Kim Kardashian is GQ’s Man of the Year. Does she have the resume to back up the title?

From first jobs to every business she’s launched, let’s take a look at Kim Kardashian’s resume to understand why she’s the first woman awarded this title. 

Let’s face it, Kim Kardashian probably hasn’t needed to agonize over her resume formatting, like, ever. But you don’t become the first woman to be named a publication’s Man of the Year without a seriously strong work history and a pretty good work ethic. 

The “self-made billionaire,” as she describes herself, had some classic jobs no different than the average person, ranging from retail to working at her dad's office. She avoided work when at her dad’s office by surfing the web and becoming obsessed with eBay (been there too, girl). 

At that point, she probably could have met herself a nice lawyer man like her father and had a lovely, easy life in Beverly Hills or Calabasas. But Queen Kimmy loves to do iconic shit, and there would be no settling into an easy life for her. With a small loan from Robert Kardashian Sr. and the alleged help of Kris Jenner leaking a little video, Kim Kardashian went on to build a brand and become an icon. 

So, let’s look at the all-encompassing resume that led to the billionaire’s empire. 

1996 - 2002

Body - Retail Store

Most people have a crappy first job at age 16, and Kim Kardashian was no different. In 1996, Kardashian got her first job working retail at a shop called Body, which she claimed was “the coolest clothing store in the Valley”. She must have been right, because they carried pieces like Dolce & Gabbana, and she claims it sparked her love for the brand. The store was located in Encino, where Kardashian would help unpack, steam, and price the clothes. She worked in the store for four years, also helping Body open their second location in her hometown Calabasas. 

The Law Office of Robert Kardashian Sr. 

Everyone loves a job where you try to get away with messing around on the Internet and avoiding real work, and it sounds like this rings true for Kim as well. As a teen, Kardashian spent time working at her father’s law office, which is where she discovered her love for reselling clothes on eBay. Not exactly sure how perusing eBay was contributing to the law firm, but it did lead to Kardashian’s next side hustle. 

eBay - Kim’s “First Personal Business Launch” *

*Although she claims to be a self-made billionaire, a family loan did come into play here…

Kim turned her love of clothes and spotting trends into a business much earlier than most people realize. In one of Jennifer Lopez’s earliest music videos, Kim spotted Lopez wearing a pair of Manolo Blahniks, and she knew every girl would want them. She asked her father if he would buy her a few pairs of the shoes for her to resell, and he agreed as long as she paid him back, plus interest. Kim took him up on the terms of the loan and purchased seven pairs of the Timberland Manolo Blahniks at $750 each. She was right in betting on the trend, as she was able to resell the shoes for $2,400 per pair. She paid her father back, and still pocketed a hefty profit, showcasing how her love for the hustle goes way back to her younger years. But hey, let’s not feel too bad that we haven’t all hit it big on our eBay accounts and Poshmarks today! Because if we’re being real, most of us do not have dads like Robert Kardashian Sr., who’s willing to loan $5,250 to bet on the business of shoes. 

2003 - 2006 

Personal Stylist to Brandy Norwood

Kim dipped her toe into the entertainment world by bringing the skills she acquired from reselling clothing on eBay to the stars. She began helping celebrities clean out their closets and resell their own clothing, as well as helping with personal style. The first celebrity that Kim worked for was Brandy, the popular singer and actress. It’s a little bit important to note that Brandy’s brother is Ray J, who Kim Kardashian dated during this period… This relationship *might* have influenced her future career. 👀

Personal Stylist / Assistant to Paris Hilton - as seen on “The Simple Life”

Kim’s styling and closet assistance landed her a job working for Paris Hilton. This led to her being featured on screen in “The Simple Life,” making it her first debut into the world of reality TV. Kim and Paris have maintained a friendship from those years to the present day. In 2021, Kim said that Paris Hilton, "literally gave me a career. And I totally acknowledge that." We love women crediting women for their big breaks! 

Cameo Appearance in Scripted Television Drama, “Beyond The Break”

In June 2006, the now defunct Noggin television channel premiered the show, “Beyond The Break,” which was a scripted drama about four women trying to make it as professional surfers. The producers clearly knew talent, because they cast Kardashian to play the role of “Elle.” She appeared in four episodes, making her an actress before becoming a reality TV star! 

DASH - The First Joint Family Business Venture

Kim’s always been smart, and like most people early in their acting careers, she didn’t quit her day job. Although she was fresh off a TV set, Kim’s love of reselling clothing helped her pivot her career in yet another direction. It was in 2006 when she opened up DASH Boutique with her sisters, Kourtney and Khloe. The clothing store sold other brands, at the beginning with some pieces in the consignment space and some new clothing. Khloe has talked about how at the beginning of this joint venture, the sister trio had no idea what they were doing, putting all expenses on Kourtney’s credit card and not making a profit for years. 

2007 - 2013

Adult Film Industry: Vivid Entertainment releases “Kim Kardashian, Superstar” 

We all make dumb decisions, but few of them tend to result in $5 million and international press coverage that catapults you into stardom. But in February 2007, Vivid Entertainment bought the rights to and released a 41-minute video of Kim Kardashian and her ex-boyfriend (and don’t forget, brother to her former boss, Brandy) Ray J. Kim initially attempted to sue Vivid Entertainment to prevent the video from being released, but ended up settling the lawsuit for $5 million. 

