FROM CELEBUTANT TO EMPIRE BUILDER: PARIS HILTON - THE EPITOME OF “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME”

One might think that the world of Paris Hilton is in a different universe than the world where AMBITION students live. That would be a mistake.

Ask any AMBITION student what they think of Paris Hilton’s new documentary, This Is Paris. “It’s her version of ‘YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME!’” is the enthusiastic response.

A modern day, Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover, “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME” unites brave and powerful voices to inspire deep and meaningful conversation.

Paris Hilton is a great example of drive and determination for the AMBITION students. She is brave. She is successful. She is telling her story from a place of power, not pity. She is living proof that being bold, courageous and vocal allows us to be ourselves. While she is rich, beautiful and leads a glamourous, luxurious lifestyle, she exemplifies why it is always a mistake to judge a book by its cover. While she has grown up in the public eye, she has – for the most part – been in charge of what has been seen. Behind the carefully created façade is a highly intelligent, complex woman with an unflappable work ethic and a loving and generous heart.

Amy, a college-bound AMBITION student, shared with her classmates that she has always loved and followed Hilton. Why? They asked.

“Along with being a great example of ‘YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME,’ she is such a successful and creative entrepreneur and a brilliant businesswoman! She is incredible at marketing and she gives so much to charity. And she is a great actress.”

“A great actress? But she only plays herself! She does reality shows,” said her classmates – along with a few mentors.

“I don’t think so,” said Amy. “I think she plays a character that she made up.”

Indeed, that is one of the facts explored in her documentary. Hilton understood marketing and branding and created the product that the public wanted.

Amy continued, “She really is the original influencer! Everything that is happening now is a result of what Paris figured out way back when! From This Is Paris we now know that she is a survivor of abuse and trauma. I honestly respect her so much for sharing her story. It really helps all of us who have trauma we are too afraid to share.”

Amy did her research and confirmed that Hilton has launched 27 fragrances, along with countless other business interests. She also supports 26 charities and 24 causes. Plus, as one of the original “famous for being famous” icons, she led the way for the Kardashians and other influencers and reality TV sensations who followed.

Another thing that Amy loves about Hilton is that “the haters never seemed to get her down.” The class agreed that we all make mistakes and do things that later we wish we didn’t – but the healthy thing is to not dwell on them and move on. (These students have not bought into cancel culture.)

Knowing Amy would be thrilled, before the release of This is Paris, Nancy Gale – the founder of AMBITION – let her in on a little secret. One of her friends, who happens to be a loyal and steadfast guest and supporter of AMBITION, is Carter Reum, AKA Hilton’s BF. Amy lost it! Amy felt a real connection to Hilton. Because she knew that the upcoming YouTube Originals documentary promised to reveal Hilton’s past traumas, Amy wanted to support her by sharing her own “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME,” for the first time.

Knowing the potential impact, Reum made sure that Amy’s letter, video and some “YOU DON’T KNOW [SHIT] ABOUT ME” t-shirts were delivered to Ms. Hilton. This was by no means the first time that Reum has gone above and beyond for the AMBITION students!

Amy’s letter was a transcription of the video she made for Paris:

Hi Paris!

My name is Amy and I am a recent AMBITION graduate.

To start with, I want to thank Carter for his longtime support of AMBITION and for bringing this video to you.

I have been a fan of yours since I first learned about you. Of course, I was enthralled by your beauty and glamourous life, but I also saw how you made your own choices and followed your own path.

I love how you push through judgement and you aren’t afraid to say what you think or believe. And I love how you don’t take yourself too seriously. Plus, you always seem to be having fun!

Although we come from very different worlds, I feel that we have a lot in common when it comes to the important things – like not letting where we come from determine where we are going. I am preparing for college --- the first in my family --- and I am determined to choose the path that is best for me. You have inspired me with the courage to believe that I can do that.

In AMBITION we work on entrepreneurial projects – that is another thing that inspires me about you.  Your fragrances, your makeup, your skincare, Sliving, your book, your TV show… how you have branded and marketed yourself and your products is amazing!

As you prepare to share your story with the world in This Is Paris, and because you are such an inspiration, not only to me, but to so many, I want to return the favor.

I hope I can inspire you by sharing something about myself in what AMBITION calls a “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME.”

A reminder that what you see is NOT necessarily what you get, “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME” is a candid platform that uses a power-not-pity, unapologetic approach to give voice to our challenges, secrets and successes. It teaches us that talking about the events in our lives - especially the painful ones – from a position of power and ownership, inspires leadership instead of victimhood.

So here goes:
“My name is Amy and YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME. When I was a child – and needed her most - my biological mom went to jail for selling and transporting drugs. She did this so she could afford to put a roof over my head and food on my table. When she was sent away, my aunts and grandma took care of me.”

We sent a little something to Carter for you and if you’re so inclined, perhaps you can do a “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME” of your own!”

Good luck with This Is Paris. I am cheering for you!

With love and gratitude.
Amy & Team AMBITION

Of course, Amy hoped for a response, but understood that might not happen, given how busy Hilton was getting ready for her documentary. Still, she was thrilled to be able to have her message delivered to her icon and knew that she would always be better for pushing beyond her comfort zone.

Not too many days later Amy was surprised to receive a beautiful video message from Paris:

“Hey Amy, it’s Paris. Just wanted to say thank you so much for your beautiful message. I loved your letter, I loved your video. Thank you for the t-shirts, I can’t wait to rock them. I just wanted to send you so much love and just want to say thank you so much.”

Watch the beautiful exchange between Paris and Amy here.

It’s a small world and we are all connected. No matter who you are, there is something liberating and empowering about telling your story from a position of strength. Sharing and encouraging others to do so is a great way to build bridges, overcome our differences and build a stronger tomorrow.

Initiating these conversations - anytime anywhere - is an effective way of confronting expectations, getting beneath the surface, overcoming stereotypes, finding out what we have in common and breaking down barriers.

Thank you, Paris, for sharing your “YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME” with the world by way of This Is Paris, and for encouraging our youth to speak up and speak out.

And thank you for showing the AMBITION students that their dreams can come true. We wish you great happiness and success in your next chapter.