ireland.[10]

Modeling

In 1979, at the age of sixteen, Kathy Ireland was scouted at her high school by Elite Model Management.[11]

She has appeared on covers for Vogue, Cosmopolitan,[12] Forbes,[4] and Mademoiselle.[13]

External images
Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 7, 1989
Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from March 9, 1992
Ireland's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 14, 1994

Starting in 1984, Ireland was featured in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for 13 consecutive years, with her final appearance in 1996.[14] She appeared on the cover of the annual issue three times, a feat tied by Christie Brinkley and Cheryl Tiegs, and surpassed only by Elle Macpherson (with five appearances). Ireland was the cover model for the first time on the 25th Anniversary Swimsuit Edition, which became SI 's best selling swimsuit issue to date.[15][16] She returned to the cover in 1992 and in 1994. In her third appearance, she was accompanied by Rachel Hunter and Elle Macpherson, who were both pregnant at the time.[16]

As a teenager, Ireland reported that a photographer once "crossed the line" with her and wanted her to pose topless. She did not feel comfortable and he did not respect her "no." He reportedly pushed her and got physical and she "decked him."[17]

During SI Swimsuit's 50th Anniversary event, Ireland's 1989 cover was awarded "The Greatest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Of All Time" by its publisher.[18]

Business ventures

In 1993, Kathy Ireland's name on a line of socks sold 100 million pairs and Kmart took notice, subsequently giving Ireland her own clothing line including swimwear, active wear, accessories, sweaters and more.[19][20]

She then founded kathy ireland Worldwide, initially a brand marketing firm, which she and her related trusts own in its entirety.[21] The company concentrated on building its business in home products in 2003, after it cut its exclusive ties to Kmart.[20]

In 2004, Ireland's annual take was thought to be around $10 million. Forbes described Ireland as a "prototype for model-turned-mogul" in a 2006 article about the trend of modelpreneurs.[22] By 2004, kathy ireland Worldwide was marketing products from 16 manufacturers, including those of Nourison[23] and Pacific Coast Lighting.[3][19] Between 2005 and 2012, products bearing Ireland's brand generated $2 billion in annual retail sales and the company became a leader in its industry.[3][4][9] In a May 2012 British Vogue article, Ireland was called the world's richest model.[24][25] In 2015 kathy ireland Worldwide was ranked #31 on License! Global magazine's Top 150 Global Licensors.[26]

Kathy Ireland, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates at the 2015 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting

Ireland's billionaire friend and Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett advised her to enter into the home furnishings business. "Fashion and apparel is consistently changing, but in home it's more consistent," Buffett said.[27] Buffet opens each Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting with Ireland and Bill Gates.

Ireland also designs wedding dresses and social occasion gowns. She launched her line of wedding gowns by presenting a runway fashion show at the Festival of Brides held in Disneyland Resort.[28] Fashion is not Ireland's only venture. Sterling/Winters Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, which is the management company for multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Janet Jackson.[29][30][31]

Ireland has branded products in many classifications including the Home, Fashion Apparel, Wedding, Fine Jewelry, Baby, Children's Toys and books, Publishing, Pet Care, Crafts and Gift markets.[32] American Legend launched a Kathy Ireland collection consisting of 30 styles, which was featured at Macy's beginning in Fall 2011.[20] Ireland is chief designer for Royal Footwear & Accessories (The RFA Group).[33] She has established a relationship with manufacturer Gorham designing dinnerware, glassware and flatware.[34]

Ireland designed a collection of jewelry inspired by Elizabeth Taylor.[35] She welcomed Elizabeth Taylor's dogs, Gracie and Delilah, into her home, also inspirations for her collection of pet care products.[1] Ireland launched a collection of pet products called Loved Ones, which includes furniture, bowls, collars, toys and luxury bedding. She teamed up with Worldwise Inc., a pet products company based in San Rafael, California to create the pet collection.[36][37]

Public speaking

Ireland has delivered numerous keynote speeches at corporate events, industry conventions, expos, entrepreneurial events, social media conferences[38] and pro-life events.[39][40]

