Manuela Testolini: Philanthropist, Entrepreneur & Advocate for Change

Manuela Testolini is best known as a successful entrepreneur, humanitarian, and the former wife of music legend Prince. But beyond her celebrity connection, she has built an impressive career on her own terms — combining business acumen with compassion and a passion for global betterment.

Over the years, Testolini has become a respected name in philanthropy, running her own charity foundation and launching businesses that promote ethical growth. Her story is one of elegance, determination, and purpose — a blend of creativity, generosity, and quiet strength that continues to inspire.

This detailed biography explores everything about her — from her early life and rise as a businesswoman to her relationships, family life, Manuela Testolini net worth, and what drives her mission to make the world a better place.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Background

Manuela Testolini was born on September 19, 1976, in Toronto, Canada, to a family of Italian and Egyptian heritage. Growing up in a multicultural environment shaped her open-minded worldview and passion for social issues. Her parents instilled in her a strong sense of compassion and the importance of giving back.

She attended a private school in Toronto and later pursued a degree in Law and Sociology, which helped her understand the structures of justice and social inequality. It was during her university years that she began volunteering for various non-profit organizations — an experience that would lay the foundation for her lifelong philanthropic work.

Testolini’s early experiences working with community development programs inspired her to find creative ways to merge business with positive change. Unlike many who chase fame or fortune, she sought fulfillment through service and empowerment.

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Career Journey: From Volunteer to Visionary Philanthropist

Starting Small but Dreaming Big

After completing her education, Manuela began her career working for charitable organizations focused on homelessness, youth empowerment, and women’s welfare. Her ability to manage projects and her dedication to creating tangible results soon caught attention.

She joined a charity that collaborated with celebrity musicians, and this connection would later change the course of her life. Her work ethic, creativity, and professionalism made her stand out — leading to high-profile collaborations and eventually, the founding of her own organization.

Founding “In a Perfect World Foundation”

In 2005, Manuela Testolini founded the In a Perfect World Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on empowering youth through education, mentorship, and community engagement. The foundation builds schools in underprivileged regions, supports girls’ education, and provides leadership programs for young people.

Under her leadership, the foundation has helped build more than 40 schools globally, including in Nepal, Mali, and Haiti. The organization has also funded countless scholarships, youth leadership events, and emergency relief programs.

Her goal, as she’s often shared in interviews, is to “create a world where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Entrepreneurial Success

Alongside her philanthropy, Manuela Testolini has also proven herself to be a skilled entrepreneur. She founded Gamillah Inc., a lifestyle company that focuses on design, décor, and socially responsible products. The brand is known for blending elegance with sustainability, reflecting her personal values of conscious living.

Through her dual focus on charity and business, Manuela has carved out a unique niche — demonstrating that success can coexist with compassion.

Manuela Testolini Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Manuela Testolini’s net worth is estimated between $7 million and $10 million.

Her wealth primarily comes from three main sources:

1. Entrepreneurship: Her company, Gamillah Inc., has produced several profitable projects in luxury design and events. 
2. Philanthropy and Speaking Engagements: While her foundation is non-profit, she frequently speaks at global conferences on women’s empowerment and sustainable business, earning professional recognition and sponsorships. 
3. Settlement from Divorce: Her divorce from the late singer Prince reportedly included a financial settlement, though exact figures were never made public.
   

Combined with her investments and brand collaborations, her current wealth reflects both her hard work and her ability to balance purpose with financial intelligence.

Despite her fortune, Manuela lives modestly, choosing to focus on raising her children and expanding her foundation’s impact rather than flaunting material success.

Manuela Testolini Height and Physical Appearance

Manuela Testolini stands at 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm) and is known for her graceful, poised demeanor. Her mixed Italian and Egyptian heritage gives her a distinctive appearance — olive skin tone, expressive dark eyes, and an elegant presence that often draws comparisons to classic Hollywood icons.

Even in public appearances and charity galas, her style remains understated yet chic — favoring sustainable fashion brands and ethical designers. She often says her confidence comes from her purpose, not her appearance.

Manuela Testolini Husband and Personal Life

Manuela’s personal life has drawn media attention largely because of her relationships with two famous musicians — Prince and Eric Benét — both known for their immense talent and creative brilliance.

