Paris Hilton Is the OG Reality TV Business Queen
Paris Hilton does it all. She’s a model, a party girl, a TV personality, a singer, a New York Times bestselling author, a DJ, and most importantly, she’s a businesswoman.
Even though as the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels, Paris was born into wealth, she stands atop an empire of her own creation.
Her 21 fragrances have made over $3 billion in sales, and she has a hand in every market from handbags to virtual reality and paved the way for anyone who wants to go from reality TV star to pop culture empress.
While her detractors might say she’s just famous for being famous, they’re not giving Paris the credit she deserves. Maybe it’s because their image of Paris is of the dumb blonde she played on The Simple Life, but that was never the real Paris, just a character she played on TV.
Paris Hilton may still be a pink princess with an attitude, but she’s so much more than just a two-dimensional character.
Do you consider yourself an icon?
I’ve been called that by people and I found it very flattering but I’ve never used it to describe myself.
You grew up in a family where people dreamed big, worked hard, put their name on something and eventually grew it into an enormous, internationally-known brand, only whereas the Hiltons did that with hotels, you’ve done it with yourself. How did you make the decision that didn’t want to just be a part of the hotel business, you wanted to be your own empire?
I was very blessed to have such incredible mentors as my father and grandfather. They are amazing business men and have always inspired me and taught me the importance of hard work and building a brand. I always knew I wanted to do big things and create my empire on my own and I feel very proud of all that I have accomplished. Success is something that really drives and fulfills me in life.
When you were first getting started building your business empire, how were you able to balance being a boss with your party girl image?
If someone hasn’t met me yet, they automatically have their misconceptions about me. As soon as I am in a board room in front of them talking about my business, they immediately know I’m not the dumb blonde they thought I was.
What do you think you have to say to people who think that because you were born rich you didn’t earn your empire or that it was easy for you to get where you are today?
That’s a huge misconception. I’ve worked very hard and done all of this on my own. Plus, there are tons of other people in my position from privileged families who don’t do anything. I’m very blessed that my family instilled great work ethic and values in me. I didn’t have to work, I chose to, because I would never have been happy being just another trust fund kid who does nothing.
Your fragrances have made over 3 billion dollars in sales. Out of all of your 21 fragrances which is your favorite?
I love all my fragrances. But my favorite right now is Gold Rush. I’m obsessed with the bottle and packaging and the scent is amazing! Makes the perfect holiday gift
Since you’re the expert, what should a boy smell like?
A boy should smell sexy, and masculine. And I have created the perfect sent for them with my newest men’s cologne Gold Rush which is coming out soon.
It seems you make products for every category. What type of products do you make?
I have 21 Fragrances, a handbag line, sunglasses, shoes, make up, swimwear, lingerie, clothing, children’s clothes and clothes for animals.
We heard you have some tech projects in the works?
Yes I do. Some very exciting and innovative projects in the tech world! I’m working on some amazing apps and virtual reality projects. I love VR!
You do one million things with your career and obviously have a really strong ethic, do you ever think you’ll retire?
I don’t think so. I feel so blessed and lucky that I get to do so many things that I love and am passionate about. Success is something that fulfills me in life and I want to continue expanding and growing my brand for many years to come.
What’s one milestone you haven’t achieved yet that you’re looking forward to?
I look forward to one day falling in love and having a family.
Would you ever think of doing another reality TV show?
It’s not a priority in my life right now. I get calls every day to do different reality shows, but I am very focused on my business and brand. However, if I really loved the concept, it is something I would think about.
You are such a pioneer and the original it girl. Do you feel like a lot of these girls are copying what you did?
It makes me happy to be an inspiration to people. I am all about girl power and women being fierce and independent. So it’s nice to see women following my lead and doing things on their own instead of just depending on a man.
Have you acquired some sort of immunity to the media’s misrepresentation?
I’ve been in this business for so long that I’ve become used to it and now I just don’t pay any attention to any of that. I’ve had so many lies written about me over the years that I don’t take the tabloids or any of that seriously. I have so many incredible things going on in my life. I work, so I try to focus on all that
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever read about yourself online?
There have been so many weird lies written about me, but one of the weirdest was when they wrote that I dated Michael Jackson.
What is the most stressful thing about being you?
The most stressful thing about being me is that I have such a crazy schedule with all my business endeavors that I constantly have to be on a plane flying around the world. I always have major jet lag.
We heard that you are all natural and have never even had Botox. What are your thoughts on plastic surgery?
