Kylie Jenner's drastic transformation: From reality TV star to business mogul

Kylie Jenner’s journey from the youngest face on Keeping Up with the Kardashians to a global beauty mogul has unfolded like a modern-day story arc, complete with cultural shifts, aesthetic reinventions, business triumphs, and personal milestones.

Here’s a year-by-year look at how Kylie evolved, both in the public eye and as a force in entertainment and entrepreneurship.

2007–2011: A Childhood in the Spotlight

Kylie Kristen Jenner was born on August 10, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, to Kris Jenner and Caitlyn Jenner. 

She first appeared publicly in 2007, at just 10 years old, when Keeping Up with the Kardashians premiered, introducing her to audiences worldwide at a very young age.

In those early years, Kylie attended events with her famous sisters and experimented with youthful styles, from bangs at music festivals to classic casual wear, all while growing up under the constant gaze of reality television cameras.

2012–2014: Teenage Years and Rising Recognition

By 2012, Kylie was stepping into more mature public appearances, attending Teen Choice Awards and experimenting with grunge-inspired fashion.

In 2014, a significant shift began to take shape. 

Kylie’s aesthetics evolved into a more glamorous, confident look, a period that would later be remembered as the early “King Kylie” era, known for bold fashion choices and daring makeup.

This phase wasn’t just about clothes; it was a marker of growing self-expression and an early glimpse at how she would shape cultural trends.

2015–2016: The Birth of a Beauty Empire

2015 was a watershed year.

Kylie attended high-profile events like the GQ Grammys after-party in polished, mature ensembles. But more importantly, this was the year she launched Kylie Lip Kits, the product that would start her business empire.

The kits, which sold out almost immediately, helped Kylie redefine what it meant to build a brand through social media influence and direct audience engagement.

By the end of 2016, Kylie Cosmetics had begun organising pop-ups and establishing her presence beyond digital sales, laying the foundation for a business model that would resonate with young consumers across the world.

2017: Television and Brand Expansion

As Kylie’s cosmetics business grew, so did her public presence. 

In 2017, she starred in her own reality show, Life of Kylie, which gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her life and the flourishing beauty brand she was building.

This period marked a transition from reality TV cast member to brand architect, deepening her narrative beyond family fame and into entrepreneurship.

2018: Motherhood and a shift in style

In 2018, Kylie embraced motherhood with the birth of her daughter, Stormi, which was one of the most significant personal milestones of her life. 

This phase also saw a shift in her public aesthetic, favouring a more natural, grounded look compared with earlier years.

Her presence became less about teenage trendiness and more about poised influence, blending personal life with business visibility.

2019–2021: Billionaire Status and Broader Influence

By 2019, Kylie Cosmetics was a global name. 

Kylie sold a majority stake in the company to Coty for roughly $600 million, valuing the brand at around $1.2 billion, a defining moment that cemented her place among the most successful celebrity entrepreneurs of her generation.

Simultaneously, Kylie continued to evolve her style, often appearing in bold, polished fashion that reflected a confident businesswoman rather than a reality TV personality.

2022–2023: Family, Fashion, and Diversification

In 2022, Kylie welcomed her second child, another personal milestone that shaped her public narrative and style evolution.

Her fashion choices became more thoughtful and expressive, signalling an integration of style and brand identity. Whether at a gala or casual outing, Kylie’s wardrobe mirrored her transition into both mother and mogul.

Meanwhile, Kylie Cosmetics continued to expand, and she also explored diversifying her influence beyond beauty into related lifestyle sectors.

2024–2025: Brand Milestones and New Horizons

In late 2025, Kylie marked the 10th anniversary of Kylie Cosmetics with bold fashion statements that nodded to her early “King Kylie” era, including creative outfits made from iconic product motifs and nostalgic colour palettes.

At the Kylie Cosmetics holiday party, she embraced vibrant showgirl-inspired attire that not only celebrated the brand but also showcased how far her personal style has evolved from her earliest real-world public appearances.

This fashion moment wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was a symbol of how Kylie has learned to blend nostalgia, brand celebration, and future aspirations.

Looking Ahead to 2026: What’s Next for Kylie Jenner?

As 2026 begins, Kylie Jenner stands at a crossroads of cultural influence and business reinvention. 

Her focus appears to extend beyond cosmetics into fashion incubators, lifestyle ventures, and curated aesthetics that reflect a mature but boldly expressive identity.

Despite her evolution from reality TV child to global brand builder, one thing remains clear: Kylie’s identity isn’t tied to just one chapter. 

Instead, it’s a continuous narrative of growth, adaptation, and influence, a story that will shape how celebrity, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention intersect in the new decade.