She spoke at the fourth Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters on August 13, 2007 encouraging young people to engage in activities aimed at ending poverty.[41] Ireland gave a keynote at the Googleplex, the corporate headquarters for Google on July 12, 2012.[42] She delivered the keynote at Licensing International Expo 2012 in Las Vegas.[43]

Literary works

Ireland has written six books, including three for children. Her debut effort (with Laura Morton), Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life, was published in 2002.[44] Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity and Real Solutions: 52 God Inspired Messages from My Heart were published in 2009. Her children's books, Mona's Favorite Words, What Do Mommies Do? and An Angel Called Hope, were released in November 2005.[45]

Fitness videos

Since 1994, Ireland has published several fitness videos that led to her design of athletic apparel and launched her brand licensing of fitness equipment.[46] Several of these were VSDA Award winning, including Total Fitness Workout, Core Workout, Absolutely Fit, Advanced Sports Fitness, Reach and Health and Body Specifics, which was awarded Fitness Video Of The Year.[46]

Philanthropy

Ireland's sister, Cynthia, has a child with Down syndrome. Ireland wrote an article about her niece and the need for an increase in research.[47][48]

Ireland has lent her estates to charitable organizations such as the Marine Corps' Toys For Tots to generate funds for charity.[49] According to Maj. Bill Grein, USMC (Ret), Ireland’s company and her book business partner Bendon Publishing International, the world’s largest publisher of children's books, donated $10 million to supplement the 2013 annual Toys For Tots gathering and distribution of Christmas gifts for millions of at-risk children and youths.[50]

Ireland and NFL wide receiver Tim Brown are ambassadors for 9-1-1 For Kids, a non-profit organization that specializes in making educational materials to assist emergency dispatchers in teaching children the proper use of 9-1-1 and other general emergency preparedness tips.[51] In an effort to encourage equality in women's athletics, Ireland has hosted several LPGA Golf Tournaments, including the Kathy Ireland Championship from 1999 to 2001[52][53] and the Kathy Ireland Greens.com LPGA Classic in 2000.[54]

Ireland has been outspoken in her support for Israel. On October 15, 2009, she became an international ambassador for the Friends of Sheba Medical Center,[55] traveling back to the country in 2010 to film a documentary entitled Holy Land Heroes highlighting its work for wounded soldiers and terror victims. She received the Messenger of Peace Award at the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Gala in 2012.[56]

Ireland was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2012 by the California State University System, which said she "generously uses her power and influence to benefit others, supporting social causes including empowering women, supporting young girls through mentoring, and providing opportunities for girls and women at risk."[57] On June 23, 2011, Ireland was honored by the Anti-Defamation League with the American Heritage Award, presented by the National Home Furnishings Industry.[58] Ireland has been nominated as one of 17 finalists for the first Global Business & Interfaith Peace Award given by the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation (a U.S.-based nonprofit), and the United Nations Global Compact Business for Peace initiative.[59]

Personal life

Ireland is a Christian. She is a pro-life advocate.[60] She married physician Greg Olsen in 1988, and they have three children; Erik, Lily and Chloe.[20]

Forbes named Ireland one of the 20 most successful, self-made women in California,[61] and named Ireland one of Forbes top 50 most successful women as measured by their net worth.[62] In her Today Show interview with Matt Lauer, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model Hannah Davis stated that she strives to emulate Kathy Ireland.[63]

In her Today Show interview, Kate Upton stated that her career was inspired by Kathy Ireland.[64] Ireland appeared on Larry King Live in 2009 to discuss her weight gain and women's health. She had gained a pound a year for 25 years and the cumulative effect had become obvious to her in a candid photograph her son had taken.[65]

Elizabeth Taylor and Ireland had a close friendship and attended public events together. After Ireland received outspoken criticism for her uneven performance as an on-air host of ABC's 2010 pre-Oscar special, Taylor publicly defended Ireland; "I have never seen anyone epitomize glamour and grace and professionalism like she did."[66][67] Ireland publicly credits Taylor as her mentor and for part of her success in life, business, design and philanthropy.[68] Taylor bequeathed her Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Oscar to Ireland.[69]

