Lauren Sánchez: aviation is her business

Since June, Lauren Sánchez has been known as Jeff Bezos’s wife, following their lavish Venice wedding that made global headlines. While much has been speculated about their prenuptial agreement – designed to protect the billionaire’s fortune – Sánchez likely didn’t marry Bezos for money. According to multiple reports, she herself boasts an estimated net worth of $30–35 million, earned through her journalism career, public appearances, and her company, Black Ops Aviation.

Climbing the ladder, step by step

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a third-generation Mexican American, Sánchez began her career as a desk assistant at KCOP-TV in Los Angeles. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an anchor and reporter at KTVK-TV in Arizona. Her work on shows like Good Day L.A., guest appearances on The View, and contributions to Fox Sports solidified her reputation – earning her multiple Emmy nominations and awards. In 1999, she and her team at KCOP-TV won an Emmy Award. Her prominence in U.S. media even landed her cameos as a reporter in films like Fight Club.

In 2016, Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film production company. With a pilot’s license and an impressive portfolio – including work on films like Dunkirk and major TV productions – she reached new career heights. Last year, she was honored with the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award for her contributions to the field.

Overcoming Dyslexia and inspiring others

In September 2024, Sánchez released her first children’s book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, inspired by her own struggles with dyslexia. The book quickly landed on the New York Times bestseller list. Sánchez has spoken openly about how dyslexia affected her schooling, revealing in interviews that she always dreamed of becoming a journalist – but wondered how that was possible if she couldn’t read or write properly. A professor at her community college recognized her challenges and helped her adapt.

»When you’re used to failing at certain things, you develop resilience«, she told People Magazine. »But once you push through, nothing can stop you.« She now uses her platform to raise awareness about dyslexia and donates a portion of her book proceeds to the International Dyslexia Association to support early diagnosis and education. »People often want to put you in a box – but we don’t thrive in boxes. Life is about trying new things.«

  MK