You use the term ‘From Rags to Riches’ to
literally describe someone’s change in fortune, from poor to well off.
Example of use: “Jessica’s story really is one of going from rags to riches. She grew up with nothing, now she is a movie star.”
No one is really certain when or where the term ‘from rags to riches’ originated, however the concept is one that has been repeated throughout history, with such famous figures as Genghis Khan and the Roman Emperor Diocletian being born in poverty and suddenly finding themselves elevated to positions of wealth and power.