Most of us probably associate the name “Oprah Winfrey” with a bubbly and compassionate woman that can be found on daytime TV. Alongside being an incredibly successful TV host, however, Oprah is also an equally successful entrepreneur.

Dissatisfied with working for anyone but herself, Oprah created Harpo Studios in 1988. Since then it has grown into Harpo Inc. and employs around 250 employees working in all forms of media production. She is also the co-founder for Oxygen Media, which provides a cable network to over 54 million viewers.

Although Harpo Inc. demonstrates all of the characteristics of an entrepreneurship, the most prevalent appear to be risk and innovation. Starting up an independent media company amidst the uncertainty of the entertainment industry has obvious inherent risks. Oprah’s decision to accept these risks highlight her bravery as an entrepreneur. Harpo Inc. displays the characteristics of innovation as it has taken the basic product of daytime television and innovated it into a fresh and exciting program for viewers. For many the Oprah Winfrey show is not just mindless television, it is an experience.

Picture- Harpo Inc.