“Keeping Up With The Kardashians” on E!

Everyone thinks their family is crazy enough to have a show about, but for Kim it was absolutely true. In October 2007, E! unknowingly changed the landscape of reality television with their launch of “Keeping Up With The Kardashian,” in which Kim starred as one of the main characters, alongside the rest of her large family. The family didn’t shy away from the cameras, rather opting to showcase their dramatic fights that sometimes resulted in the sisters screaming, slapping, and pulling each other’s hair. Kim admits that she originally thought the show would bring attention to the DASH brand, telling Variety that the show “might not last very long, but we'll grow a great business and expand online.” Seems like her senses were spot on about expanding online, although it was the brand of the Kardashian family that blossomed, rather than DASH. 

Playboy Model

For the December 2007 issue of Playboy, Hugh Hefner welcomed Kim Kardashian onto the magazine’s pages. Kim’s Playboy photoshoot was featured on the first season of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians". On the show, we see Kim pose in lingerie and saying no to going fully nude. But power and manipulation tactics have always existed in the hallowed Hollywood halls, and Mr. Hefner followed up with momager Kris, asking that they return to do a full nude shoot. Kim agreed to the nudity, so long as she was draped in diamonds and pearls, and mid-shoot her mom made sure she knew she was, “doing amazing, sweetie!”

Feature Film Debut: “Disaster Movie” (2008)

In 2008, Kim made her debut into the world of acting. That's right, it wasn't Ryan Murphy who launched her acting career with AHS. Rather, she made her silver screen debut starring opposite Carmen Electra in a movie that holds an impressively terrible 1% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. 

ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars”

Kim appeared on Season 7 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, partnering with Mark Ballard. Fans of DWTS have kindly ranked her in the top 10 worst dancers of all time on the show. As poorly as she might have performed, Kim claims she put hours and hours into rehearsals for the show, making this her full-time job for a short stint. 

First Fragrance Launch: “Kim Kardashian”

In the most creative title of a perfume ever, Kim Kardashian launched the scent “Kim Kardashian” in 2009. It was her first of multiple forays into the perfume world and it can still be purchased at Nordstrom Rack for $19.97, which is 65% off. 

Workout DVD: “Fit In Your Jeans By Friday: Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt”

A classic combination of cardio, sculpting, and Kim dressed a bit like a superhero, these videos were the launch of her love of selling people on her body. 

Co-Founder of ShoeDazzle

Kardashian co-founded a fashion subscription service called ShoeDazzle that provided members with a curated selection of accessories and shoes for around $40 a month. By 2012 the service had acquired 10 million members and expanded into women's clothing. Interesting how this concept existed before both Rent The Runway and Nuuly... Maybe Kim actually is a business genius and she saw the subscription trend long before the rest of the world did! 

DASH Miami Opening & “Kourtney & Kim Take Miami”

The sisters decided to crank up the heat on their store DASH by opening a location in Miami. Kourtney and Kim launched a spinoff show to follow them opening the location, which involved a lot of Scott Disick drama.

Feature Film: “Deep In The Valley” (2009)

Also in 2009, Kim appeared in the film "Deep in the Valley” playing the character of Summa Eve. It was produced by Persistent Entertainment and holds a 26% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Kardashian Glamour Tan

The Kardashians were always well known for their middle parts and deep (fake) tans in the early 2000's. So it would only make sense that in April 2010, the three sisters would release a tanning lotion onto the beauty market. It's a self-tanning gel that was exclusive to Sephora and cost $34. In 2019, there was a tube going for $79 on Amazon. Not sure if that's worth it for over a decade old lotion... 

Kardashian Kard

Perhaps it’s a little rude to include a failed business on her resume. We know she would never list it herself, but that’s what happens when someone else writes your resume for you! This prepaid MasterCard, which launched in 2010, had sky-high fees and a campaign that targeted young teenagers, which garnered fierce criticism, leading to the card promptly being taken off the market.

“Kim’s Fairytale Wedding: A Kardashian Event”

Imagine having to include a failed marriage on your resume. Okay now also imagine your failed marriage making you $18 million in licensing fees. Okay yeah, we’d even consider listing our ex-husband as a reference for a future employer if we made that much money off a quick wedding and an even quicker divorce. 

Release of the Pop Single: “Jam (Turn it Up)”

Everyone dreams of becoming a pop star, and Miss Kim K. is no exception. Dubbed, "the worst singer in the reality TV universe" by New York Daily News, Kim Kardashian launched her single and debuted the music video at Tao Nightclub in Las Vegas in 2011.

Belle Noel

Khloe is still known for her big hoop earrings, but back in the 2010s, Kim was seen wearing large hoops all the time as well. She capitalized off this trend by launching a jewelry line called Belle Noel in 2011. Available exclusively at Bloomingdales, it provided fans with the opportunity to accessorize just like Kim. Sadly, the venture didn't last as long as the hoop earring trend did. 

