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Los Angeles - Paris Hilton says she is not just a "dumb blonde".
Although people often expect the socialite to be ditzy, she says they are pleasantly surprised when they hear her talk about her business empire.
She told Galore magazine: "If someone hasn't met me yet, they automatically have their misconceptions about me. As soon as I am in a board room in front of them talking about my business, they immediately know I'm not the dumb blonde they thought I was."
Paris, 35, also revealed that she is "flattered" when people call her an icon.
She said: "I've been called that by people and I found it very flattering but I've never used it to describe myself...It makes me happy to be an inspiration to people. I am all about girl power and women being fierce and independent. So, it's nice to see women following my lead and doing things on their own instead of just depending on a man."
And the blonde beauty feels she has a good idea of who is using her for her fame and who genuinely wants to spend time with her.
She added: "Over the years I have definitely figured out all the signs of a hungry tiger. I can mostly tell when there are paparazzi and I can see the way a person like that reacts.
"Also, being in this business for so long it's pretty obvious what people's intentions are."
The star also spoke about cosmetic surgery and although she is pleased with herself for never having any work done, she doesn't "judge" others who have opted to go under the knife.
She said: "Yes, I'm very proud that I am all natural and have never had anything done. I am very happy with myself. But I don't judge others. People should do whatever makes them feel happy. It's just not something I've ever wanted to do."
