Embracing the Legacy: What It Means to Be the “Black Paris Hilton”
When you hear the name “Paris Hilton,” certain images come to mind: glamour, maybe a little scandal, and a definite, effortless ability to stay relevant in the public eye. But what happens when you take that essence and reimagine it through the lens of a Black woman carving out her own lane? What does it mean to be the Black Paris Hilton in today’s world, especially as a brand?
It’s about so much more than glamour and fame—it’s about rewriting the narrative, breaking stereotypes, and defining success on your own terms.
Defying Expectations
For decades, Paris Hilton has been an icon of unapologetic luxury and confidence. But to embrace the idea of the Black Paris Hilton is to understand the significance of embodying that same level of unapologetic confidence while breaking free from the limited roles society often places on Black women. It’s about taking ownership of your identity, your brand, and your narrative, and doing so with a level of grace and power that challenges the world’s expectations.
This isn’t about imitating someone else’s life—it’s about amplifying your own. For me, it’s about owning space in a world that hasn’t always made room for me, and doing it with the flair and finesse of someone who knows exactly what Mrs. Hilton brings to the table.
Owning the Intersection of Luxury and Hustle
The Black Paris Hilton embodies both luxury and hustle in ways that are nuanced and deeply personal. It’s easy to see the surface—luxurious clothes, fabulous trips, glamorous parties. But beneath that is a work ethic, a drive, and an ambition that often goes unseen. I want to be a powerhouse, a brand strategist, and a visionary who understands that success isn’t just about looking good—it’s about building something that lasts.
This means leaning into the complexity of being both a mogul and a woman of color navigating spaces that weren’t always designed for you. It’s about knowing how to switch gears effortlessly - from the boardroom to the bar - while maintaining your authenticity and your values. Luxury for you isn’t just about material success; it’s about building generational wealth, creating opportunities for others, and most importantly leaving a legacy of impact.
Being Underestimated for Your Looks and Girly Nature
One of the most powerful aspects of embodying Paris Hilton is embracing and owning the way you present yourself - even when others underestimate you because of it. In a world that often associates power with seriousness or masculinity, being girly can be seen as a weakness. Add being a woman of color into the mix, and the odds of being underestimated multiply.
But being girly - whether it’s in the way you dress, speak, or carry yourself - isn’t a flaw. In fact, it’s a tool of empowerment. Paris Hilton teaches us that femininity and power are not mutually exclusive. You can be glamorous, love fashion, and enjoy your feminine side while being sharp, strategic, and a force to be reckoned with in the boardroom.
And the there’s my favorite hidden advantage. When people assume you’re only about style and fluff, they never see you coming! Use their underestimation to your benefit, proving time and again that you are more than meets the eye. I thrive on turning those assumptions upside down, showing that it’s possible to have beauty, brains, and business savvy in equal measure. Paris Hilton does this with her baby voice and pink branding, but let’s get real - the woman has put out an award-winning book, movie, and has even pushed to getting laws changed. Embracing your girly side is about standing firm in your femininity while making it clear that style doesn’t mean softness and glam doesn’t mean lack of grit. You can bring both a polished appearance and sharp decision-making skills to the table—and that’s where your real power lies.
A Role Model for Ambition, Power, and Overcoming ADHD
Paris Hilton has also recently come out during ADHD awareness month as a person who lives with ADHD. She says it’s her superpower and wrote the song ADHD to capture the experience of being diagnosed as an adult. I was diagnosed in the fourth grade and spent most of my life hiding this fact in shame. Having a role model for young women who dream of living big but sometimes feel the weight of society’s expectations it’s so important for representation. She serves as proof that you don’t have to choose between luxury and hard work, between love and ambition, or between being seen and being taken seriously, but that she is someone who has a superpower to take all of it on.
What makes this journey even more powerful is overcoming struggles with ADHD, much like Paris Hilton herself. Living with ADHD can sometimes feel like a challenge - like she says in the song, “Sometimes I wanna crumble, sometimes I’m gonna stumble.” Whether it’s staying organized, focusing on long-term goals, or managing the overwhelm that comes with juggling multiple responsibilities. But instead of viewing it as a barrier, you can transform it into a unique advantage. ADHD allows you to see the world through a creative, dynamic lens, and that energy fuels your ambition and boldness.
It’s a story of resilience—showing that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing your differences and finding ways to thrive. She sings, triumphantly in the chorus “Now look at me, I’m the best I can be. I was so down, thought I’d never be free. My superpower was right inside. See, it was ADHD.”
By being open about ADHD, it is important to me because I want to show others that struggles don’t define you, but how you rise above them does. You can be unapologetically powerful and accomplished, while also navigating your own challenges with grace and determination. You can have it all, but it’s up to you to define what “all” looks like. Just like Paris, set a new standard, not just for what it means to be successful. I specifically want to be that for how we view Black women who thrive while managing their own personal struggles, showing the world that brilliance and strength come in many forms.
But at the core of the Paris Hilton brand is the idea of legacy. It’s not just about creating wealth and fame for yourself; it’s about using your platform to inspire others, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impact. Whether that’s through philanthropy, mentorship, or simply showing up as your most authentic self, we are are shaping the future in a way that only each of us can. For me being the “Black Paris Hilton” started as a silly joke, but it is about more than just being a name—it’s about becoming a movement. It’s about challenging the status quo, taking ownership of your story, and showing the world that Black women can and will continue to dominate in every space.
So, what does it mean to be the Black Paris Hilton? It means living life with boldness, style, and purpose. It means taking risks, staying true to yourself, and building a legacy that goes far beyond the surface. It’s about standing tall in your power—and inspiring the world to do the same.
