Age: 30
Occupation: Reality-TV star
Previous TIME 100 appearances: 0
Rather than being ashamed of the fact that she is famous for being famous, Kim Kardashian has owned her artificial celebrity status. She's among the first to successfully take being a reality-show star very seriously and actually work at it as an end goal. Her efforts have quite literally paid off — in 2010, Kardashian's $6 million earnings topped those of all other reality stars. From endorsement deals (including Skechers Shape-ups), multiple fragrances, three reality-TV series and clothing stores in L.A., Miami and now New York City to a jewelry line and sunless tanner, it's hard to think of an opportunity that Kim and her sisters, Khloé and Kourtney have not capitalized on.