Kardashian Kollection

Apparently the Kardashian sister’s did not understand the insult that was, “You could try Sears,” in Mean Girls. That’s right, the sisters launched a clothing brand that was exclusive to Sears. They came under fire with the line when they were accused of working with abusive employers to make their clothes. But I mean, isn’t that all clothing companies? 

Fragrances: Gold, Kim Kardashian Love, True Reflection

Kimmy kept cranking out the perfumes, following up with the scents Gold, Kim Kardashian Love, and then True Reflection. 

Khroma Beauty / Kardashian Beauty

Before Kylie Cosmetics, there was Khroma Beauty, which quickly became Kardashian Beauty. It was a full range of cosmetics products, and the name was changed to Kardashian Beauty after another established makeup company called Khroma Beauty took the sisters and their lawyers to court.

Line of Sillybandz

Yes, THOSE Sillybandz. The ones we wore in our youth. For anyone who didn’t live through the Sillybandz craze, stick with us here because it probably sounds a little, well, silly, but there was a period in time when we would wear colored, tiny little rubberbands in the shape of things (I remember my personal favorite was a pink pig) on our wrists. In 2011, the sisters launched their own line to sell in DASH. 

2014 - Present Day

First Tech Venture: “Kim Kardashian Hollywood” App Launch

We’ve all thought to ourselves, “I should get into tech,” right? Well, same for Kim!  She launched a game version of her life, called “Kim Kardashian Hollywood” where fans could live the Hollywood dream.

Published First Book: “Selfish”

In 2015, kim published “Selfish”, a small coffee table book filled with 448 pages of selfies she had taken between 2006 and 2014. The book landed on the New York Times Bestseller list, which feels impressive when "readers" could have just looked at her Instagram and gotten the exact same experience. 

Website Launch: KimKardashianWest.com

All business gurus need a website and in 2015, Kim launched hers. It gave us an insight into every aspect of the Kardashian-West lifestyle. There's a catch though: some of the content, including the tutorials with Kim's glam squad, were hidden behind a paywall. So unless you subscribed for $2.99 a month, you were left in the cold, wondering to contour. 

Launch of Kimojis

The say when you lose a diamond earring worth $75k, make lemonade. Yes, Kim made the most of that iconic crying moment and created the Kim crying emoji for the Apple App store. 

Launch of Children’s Clothing Brand: TheKidsSupply

This was a husband and wife co-founded business for the styling kiddos. Kim and Kanye teamed up to launch a kids line, ranging in prices from $22 to $240, all inspired by Kim’s hometown of Calabasas. 

Instagram Ads: Morning Sickness Pill Pays $500k

That’s all. That was the job. Post a photo about a morning sickness pill, make half a mill. 

Launch of KKW Beauty

Kim got back into the beauty business with KKW Beauty in 2017. She went on to produce more products for the line, including a fragrance that made $10 million in one day. 

Launch of SKIMS

In what is probably her most successful business to date, Kim launched her shapewear line, SKIMS Solutionwear, in 2019. The line was originally called Kimono, and the name generated backlash as people called it disrespectful to Japanese culture. Kim changed it to SKIMS around two months after the initial product announcement.

Passed the Baby Bar

In 2019, Kardashian announced that she had been studying up for the 2022 bar exam. She passed the Baby Bar in 2021. She is planning to finish her four-year apprenticeship and become a functioning lawyer by a now-TBD date. Pete may have gotten the 'Kim is my lawyer' tat prematurely, for multiple reasons. 

Breaking Through Wall Street with the Launch of Skky Partners

No MBA required here, Kim started working towards becoming a lawyer around the same time that she decided she should become a finance girly. With the launch of Skky Partners, the private equity fund focuses on investments in consumer and media companies along with the hospitality, luxury and digital and e-commerce sectors.

Kardashian co-founded the firm with Jay Sammons, a former partner at Carlyle Group, who previously invested in popular brands like Beats By Dre and streetwear company Supreme. Feels like a nice way for Kim to own a lot more businesses. 

Curates Dolce & Gabbana Collection

Yes, the infamous ‘dolce vita lifestyle’ feud. Remember, even though it was similar to Kourt’s wedding, Kim just couldn't pass up this opportunity. It was going to be “like totally huge” for her career. 

Stars in American Horror Story: Delicate

Why star in AHS? Because she loves to do iconic shit! Yes, she might have had a little too much Botox to win an Emmy (it’s a little tough to act without your face being able to express emotions), but she exceeded audience’s expectations in the Ryan Murphy show, starring opposite Emma Roberts. We hear it might be the start of the reality star's movie star era, and honestly, we're thrilled to see what she stars in next! 

SKIMS Men

We love a man in a t-shirt and boxers, and apparently so does Kim. Or, at least she realized men need underwear too and why not sell it to them for $20 a pair?

Okay, phew. We have reached the end of Kim Kardashian’s resume. The girl claims to be a hustler, and we would have to agree. There's no way she'd ever be able to get her work history on a one-page resume, no matter how creative she got with formatting. 

But don't worry Kimmy, if you're ever applying for something where you have to send in a resume, we've got your back with everything you've done listed here!