$12 million and counting...

 While everyone else on The Hills was partying like rock stars and gossiping on their hungover days, Lauren Conrad was building an empire. Sure, a lot of characters from the show became famous for a while and jump started their career after The Hills. However, for many of them, their 15 minutes of fame are over. Lauren was the only one who was able to keep her head out of all the drama, plastic surgery and hardcore drugs to see the business opportunities at hand. She used her role on a hit TV show to launch her own clothing lines, series of books and websites to build her brand. It was so easy for her to get caught up in the ridiculousness of her LA lifestyle but we never did see her in a scandalous or inappropriate light. She stayed focused and kept her eye on the prize. Sure she went through some drama and although I don't approve of all her choices, she certainly is an inspiration to many girls out there on how to stay classy among the trashy and capitalize on a once in a lifetime opportunity.