^{Source: The Sun}

From Pop Culture Icon to Business Visionary

Once known as the queen of early 2000s reality TV, Paris Hilton is proving she’s more than just a socialite. At 44, Hilton has transformed herself into a savvy entrepreneur and media mogul—now aiming to build what she boldly calls “the next Disney.”

“I see 11:11 Media the way Bob Iger sees Disney,” Hilton shared during CNBC’s 2025 Changemakers Summit in Los Angeles. “It’s not just a brand; it’s a lifestyle, a universe, a movement. We’re building an ecosystem that blends entertainment, commerce, tech, and community.”

Founded in 2021, Hilton’s media company, 11:11 Media, is a global, multi-platform entertainment empire that spans music, television, books, consumer products, digital worlds, and more. It already has over 50+ projects in development and partnerships with major platforms like Netflix, Peacock, and Roblox.

A Diverse Portfolio: From TV Shows to Tech

What sets 11:11 Media apart is its versatility and future-forward focus. Hilton has launched a skincare line, starred in a Netflix cooking show, reunited with Nicole Richie for an encore of The Simple Life on Peacock, and is developing an animated kids show and a true crime podcast.

She's also making waves in the tech world. In 2021, Hilton debuted “Paris World” on Roblox, attracting over 500,000 users in its first week, and continues to experiment in the metaverse, NFTs, and other emerging digital spaces.

“I’m a secret tech nerd,” she admits. “I have ADHD, but I see it as my superpower—it lets me pursue all my passions without limits.”

Business in Her Blood, But Success on Her Terms

Hilton isn’t riding on her family’s hotel fortune—she’s building something of her own. Her great-grandfather Conrad Hilton founded Hilton Hotels, but Paris has always wanted to carve out a separate legacy.

“People knew me as ‘the Hilton heiress,’ but I wanted to be known for what I created,” she said. “Business runs in my blood, but vision comes from within.”

Her drive comes, in part, from adversity. At age 17, she was sent to Provo Canyon School, a youth treatment facility in Utah, where she says she endured emotional and physical abuse. That trauma became fuel.

“When I was there, I promised myself I’d become so successful that no one would ever be able to control me again,” she said at the summit. “That became my mission.”

Turning Trauma into Purpose

Hilton’s story isn’t just about business—it’s also about advocacy. In 2020, her YouTube documentary This Is Paris revealed her traumatic boarding school experience. Since then, Hilton has emerged as a fierce advocate for reform in the child welfare and education system.

She helped pass the bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act in 2023, and her efforts have influenced 10+ states to enact legislation aimed at reforming residential treatment centers.

“It was terrifying to tell the world what I went through,” Hilton said. “But turning my pain into a purpose has been the most healing experience of my life.”

She credits filmmaker Alexandra Dean, who directed her documentary, for giving her the courage to speak out.

Building a Legacy That Lasts

Hilton’s empire is growing fast:

• 11:11 Media has partnerships with brands like Sonic, Crocs, and Warner Bros.
• Her social media presence spans over 70 million followers across platforms.
• She’s consistently ranked among the top 5 highest-paid female DJs, earning over $1 million per set in Ibiza and Las Vegas.
• She’s launched over 20 product lines in beauty, fragrance, and fashion—with lifetime revenue exceeding $4 billion.

“I’ve never wanted to stay in one box,” she said. “Whether it’s media, tech, or advocacy—I just do what I love.”

The Future of 11:11 Media

Looking ahead, Hilton plans to scale 11:11 Media with more family-friendly content, immersive experiences in virtual worlds, and a deeper push into children’s entertainment. “We’re just getting started,” she says. “The next generation deserves heroes who stand for more—and I’m building a universe that delivers just that.”

With grit, vision, and authenticity, Paris Hilton isn’t just reinventing herself—she’s setting a blueprint for future founders. The Disney comparison may seem bold, but if anyone can turn a glamorous spotlight into a legacy empire, it might just be Paris Hilton.

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