In a recent interview with People magazine, Paula Deen said she hopes her new business venture will help her restore her personal reputation and reclaim her once lucrative brand.

"I'm fighting to get my name back," she told People for its March 10 cover story.

Last summer, Deen lost her Food Network contract and major endorsement deals after she admitted in a leaked deposition that she had used the N-word "a very long time" ago and planned to host a "Southern plantation-styled" wedding, featuring African-American servants, reports Time.

The disgraced celebrity cook, known for her Southern dishes, later apologized through a series of YouTube videos and during an appearance on NBC's "Today." However, the 67-year-old "Queen of Butter" said she was stung by the backlash she received from the public. She also admitted that she hit her lowest point and struggled just to get out of bed on some days.

"When I woke up each morning, it was like my world was crashing down again," she reveals.

"I used to have dreams that I lost everything. And when it finally happens, you think, 'I'm still alive,'" she added.

Now, nine months later, Deen is hoping for a fresh start. She recently announced that she has a new company called Paula Deen Ventures, which includes Paula Deen Foods and Paula Deen Media, and that she has received an investment between $75 million and $100 million from Najari Companies, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The issue of People magazine featuring Paula Deen's full interview will hit newsstands on Friday, Feb. 28.