Yes, I’m very proud that I am all natural and have never had anything done. I am very happy with myself. But I don’t judge others. People should do whatever makes them feel happy. It’s just not something I’ve ever wanted to do.
What’s your least favorite part of wearing makeup?
The worst part is eyelashes that are heavy. Sometimes makeup artists will put like three pairs on me for photo shoots, and they’re so heavy. By the end of the day, I just cannot wait to rip them off, and then I look at it, and there are like 50 of my real eyelashes on it. I’m like, “Dope, thanks, I just ripped off half my eyelashes.”
What is the best beauty advice that you’ve gotten?
The best was from my mom from when I was a teenager. My friends used to always lay out in the sun, and my mom would be like, “Don’t do that. You’re going to ruin your skin.” I listened to her and I’m so glad I did.
Do you feel like you have a theme song? Like if you walked into a room and a song always had to play, what would it be?
“Stars Are Blind.” Every time I go to like clubs or parties, they always play it when I’m walking in the room, and I love that.
What are your favorite catch phrases now?
I still say “loves it” and “that’s hot,” but “hungry tiger” and “beyond” are my newer ones.
Do you still “sanasa”?
Yeah! I still do it. People always come up to me on the street and say “sanasa” and then we’ll do it together.
You’ve sometimes been called a diva, but I have never once seen you be rude to anyone.
That was definitely the way that we were raised by my mom. She always taught us to be polite. We had the best manners, so I’ve kept them.
How do you make sure someone’s not using you to get famous?
Over the years I have definitely figured out all the signs of a hungry tiger. I can mostly tell when there are paparazzi and I can see the way a person like that reacts. Also, being in this business for so long it’s pretty obvious what people’s intentions are.
Are you a confronter or will you just get out of the way?
I am not a confronter at all. That’s something I need to work on. I’m actually very shy when it comes to that. I’ve never been someone who loves confrontation at all.
What’s the best revenge?
I don’t believe in revenge but I do think the best revenge is massive success.
What are things that people would be surprised to know that you?
I am a huge tomboy and daredevil. I used to be on the ice hockey team and I love going skydiving and do it all the time. I’m also a huge undercover tech geek. I am obsessed with anything to do with technology and gadgets.
You’re the girl who has everything, but what do you like to do to treat yourself?
Since I have such a busy life with little free time, when I do have time off my favorite thing is to go to the spa so I can relax with facials and massages.
If you were a dog, what kind would you be and what would your name be?
If I were a dog, I’d be a blonde tea cup Pomeranian named Princess.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
Ryder Strong from “Boy Meets World.” I thought he was so hot.
Now let’s talk about Paris for President — what would be on your docket for the first day if you were the one who was about to be headed to the White House?
The first thing I would do if I were President would be to throw a party for all the world leaders, in order to work toward world peace. Then, I would paint the white house pink.
What’s one thing you would NEVER leave the house without?
The one thing I would never leave the house without is my iPhone.
Have you ever used an online dating site?
No, I never have. I would be too scared of stalkers. I’ve heard some crazy stories from my friends!
Do you have a favorite mystical creature?
Unicorns. I’m obsessed; I want one. I always have loved them since I was a little girl. I would love one as a pet. I have every other animal. That would be fun.
Do you regret all the time you spent partying when you were younger?
What’s great about my business is during the day I am a business woman and at night I am my alter ego DJing for my fans. I am very lucky that a part of my business is getting paid to go to and throw parties, so it works out perfectly. One of my mottos in life is work hard play hard.
Where’s the best city to party?
Best city in the world to party is in Ibiza and the place to go is my Foam and Diamonds party at Amnesia. There is no place like it.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I wish that I knew all that I know now back then. I would tell my teenage self to not be so trusting of others. Cause most people, especially in this town, don’t have true intentions.
Sparkl Fairy Couture top| Vida Kush choker
Bunny Holiday top | Juicy Couture pants | Vintage glasses
Express Vintage top | Vintage Rhinestone top | Vintage shoes
Colin LoCascio dress | Moschino backpack
Galore x Missguided dress | Vintage fur | Sparkl Fairy Couture necklace |Jamie Lee gloves
Haus of Pink Lemonade suit | Balmain jacket | Vintage choker
Sparkl Fairy Couture crown | The Blonds NY dress | Vintage fur | Vida Kush choker
Photography by Jason Al-Taan
Creative Direction by Prince + Jacob
Styling by Alexandra Mandelkorn
Hair by Larry McDaniel
Makeup by Etienne Ortega
Featuring Lime Crime Venus Eye Palette
Digitial Technician/Retoucher: Kyle Jackson
