7 Shocking Ways Ian Somerhalder And Wife Nikki Reed Ditched Hollywood For A Sustainable Empire In 2025

The iconic Hollywood couple, Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed, have made a dramatic and inspiring pivot in their lives, leaving the relentless spotlight of the red carpet for the quiet, fulfilling world of sustainable entrepreneurship and farm life. As of late 2024 and throughout 2025, the pair—known for their blockbuster roles in The Vampire Diaries and The Twilight Saga—are intentionally prioritizing their family and their shared passion for environmentalism over traditional acting careers, a decision that has fundamentally reshaped their public image and professional pursuits. This shift is far more than a temporary break; it represents a complete lifestyle overhaul, centered on their children, their animals, and their burgeoning business ventures in the wellness and spirits industries.

This deep dive into the lives of Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed reveals how they have successfully transitioned from A-list actors to dedicated environmental activists and successful business co-founders. Their recent public appearances, such as at the 2024 Environmental Media Association Awards, and their continued commitment to their various enterprises demonstrate a new, enduring chapter focused on purpose, sustainability, and family, proving that true fulfillment often lies far away from the Hollywood machine.

Complete Biography and Profile: Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed

The power couple’s individual careers laid the foundation for their shared success, but their union has launched them into a new sphere of influence as entrepreneurs and environmentalists.

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• Ian Joseph Somerhalder
  • Born: December 8, 1978 (Age 47 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Covington, Louisiana, U.S.
  • Notable Career: Actor, Director, Entrepreneur, Model. Best known for playing Boone Carlyle in the series Lost (2004–2007) and the globally famous role of Damon Salvatore in The CW's supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017).
  • Current Status: Largely retired from acting (since 2024), focusing on his family, sustainable farming, and co-founding Brother's Bond Bourbon and The Absorption Company.
  • Philanthropy: Co-founder of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF), focusing on environmental and animal welfare.
• Nicole Houston "Nikki" Reed Somerhalder
  • Born: May 17, 1988 (Age 37 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: West Los Angeles, California, U.S.
  • Notable Career: Actress, Screenwriter, Entrepreneur. Gained early recognition for co-writing and starring in the film Thirteen (2003). Achieved global fame as Rosalie Hale in The Twilight Saga film series (2008–2012).
  • Current Status: Focusing on her entrepreneurial ventures, including her sustainable lifestyle brand BaYou With Love, co-founding The Absorption Company, and raising her two children.
  • Philanthropy: Dedicated advocate for animal rights and sustainable living practices.
• The Couple's Timeline
  • Began Dating: Mid-2014
  • Married: April 26, 2015, in Malibu, California.
  • Children: Daughter, Bodhi Soleil Reed Somerhalder (b. 2017), and a son (b. 2023), whose name the couple has chosen to keep private.

The Great Hollywood Escape: Why Farm Life is Their New Leading Role

Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed have been remarkably open about their decision to step back from the high-pressure environment of Hollywood, a choice that has defined their life in 2024 and 2025. This pivot wasn't a rejection of their past, but a conscious choice to embrace a more grounded and meaningful existence for their growing family.

1. Prioritizing Family and Privacy Over Fame. The couple, who share a daughter, Bodhi Soleil, and a young son, have moved to a farm where they are focused on raising their children away from the intense media scrutiny they experienced. Nikki Reed has shared updates on the realities of "farm life," emphasizing the joy and challenges of this new, quieter chapter. This move allows them to create a private, nature-centric upbringing, something they both value deeply.

2. Embracing Sustainable Living and Self-Sufficiency. Their farm is not just a home; it is a laboratory for sustainable living. They are actively dedicated to farming, growing their own food, and raising their own animals, embodying the environmental principles they champion through their philanthropic work. This hands-on approach to self-sufficiency aligns perfectly with their mission to promote a greener planet.

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3. The "Retirement" Clarification. While news outlets initially suggested a full retirement from acting, the couple clarified in 2025 that they are simply shifting their priorities. Their acting careers have taken a "backseat" to their family and businesses, but they have not entirely closed the door on future projects, as evidenced by their appearance at the Heroes Dutch Comic Con in October 2025.

From Screen Stars to Serial Entrepreneurs: Their Booming Business Ventures

Ian and Nikki have leveraged their fame and passion into a series of highly successful entrepreneurial ventures, establishing a formidable business empire that is far removed from the entertainment industry.

4. Brother's Bond Bourbon: A Legacy Beyond The Vampire Diaries. Ian Somerhalder co-founded Brother's Bond Bourbon with his former Vampire Diaries co-star, Paul Wesley. The small-batch, handcrafted bourbon brand is a nod to their on-screen brotherhood and has become a major commercial success, giving Ian a significant and ongoing business focus outside of acting.

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5. The Absorption Company: Entering the Wellness Industry. In a move that highlights their shared interest in health and wellness, Ian and Nikki co-founded The Absorption Company. This venture focuses on the wellness industry, specifically on products designed to improve the body's absorption of vital nutrients. This project is a clear indication of their pivot towards a more holistic and health-focused lifestyle brand.

6. BaYou With Love: Nikki Reed's Sustainable Lifestyle Brand. Nikki Reed’s individual entrepreneurial success is centered on her sustainable lifestyle brand, BaYou With Love. The brand offers a line of environmentally conscious jewelry and apparel, often using recycled or sustainable materials. This venture is a direct reflection of her commitment to ethical and green living, blending commerce with her environmental values.

Their Enduring Commitment to Environmental Activism

The couple's shared passion for the environment is the glue that holds their new life together, driving both their personal choices and their professional endeavors.

7. Environmental Media Association (EMA) and Philanthropy. Both Ian and Nikki are deeply involved in environmental activism. Ian's work with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) is ongoing, and Nikki serves as Vice President of the foundation. Their rare public appearance at the 2024 Environmental Media Association Awards highlighted their continued dedication to green projects and raising awareness about climate and animal welfare issues. Their activism is a central theme of their current life, influencing everything from their farm's operations to their business decisions, cementing their status not just as celebrity power couple, but as genuine leaders in the sustainable movement.