Kim Kardashian: How She's Famous

Kim Kardashian is a celebrity powerhouse. She's an actress, soon to be singer, author, perfume creator, reality television star, model and stylist. But how did she rise to fame?

Kim is the daughter of late attorney Robert Kardashian. Many know Robert as one of the attorneys that represented OJ Simpson during his murder trial. The two had been friends for years before Simpson was on trial. Simpson stayed at the Kardashian house for several days after the Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman murders occurred, and Robert was the person OJ chose to read his statement after he failed to turn himself in to police.

In other words, Kim grew up as a socialite: a rich California girl with a dream life and limitless funds.

Kim started out as a stylist, helping to dress celebrities, as well as choosing wardrobes for television shows, photo shoots and other media.

In 2006, the Kardashian sisters opened DASH, a designer clothing store located in Calabasas, California. She has since opened another DASH store (May of 2009).

In 2007, Kim faced the publicity surrounding a leaked sex tape she made with ex-boyfriend Ray-J. The sex tape scandal raised public interest in Kim, however, elevating her celebrity status. Kim ended up settling with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million for the release.

After the sex tape release, Keeping Up With the Kardashians began filming. The show followed the re-married Kris Jenner (Kim's mother), Bruce Jenner (Kim's stepfather); Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, and Rob Kardashian; as well as Kendall and Kylie Jenner (Kim's stepsisters).

Since then, Kim has gradually built herself an empire.

In television, she added another reality show, Kourtney and Kim Take New York. She's appeared on CSI:NY and The Apprentice. She has a recurring spot hosting E! Entertainment Tonight/The Insider and EXTRA. She has also appeared on "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Simple Life."

Her first modeling job was for Playboy in December 2007. She's also been on the covers of magazines such as FHM and Cosmopolitan. She has been the face of Bongo Jeans, Quick Trim and Famous Stars and Straps.

She created a workout DVD titled Fit Into Your Jeans by Friday.

She created her own perfume, Kim Kardashian, sold at Perfumania.

Kim and sisters Khloe and Kourtney co-wrote a book titled Kardashian Konfidential detailing their lives and upbringing.

Kim recently produced "The SPINdustry", a television show starring Jonathan Cheban and Simon Huck, the owners of Command PR as they take their business from New York to Los Angeles.

Recently, Kim has started working on a music album. No word on the release date, but she has teamed up with The-Dream, who was responsible for super hits Rihanna's "Umbrella" and Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."

Celebuzz: Kim Kardashian Bio