Anthony Williams, a UA alumnus and former contestant on the Lifetime series “Project Runway,” offered his advice to a room of 65 students and faculty during a presentation Thursday afternoon.

“If you sit at tables where you are always the smartest or most talented person, you are sitting at the wrong tables,” Williams said. “Growth is the most important characteristic of life.”

Williams, a graduate of the University’s apparel design program, owns the Atlanta-based clothing design company Tony Kennedy, LLC. He is the 2011 recipient of the University’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Williams was honored in a ceremony Thursday night in the North Zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“Anthony exemplifies what the University of Alabama can do for students,” said Milla Boschung, dean of the College of Human Environmental Sciences.

“Anthony developed the total package here,” she said. “He not only is a fabulous designer, but he was mentored to interview and to have the presence to develop relationships.”

Williams placed fifth out of 16 on “Project Runway” and is currently working on a new reality show with VH1 called “Single Ladies.” Additionally, Heidi Klum modeled a dress he designed on the cover of the April 2010 edition of Marie Claire. He also designed Gov. Robert Bentley’s wife’s gown for the inaugural ball. Williams said he was excited to work with her.

“It was weird watching us become close in the process,” he said. “Working for her became very personal for me.”

Reflecting on the beginnings and current management of his freelance design company, Williams suggested an ethos of hard work for those entering the world of entrepreneurship.

“If you do not come to work and sell and cultivate relationships, you will be poor,” he said. “Make no mistake about it. I will not want to be your friend because I will probably have to buy lunch every day.”

The charismatic speaker was raised in Birmingham and said he used to design Easter dresses for his sister.

“Growing up I knew I did not live in the most beautiful place, but God gave me the talent to make things beautiful,” he said.

Williams currently travels working as the fashion director for Macy’s. He told the young entrepreneurs that their excitement should derive from their gifts that they use in their career.

“Whatever your gift is, it should come through you naturally and authentically,” he said.

Williams touched on the challenges and rewards of starting a business.

“If it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make sense,” he said. “And in the real world, if there is no money, you have no opinion.”