Personal trainer Michelle Bridges has made it to the 2015 BRW Rich Women list for the first time. With an estimated net worth of $53 million, Bridges has placed 29th in the list.

According to BRW, her fortune comes mostly from her growing fitness and nutrition business. Her empire includes her work on television, books, fitness DVDs, online nutrition programme 12 Week Body Transformation, clothing and fitness gear. Bridges’ financial success has earned her a place alongside actresses and businesswomen in the list of Australia’s self-made richest women.

When asked about her reaction for being included among the financial elite, Bridges said she was absolutely thrilled and honoured to be among the women in the list. In 2014, she had launched a nutritional supplement with Blackmores. She also added a product line for children to her fitness apparel.

Michelle Bridges brands brought her business $60 million in 2014 but the strongest growth is expected in retail for 2015. The personal trainer said she doesn’t live in the Bahamas with her own yacht. She continues to go out there and “keep it real.”

Meanwhile, mining magnate Gina Rinehart may be the richest person in Australia with her $20 billion net worth but the “mysterious” telco founder Vicky Teoh has been hailed the richest self-made woman in the country. Teoh had co-founder TPG, a telecommunications and Internet provider, with her husband. She has an estimated fortune of $938 million, reports The Guardian.

BRW deputy editor Caitlin Fitzsimmons had described Teoh as one of the mysterious personalities in the world of Australian business since her family has remained private about their affairs. Making her debut in third place is Super Cheap Auto co-founder Hazel Rowe. She brought herself to the top with an estimated wealth of $376 million.

Actress Nicole Kidman is also on BRW Richest Women with a net worth of $331 million. Other famous personalities and celebrities on the list include singer Kylie Minogue, model Elle Macpherson and award-winning actress Cate Blanchett.

Fitzsimmons said majority of the women on the list have made their own money by founding and building their own business. The BRW deputy editor explained that Rinehart is not included in the list because the women’s wealth has to be self-made and not due to a large “inheritance.”

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