Marriage to Prince

Manuela met Prince in the early 2000s while working for one of his charitable initiatives. Their shared passion for philanthropy and creativity sparked an instant connection. The two married in 2001, in a private ceremony at Prince’s home in Minnesota.

During their marriage, Manuela worked alongside him on several humanitarian projects, helping to expand his charity, Love4OneAnother, which funded numerous social programs.

However, after five years together, the couple divorced in 2006. Despite their split, Testolini has always spoken respectfully of Prince, acknowledging how their shared values shaped her own growth as a philanthropist.

After Prince’s passing in 2016, she paid tribute to him publicly, calling him “a true humanitarian” and even made a donation in his memory to continue their shared charitable efforts.

Marriage to Eric Benét

In 2011, Manuela married Eric Benét, a Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter. Their union has been described as strong, grounded, and filled with mutual respect. The couple shares two daughters, Amoura and Lucia, who are often featured in family photos and foundation events.

Eric Benét has praised his wife in multiple interviews, calling her “the heart of the family” and admiring her dedication to making the world better. Together, they balance family life with public appearances and philanthropic events.

Social Media & Public Presence

Despite her high-profile connections, Manuela Testolini maintains a balanced social media presence — personal yet purposeful.

Instagram — @manuela_testolini

Her verified Instagram account (@manuela_testolini) has around 80,000 followers as of 2025. Her feed blends lifestyle photography with updates from In a Perfect World Foundation events. Posts often feature her work in schools abroad, family moments, and collaborations with other philanthropists.

Twitter (X) — @InAPerfectWorld

Her foundation’s official X (Twitter) account (@InAPerfectWorld) has over 60,000 followers, regularly posting about youth programs, school-building projects, and women’s empowerment initiatives.

LinkedIn

On LinkedIn, Manuela shares professional insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of conscious capitalism. Her growing online influence reflects her dual role as a changemaker and a modern business leader.

Her social media followers describe her as “the quiet force behind the cause” — elegant, intelligent, and deeply authentic.

Legacy and Impact

Over the last two decades, Manuela Testolini has built a legacy that extends beyond fame. Her work through In a Perfect World Foundation has positively impacted tens of thousands of children globally.

She’s been honored with awards for community leadership and women’s empowerment, including recognition from organizations like UNICEF and WE Charity.

Her model of combining entrepreneurship with social good has inspired other businesswomen to find purpose in profit.

As she once said:

“You don’t need to be famous to make an impact. You just need to care deeply and act consistently.”

Personality and Lifestyle

Manuela’s personality reflects warmth and quiet confidence. Those who know her describe her as empathetic, graceful, and laser-focused on her mission. She believes in mindfulness and meditation and practices yoga regularly.

While she occasionally attends red-carpet events with her husband Eric Benét, she prefers spending time with her family or overseeing projects for her foundation.

Her lifestyle philosophy centers on balance — nurturing both inner peace and external progress.

FAQs

Q1. What is Manuela Testolini’s net worth?
As of 2025, Manuela Testolini’s net worth is estimated between $7 million and $10 million, stemming from her businesses, investments, and prior financial settlements.

Q2. How tall is Manuela Testolini?
She stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall.

Q3. Who is Manuela Testolini’s husband?
She is married to Eric Benét, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer. The two married in 2011 and share two daughters.

Q4. Was Manuela Testolini married to Prince?
Yes, she was previously married to the late musician Prince from 2001 to 2006.

Q5. What does Manuela Testolini do for a living?
She is a philanthropist and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of In a Perfect World Foundation and CEO of Gamillah Inc.

Q6. What is In a Perfect World Foundation?
It’s a non-profit organization focused on youth education, empowerment, and global community building.

Q7. Where does Manuela Testolini live?
She currently resides in Los Angeles, California, with her husband Eric Benét and their children.

Conclusion

Manuela Testolini embodies grace, intelligence, and purpose. While her life intersected with two of the music industry’s most celebrated figures, her legacy is entirely her own.

Through her foundation, entrepreneurial ventures, and advocacy for women and children, she continues to redefine what it means to live with intention and impact. Her journey — from a young Canadian volunteer to a global humanitarian — proves that quiet influence can be just as powerful as fame.

As she continues to build schools, inspire communities, and nurture her family, one thing is certain: Manuela Testolini’s story isn’t just about who she’s loved — it’s about what she’s built and the lives she’s changed along the way.