Actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen may have begun their career as Full House's sweet-faced Michelle Tanner, but the sisters have since acquired sole ownership of their entertainment company and built a fashion empire that's worth more than $1 billion.
The Olsen Twins were setting the foundation for their multi-billion dollar enterprise as young as six with the formation of their entertainment company, Dualstar. In 2004, the 18 year-old sisters acquired sole control of their company and began to increase their brand through products aimed at the younger market, including fragrances, home dcor, and fashion. Their products have been sold in more than 3000 stores in the United States alone and 5300 worldwide.
The Olsen's began their foray into fashion at the age of 12, with their first line premiering in Wal-Marts around the nation. Nearly two decades later, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are head designers with three distinct clothing lines capturing every price point and market.
"Olsenboye" is the sister's Junior line. Sold in partnership with JC Penney, the line provides mass market appeal with affordable prices. "Elizabeth and James" is their mid-market, contemporary brand, while their high-end fashion line, "The Row," is finally making it's mark on the fashion world.
The sisters' careers are turning heads: They were nominated by the Council of Fashion Designers of America for their womenswear collection and since 2002 have consistently appeared on the Forbes "Celebrity 100" list. Forbes has also ranked them as the eleventh-richest women in the industry.
