Paris Hilton's life lessons

Paris Hilton says her "crazy 20s" have made her strong through the "life lessons" they taught her.

The heiress celebrated turning 30 yesterday (17.02.11) and reflected on the last decade, saying she is grateful for her ups and downs - which have included winning over the US by starring in reality TV show 'The Simple Life' and launching a number of successful business ventures, but also starring in a leaked sex tape, launching a short-lived career as a pop singer and being sent to jail for driving offences - as they have taught her a lot.

She told E! News: "I've had a crazy 20s. I feel like I've really lived life and I've learned so much. Everything happens for a reason. I've had so many life lessons, it's made me the person I am today and I'm very strong."

Paris lists her greatest achievement so far as the success of the brand she has built up around herself, which has seen her launch ventures including a perfume line, shoes, and hair extensions, and lend her name to a number of different products, including a chain of nightclubs and a canned wine drink.

She added: "The thing I feel most accomplished about is the brand that I've built. I have 17 different product lines."

The heiress - who is currently dating nightclub mogul Cy Waits, who reportedly bought her a bright yellow Lexus LFA sports car for her birthday - celebrated turning the landmark age earlier this week with a 1920s-themed party, and was out again in New York to celebrate her actual birthday yesterday.

She tweeted: "Had an amazing birthday dinner at Asellina restaurant at the Gansevoort Park Hotel. The food was delicious!"

She later updated her page to say she had headed to trendy nightspot Lavo.