Bankrate: You were ahead of your time in developing your own corporation and brand. How did a star-struck kid become a savvy businesswoman?

Diahann Carroll: I don't know that I did, a fair businesswoman, maybe. I think the early days of someone trying to direct me in a more mature direction so that I could be aware of my own company and how to manage my company (were with) Harry Belafonte. I think he was the first person to ask those questions and give me some of the answers.