Imagine looking out from your the stage at your college graduation, to see Oprah sitting there.

That's reality for a Milwaukee woman. Oprah Winfrey is her aunt. Our Carole Meekins talked exclusively with Alisha Hayes, Oprah's niece, about her path of success... in the shadow of a very successful aunt.

As Oprah inspires millions..a waukesha woman knows a different side because oprah winfrey is her aunt.

"You never saw Oprah as a big star you saw her as a fmily member when you were young..yes..you know...She was just Auntie O," Alisha Hayes recalls.

Alisha Hayes and her husband Tydus run Studio 51 in downtown Waukesha..

They record everything from weddings to local events.

Like Oprah, Alisha welcomed the chance to own a business. She told us independence is key. Another lesson learned from "Auntie O."

"Working hard..she always made it a point to remind us where she began...I had to start from here and work my way up and I expect for you to do the same," Alisha Hayes said.

And that's just what this dynamic duo is doing. They operate Studio 51 while working full time jobs.

Husband Tydus Hayes said it's hard work, but worth it. "You have to be disciplined you have to set a goal..and you have to try all that you can try...Sometimes I feel we give up a little too easy, you just have to stay through it and stick with it..and you can do anything you want to do."

And like her famous aunt, Alisha finds inner peace by lifting souls.

She's committed to the "Discovering Our Destiny" program, which teaches African American girls leadership skills.

"It's such a gratifying experience to see that you can make a difference in someone elses life," Alisha said.

Alisha knows young minds can be molded.. when younger, she learned an important lesson after asking Oprah for a car.

"She said no..and I was like all right I'm just going to get a job....and thats what I did. I went and paid my own car note..and I've always been that way," she told us. "She appreciates that too at the same time..she wants us to be very independent..that's her world and this is my world and I like it like that."

But Hayes admits she had to adjust to Oprah the star.

"Now unfortunately she's not as accessible as she used to be. She's a great support..once again she's always pushing me as well as my sister..to be the best that we can be..and she's all for working hard," Alisha explained the relationship between her and Oprah.

And Alisha and Tydus are determined to make their own mark.

Their stage may be smaller than Oprah's, but their committment and passion are just as strong.

"I say take a look at us. We're doing it. We're living example that you can do anything you want to if you just put your mind to it."