Nicky Hilton says being a fashion designer has helped give her a purpose in life.

The hotel heiress – and younger sister of wildchild Paris Hilton — is the head designer on two clothing lines. In 2006, the 25-year-old blonde launched Nicky Hilton Beverly Hills, which was followed by the introduction of Chick.

Nicky says she was determined to forge her own successful career without depending on her parents, Chuck and Kathy, or her famous surname.

“I’m following my dreams and doing what I love as a designer. I did not want to be one of those kids with a famous last name that doesn’t do anything. That is very unfulfilling to me and I’m very happy,” Nicky explains.

“These are clothes my friends and I could wear. This ain’t Prada. I don’t want to be one of those celebrities that slaps their name on a label and collects royalty checks. Everything on that runway reflects me.”