AceShowbiz - After the youngest of her two daughters, Grier Henchy, left home for college, Brooke Shields shared her thoughts on the "nepo baby" phenomenon, a term used to describe celebrities perceived as benefiting from their parents' fame.

Grier, an 18-year-old model signed with Tommy Hilfiger, expresses discomfort with the label. "People have referred to me by that term a bajillion times," she says. "It hurts my feelings." While she acknowledges the advantages of having a model mother, she emphasizes that her success is based on her own abilities.

"Having a famous mom can only get you so far," Grier states. "If I sucked at my job, I'd be fired." Her sister Rowan, 21, adds, "You have to be good at what you're doing to keep the job."

Despite the criticism, Grier and Rowan have inherited their mother's strong work ethic. "In a weird way, I think it makes them work harder," Brooke says. "I tell Grier, 'It's going to be uncomfortable, you're going to be tired. You arrive early and leave after everybody, and that means something.'"

Brooke, who has been a model since she was 11 months old, emphasizes the importance of perseverance. "I will say to Grier, 'There's going to be dismissiveness or discomfort in what you're wearing, and that's just the way it goes.' "

Both Grier and Rowan are pursuing their own unique paths. Grier is attending Wake Forest University as a freshman, while Rowan, a college senior, interned at Good Morning America.

Despite being "empty nesters," Brooke and her husband Chris Henchy remain supportive of their daughters' endeavors. Brooke has launched Commence, LINK, a hair care line for women over forty, while Chris continues to act as a creative director and executive producer.

The family's story highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by children of celebrities, who must navigate the public's scrutiny while forging their own identities.