Filmography

Ireland has appeared in a number of television and movie roles. Her first movie, 1988's Alien from L.A., was later skewered during the fifth season of Mystery Science Theater 3000.[70] Ireland's other appearances include Melrose Place, Boy Meets World, The Larry Sanders Show, Muppets Tonight, Side Out, Mr. Destiny, Necessary Roughness, Mom and Dad Save the World, National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 (as Miss. Destiny Demeanor), Once Upon A Christmas, and its sequel Twice Upon A Christmas. She also appeared in the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, where Ireland and her partner Tony Dovolani were the third couple eliminated in the second week of competition.

Film and Television
Year Title Role Notes
1985 Charles in Charge Woman in Line Episode:"Snowed In"
1988 Alien from L.A. Wanda Saknussemm Motion Picture
1989 Journey to the Center of the Earth Wanda Saknussemm Motion Picture
1989 Worth Winning Uncredited Motion Picture
1990 Grand Sheila Episode: "Carnegie Hall"
1990 Side Out Marie Motion Picture
1990 Mr. Destiny Gina Motion Picture
1991 Necessary Roughness Lucy Draper Motion Picture
1992 Tales from the Crypt Joyce Episode:"Beauty Rest"
1992 Mom and Dad Save the World Semage, Raff's Daughter Motion Picture
1992 Danger Island Laura TV Movie
1993 Loaded Weapon 1 Destiny Demeanor Motion Picture
1993 Down the Shore Rachel Episode:"Computer Date"
1993 The Larry Sanders Show Herself Episode:"The Breakdown: Part 1"
1993 Amore! Taylor Christopher Motion Picture
1993 A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Wicked Wives Dee Morrison TV Movie
1994 Boy Meets World Alexis Episode: "Model Family"
1994 Bandit: Beauty and the Bandit Crystal TV Movie
1994 Melrose Place Brittany Maddocks Episodes: "Grand Delusions", "In-Laws and Outlaws", "It's a Bad World After All" and "I am Curious, Melrose"
1995 Backfire! Jessica Luvintryst Motion Picture
1995 The Watcher Pilot TV Series
1995 Deadly Games Amber Episodes: "The Camp Counselor: Parts 1 & 2"
1996 Gridlock Michele Conner TV Movie
1995–1996 The Fantastic Four Crystal (Voice) Episodes: "Doomsday", "The Sentry Sinister", "Inhumans Saga: Part 3: Beware the Hidden Land" and "Inhumans Saga: Part 2: The Inhumans Among Us"
1996 Miami Hustle Marsha Thomas TV Movie
1997 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Shelley Episode: "Trial by Fury"
1997 Suddenly Susan Terri Episodes: "Love and Divorce American Style: Part 2" and "Love and Divorce American Style: Part 3"
1997 Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man Susan/Susie Episodes: "Vuuck, as in Duck" and "Aged Heat 2: Women in Heat"
1996–1997 The Incredible Hulk Ogress (Voice) Episodes: "Fashion Warriors", "Down Memory Lane" and "Fantastic Fortitude"
1998 The Lionhearts Survive (Voice) TV Series
1998 King of the Hill Sylvia Episode: "Peggy's Pageant Fever"
1999 Cosby Kara Episode: "He Who Hesitates is Lucas"
1999 Pensacola: Wings of Gold Sarah Episode: "Tip of the Spear"
1999 Touched by an Angel Karla Episode: "The Last Day of the Rest of Your Life"
2000 Once Upon a Christmas Kristen Claus TV Movie
2001 Twice Upon a Christmas Kristen Claus TV Movie
2002 Strong Medicine Amber Hutton Episode: "Trauma"
2002 For Your Love Rhonda Episode: "The Helpless Hand"
2002 Totally Spies! Julia Hastings Episode: "A Spy is Born: Part 1"
2009 Family Guy Cardboard Cut-out Episode: "Family Goy"

