Paris Hilton has achieved success many times. The reality TV star turned entrepreneur is the founder and CEO of 11:11 Media, a global entertainment company that aims to be the “next Disney” by combining her passions for music, beauty, fashion, and philanthropy.
However, people did not always believe in her business knowledge.
“For a long time, I felt like people had an idea of me that didn’t reflect the real me,” Hilton told CNBC Make It in an email after attending the American Express Leadership Academy. “Early in my career, I was huddled with the character I created on The Simple Life, but behind the scenes I was focused on building my brand.”
Now a multihyphenate and CNBC changemaker, she says she has been able to “reclaim my story” through career accomplishments such as starting her company in 2021 and using her platform to advocate for children in what is known as the “troubled teen industry.”
“I’ve learned that the best way to overcome underestimation is to let your work speak for itself and show itself as it is,” Hilton said.
The businessman said that in addition to passion and creativity, an important characteristic of the people he decided to work with was honesty. “And kindness is a non-negotiable for me,” Hilton added. “It shows people’s true character, and I want my brand and everyone it represents to lead with kindness.”
Authenticity also guides her philanthropy. “Every cause I champion comes from my lived experience, and I will never fight for something I don’t truly believe in,” she said.
In recent years, Hilton has used the spotlight to advocate for children harmed by America’s child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and health care systems. Last year, she appeared before Congress and helped pass the bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act.
Hilton encouraged other young entrepreneurs to meaningfully incorporate philanthropy into their work. “Impact shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be part of the mission from the beginning,” Hilton said, adding that her company’s second hire was Rebecca Groene, head of impact at 11:11 Media.
“I also want to encourage young entrepreneurs to think creatively about their impact and really listen to the communities they want to serve,” Hilton said. “If you have the platform and influence, you can inspire your audience to take action with you, and that is a powerful way to create lasting change.”
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