Giuliana Benetton, co-founder of United Colors of Benetton

Net Worth: $2.1 Billion

How She Got To Where She Is: The billionaire got her start in a small town in Italy by hand-knitting sweaters that her brother Luciano would sell by bicycle. After creating their wares for a handful of labels, the duo eventually brought siblings Carlo and Gilberto on board in 1965 to officially form United Colors of Benetton. Since then, Giuliana has played a direct part in overseeing each collection and coordinating products as chief designer. This position is now primarily handled by You Nguyen, chief merchandising officer and creative director.

Notable Accomplishments: The company is known for their boundary-pushing ads,  containing thought-provoking imagery that has made statements on interracial adoption, war, racism, child AIDS, and homosexuality.

And That's Not All... The company, which has made Giuliana a self-made billionaire, recently ran a campaign for their self-created UNHATE Foundation in which world leaders were photoshopped together to appear as though they were kissing. The goal of the organization is to foster and contribute to a new culture, completely free of hate. Brilliant!

Key to Success: Make your life's passion your life-long passion. All four siblings still serve as members of the board of directors of Benetton Group, nearly 50 years after its formation. An amazing catalog of work, building something and helping it evolve over the course of a lifetime.

Photo: Courtesy of United Colors of Benetton