References

  1. 1 2 3 How Kathy Ireland Built A $420 Million Fortune Forbes, Natalie Robehmed MAY 27, 2015 @ 5:24 PM
  2. ↑ Perry, Katie. "A Beautiful Life". Retrieved July 9, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 Blakeley, Kiri (December 6, 2006). "Most Entrepreneurial Supermodels". Forbes. Archived from the original on September 23, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Pomerantz, Dorothy (February 8, 2012). "How Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Kathy Ireland Became a $350 Million Mogul". Forbes. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  5. 1 2 Forbes, Moira (February 13, 2012). "Kathy Ireland: Swimsuit Cover Girl Turned $2 Billion Business Model?". Forbes. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  6. ↑ Welch, Liz (December 1, 2009). "reland graced the cover of Sports Illustrated's". Inc. Retrieved July 7, 2013.
  7. ↑ Rizzo, Monica. "Kathy Ireland's Shocking Weight Gain (and Loss)". People. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  8. ↑ Kathy Ireland is a $2 billion "model-preneur" By LAUREN MORASKI CBS NEWS February 24, 2012
  9. 1 2 "About kiWW". Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Kathy Ireland Biography (1963-)".
  11. ↑ Segal, Gillian Zoe (2015). Getting There A Book of Mentors.
  12. ↑ "Kathy Ireland – Profile". E!. Archived from the original on April 23, 2008. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  13. ↑ "Mademoiselle United States January 1983 Magazine Cover". Retrieved February 2, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Collosus Collectibles Sports Illustrated Swimsuit". Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  15. ↑ John G. Zimmerman. "SI Swimsuit Collection – Kathy Ireland". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  16. 1 2 "Sports Illustrated 50: The Anniversary Book, Rob Fleder, 2005, p.286, ISBN 1-932273-49-2". CNN. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Kathy Ireland Opens Up For the First Time About Her Uncomfortable Modeling Experience at 17". Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  18. ↑ "SI Swimsuit reveals its No. 1 cover of the last 50 years". Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  19. 1 2 Blakeley, Kiri (May 7, 2004). "The Model Mogul". Forbes. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved August 1, 2008.
  20. 1 2 3 4 "WWD In Person Kathy Ireland". May 7, 2012. Archived from the original on May 7, 2012. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  21. ↑ Boone & Kurtz (2007). Contemporary Business 12th Edition. Thomson South-Western.
  22. ↑ Blakeley, Kiri (December 6, 2006). "Models Turned Moguls". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2008.
  23. ↑ "Nourison partners with Kathy Ireland for new line of rugs". Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Meet Anne V". British Vogue. May 24, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  25. ↑ "Supermodel meets supermogul as Warren Buffet teams up with former swimsuit model Kathy Ireland, now a CEO and worth $2 billion", "Daily Mail", May 4, 2013
  26. ↑ "Kathy Ireland Worldwide". License! Global. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  27. ↑ "Kathy Ireland: Model Mogul". ABC News. ABC. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  28. ↑ "Kathy Ireland Festival Of Brides". First Post. Anaheim, California: First Post. 2014-11-24. Retrieved 2015-03-03.
  29. ↑ Robehmed, Natalie (27 May 2015). "How Kathy Ireland Built A $420 Million Fortune". Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  30. ↑ Newman, Melinda; Mitchell, Gail (July 23, 2015). "Inside Janet Jackson's Comeback Gamble and the Hurdle of the 'Aging Diva' Stereotype". Billboard. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  31. ↑ Pomerantz, Dorothy (February 8, 2012). "The Surprising Link Between Kathy Ireland and Janet Jackson". Forbes. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  32. ↑ "Top 150 Global Licensors: Kathy Ireland Worldwide", "License Magazine", May 1, 2013.
  33. ↑ Alexander, Ella - "Want to Walk in Supermodel Shoes?" British Vogue, June 13, 2013
  34. ↑ "Gorham Catches a Wave with New Kathy Ireland Collection", "HFN Magazine", October 10, 2012.
