Carson Kressley, Oprah launch a "make-better" show

Fashion guru Carson Kressley wears his heart on his neatly tailored, designer sleeve - and there's no need for alterations because he's a perfect  fit for Oprah's OWN network. On June 25 he launched "Carson Nation" on OWN.

Kressley is taking life lessons learned from Miss O on a quest to help people feel good about themselves and recognize their true potential. He travels across the country in his Winnebago to help deserving individuals with what he calls, "make-betters," not make-overs.

With TV inundated with make-over shows, Kressley insists "Carson Nation" isn't like the rest.

"These are real Americans dealing with real challenges," he tells CBSNews.com.

Whether they're dealing with an illness, economic setbacks or a partner is going to serve in Afghanistan, Kressley says these situations are what make the show "incredibly relatable."

"And I come in there and sprinkle a little of my fairy dust and try to make their lives a little better and help to make them feel better about themselves," he adds.

Growing up in the "all-American" suburb of Allentown, Pa.,  as a gay teen who had flair for fashion early on (if parachute pants and shaker knit sweaters count!) Kressley knows what it's like to feel out of place and be a victim of bullying. Yet, he also recognizes the power of transformation and finding peace and acceptance within oneself.

"I try in whatever show it is, to help people really celebrate who they are," he said. "We have this really amazing episode in Scottsdale, Ariz. where I work with a woman who transitioned from living as man to living as a woman. She was transgendered and that was something that was very near and dear to me because that is someone who isn't always embraced by their community. She's 62 years old and never had a dress and never walked in heels. I was able to help her become that person she always felt she was on the inside. It was a very special episode and one that I was really proud of."

So what's it like having Oprah as your boss?

You guessed it - it's life-changing! Besides being in the presence of her contagious, positive energy, Kressley points out, "The biggest thing that I have learned from Oprah is that people need to know you care..."People need to know they're worth it."

Audiences fell in love with Kressley as the zany and lovable fashion expert on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," the inspiring motivator in "How To Look Good Naked" and as a judge in search of "True Beauty" (from executive producers, Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks.

Kressley is also a philanthropist and a supporter of equality for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) community. A New York Times best-selling author, Kressley is the founding donor of the first college scholarship program for gay youth in his hometown of Allentown.

"Carson Nation" airs Saturdays at 10/9Cental on OWN.