Chasing Dreams: Immigrants in Sports and Entertainment

Chasing Dreams: Immigrants in Sports and Entertainment is a series dedicated to highlighting the remarkable stories of athletes, creatives, and performers who have come to the United States in pursuit of their dreams. Through their journeys, we celebrate the resilience, passion, and determination that drive success across various industries.
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This week, we spotlight Rihanna, the Barbadian-born global icon whose path from a small Caribbean island to international stardom exemplifies how talent, vision, and courage can reshape an entire industry.

The Journey of Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty was born in Saint Michael, Barbados, and raised in the capital city of Bridgetown.  Growing up in a close-knit island community, Rihanna’s early life was shaped by a love for music, fashion, and performance.  At just 16 years old, she was discovered by an American music producer visiting Barbados—an encounter that changed her life.

Shortly thereafter, she auditioned for Jay-Z, then president of Def Jam Recordings.  Impressed by her talent and presence, the label signed her on the spot.  To begin her career in the United States, Rihanna would have required immigration authorization, likely through an O-1 visa (for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts) or an EB-1 immigrant visa (for individuals with sustained acclaim and national or international recognition in their field).

From Music to Multinational Brand

After her 2005 debut album Music of the Sun, Rihanna quickly gained worldwide attention.   With hits like “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” and “We Found Love,” she became one of the best-selling music artists of all time.   Yet even at the height of her chart-topping career, Rihanna envisioned something more expansive—leveraging her platform to build lasting impact across industries.

In 2017, she launched Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics line celebrated for its groundbreaking inclusivity.  The brand's 40-shade foundation range disrupted long-standing norms in the beauty industry and established a new standard for diversity and representation.

She followed with Savage X Fenty, a lingerie and loungewear brand that champions body positivity and inclusivity across all sizes, genders, and backgrounds.  Her Savage X Fenty runway shows, combining fashion, music, and performance, became cultural events in their own right.

In 2019, Rihanna expanded further with FENTY, a luxury fashion house under LVMH—the first such label launched by the conglomerate since Christian Lacroix in 1987, and the first led by a Black woman.  Though paused in 2021, the brand remains a landmark achievement in high fashion and immigrant entrepreneurship.

She also co-founded Clara Lionel Foundation, a nonprofit focused on climate resilience and global education, particularly in underserved communities.

A Defining Moment: Super Bowl and Billionaire Status

In 2023, Rihanna returned to the global stage to headline the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show.  The performance—her first in years—was both a musical triumph and a statement of enduring relevance.
Around the same time, Forbes declared her a self-made billionaire, citing the massive success of her beauty and fashion ventures.  She became one of the few entertainers—immigrant or otherwise—to achieve such financial and cultural influence.

Why We Celebrate Rihanna

​We celebrate Rihanna not only for her artistry and ambition but for how she has redefined what is possible as an immigrant woman of color in the United States.

Her journey from Bridgetown to global business mogul reminds us that immigration is not simply about entry—it is about impact.  Rihanna’s story embodies the immigrant ethos: dreaming big, working hard, and creating change that resonates across borders.

At Stommes Immigration, we believe every immigrant has the potential to shape industries, challenge norms, and inspire generations.  Rihanna’s success is not just hers—it is a reflection of what is possible when talent meets opportunity in the United States.

If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].