Rihanna’s long-awaited ninth studio album has been the subject of anticipation for nearly eight years, and fans remain uncertain about its imminent release. During a Fenty Beauty launch party in Barbados on November 7, the artist reflected on her shift from music to beauty, stating, “God had other plans” for her career.
She elaborated, saying that while music initially garnered her attention, her journey allowed her to create in a manner that felt genuine and authentic. “It doesn’t even feel like a job,” she remarked, eliciting cheers from the audience.
Since launching Fenty Beauty in 2017, Rihanna has set a new standard for inclusivity in the cosmetics industry, particularly with her extensive range of foundation shades. Balancing her time between managing her businesses and raising two children with ASAP Rocky, she has successfully transformed her beauty brand into a billion-dollar empire alongside Fenty Skin and Savage X Fenty.
At the launch event, Rihanna emphasized the significance of her roots in Barbados when building her makeup empire. She reminisced about her early experiences with beauty at home, recalling how she observed her mother applying makeup. “You guys have always inspired me,” she told the crowd, highlighting the influence of her homeland and community on her brands.
Earlier this year, Fenty Beauty expanded its reach to countries like India and China. The launch in India coincided with Rihanna’s performance at a high-profile pre-wedding celebration for one of the country’s wealthiest couples.