Julie Macklowe is accustomed to having a lot on her plate. The 35-year-old is a former hedge fund manager and a regular on the New York social scene. But she's left that life behind to create Vbeauté, a vegan, paraben-free and fragrance-free skincare line.

Launched in 2010, Vbeauté is currently in 30 stores throughout the United States. Macklowe visits Soft Surroundings in Southlake July 18 to launch her line in-store.

Macklowe has been recognized for her zeal and fashion sense in a variety of publications — including Vogue (she was named "It Girl" in 2008), Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and Forbes. If you can't make it out to meet Macklowe, here's a little insight into her radiant life and a few of her favorite things:

CultureMap: There were quite a few Texans at the American Friends of the Louvre fundraiser in Paris. What did you think of the event?

Julie Macklowe: It was the best time ever! Who doesn't love a black-tie event at the Louvre? And those Texans party like rock stars!

CM: What's the key to starting your own business?

JM: Perseverance and being open to allowing the business model to evolve. It is also important to build a great team that believes in the company, its culture and vision, and is engaged in seeing the business succeed.

CM: You told Marie Claire and Vogue that you were your own guinea pig, sometimes testing out products more than 50 times. How did you get through that?

JM: With a good dermatologist and a lot of break-outs. It wasn't super fun, but there's that adage, "If you want something done right, you better do it yourself." The products are amazing, so it was worth the effort.

CM: What's the most important step in having radiant skin?

JM: Following a consistent daily routine and trying to avoid wearing heavy foundation and powder, which usually clogs pores. And, of course, one should always wear a daily SPF, like Vbeauté Day Job, which is 20 percent zinc oxide, mineral SPF. Day Job does not contain chemical sun filters and ... doesn't clog pores yet gives UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection.

CM: What's in your purse?

JM: Vbeauté Lip Spread Tinting Gloss, Vbeauté Eye Never travel-size eye cream, Vbeauté Day Job SPF, iPhone, sunglasses, my wallet and a bottle of water.

CM: Your current read?

JM: Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

CM: Favorite fashion designer?

JM: There are too many to pick just one, but I love Zang Toi, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, Matthew Williamson, and Rag and Bone.

CM: Favorite travel destination?

JM: Paris

CM: What's the next move for Julie Macklowe?

JM: Make Vbeauté into a household name for having the best Swiss botanical anti-age skincare that now all women can afford.

Julie Macklowe is founder of Vbeauté skincare.

Photo by Ben Fink Shapiro

Julie Macklowe is founder of Vbeauté skincare.