  35. ↑ "Pretty Successful- British Vogue 31 July 2012". Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  36. ↑ "Kathy Ireland launches pet line with Worldwise called Loved Ones - Bizwomen". The Business Journals. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  37. ↑ "Kathy Ireland Loved Ones... finding solutions for families, especially busy moms". lovedonesproducts.com. Retrieved 2015-09-21.
  38. ↑ "Social Media Day: Fresh Consulting". March 3, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  39. ↑ "kiWW Release". Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  40. ↑ "Council for Life". Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  41. ↑ "End Poverty 2015/Millenium Development Goals". September 11, 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
  42. ↑ "Shire Hakel's Blog". Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  43. ↑ "kathy ireland Worldwide Delivers Keynote at Licensing Expo 2012" "ybltv.com", June 13, 2012
  44. ↑ Amazon page for Powerful Inspirations
  45. ↑ "Story Reader 3-Pack with Kathy Ireland: An Angel Called Hope, Mona's Favorite Words and What Do Mommies Do?" – via Amazon.
  46. 1 2 "Kathy Ireland Biography". Retrieved February 2, 2015.
  47. ↑ "Ability Magazine: Kathy Ireland Interview with Chet Cooper and Molly Mackin" (2011)". Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  48. ↑ "AOL News: Kathy Ireland: The Tragic Shortfall in Down Syndrome Research" (2010)". Retrieved April 3, 2012.
  49. ↑ "Kathy Ireland From Model to Mogul". Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  50. ↑ "A Real-Life Santa Role for Kathy Ireland". December 2, 2013. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  51. ↑ Ryan Dedmon, Anaheim PD Communications, Dispatchers and Children Honored as 9-1-1 Heroes at Celebrity Golf Tournament, 9-1-1 Magazine, May 29, 2013
  52. ↑ LPGA Tournament Chronology 1990–1999
  53. ↑ LPGA Tournament Chronology 2000–2008
  54. ↑ "ESPN.com - Golf Online - Kathy Ireland Greens.com Classic breakdown".
  55. ↑ Arfa, Orit. "Kathy Ireland Named Sheba Ambassador". JewishJournal.com. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  56. ↑ "JNF Tree of Life Gala". JNF.org. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  57. ↑ "Newsroom CSU Chancellor's Office".
  58. ↑ Merritte, Tanya. "ADL to honor Pasquale Natuzzi, Gary Fazio, Kathy Ireland". Furniture Today. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  59. ↑ "Kathy Ireland Among 17 International CEO Finalists for Religious Freedom & Business Foundation's Interfaith Peace Awards". digitaljournal.com. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
  60. ↑ Blim, Julie (August 20, 2002). "Kathy Ireland: Designing Woman". CBN. Retrieved April 21, 2009.
  61. ↑ Kroll, Luisa (27 May 2015). "Forbes Staff". www.forbes.com. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  62. ↑ Robehmed, Natalie (27 May 2015). "How Kathy Ireland Built A $420 Million Fortune". Forbes. www.forbes.com. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
  63. ↑ Stump, Scott (9 February 2015). "Hannah Davis on her Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover: It's not that naughty". Today. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  64. ↑ Pomerantz, Dorothy (14 February 2012). "Kate Upton Wants to Be The Next Kathy Ireland. Can She Do It?". Forbes. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  65. ↑ "Former model: Fret over being fit, not how you look". CNN. May 5, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2010.
  66. ↑ "Elizabeth Taylor ‘Boiling’ Over Criticism Of Kathy Ireland At Oscars", "Access Hollywood", March 11, 2010
  67. ↑ "Elizabeth Taylor and Kathy Ireland", "Zimbio", September 26, 2008
  68. ↑ "Kathy Ireland on Her Mentor Elizabeth Taylor", "ET Online", March 26, 2013
  69. ↑ Dorothy Pomerantz (February 8, 2013). "The Surprising Link Between Kathy Ireland and Janet Jackson". Forbes. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
  70. ↑ "Mystery Science Theater 3000". TV.com. November 20, 1993. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
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