Peek into any beauty editor's medicine cabinet and chances are you'll find a row of understated green-and-yellow-labeled bottles from <a href=http://tataharperskincare.com/>Tata Harper Skincare</a>. The Colombian-born former industrial engineer launched the cultishly popular non-toxic line after her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer six years ago, and sources organic ingredients literally in her own backyard — a 1200-acre Vermont farm. We caught up with her just as autumn was on its way in the Champlain Valley.Typical workout: I started exercising when I was 13. I love to dance and do free weights and I always take time to meditate. It's important to eat well, juice, exercise, sleep well and find time to relax and decompress. Best insider tip: A nutritionist taught me how vital Vitamin D and other supplements are to having a healthy mind and body.Favorite healthy meal: Juices and sushi are hands-down my favorite healthy meal. I am a big fan of <a href=http://www.sushiofgari.com/ target=_blank>Sushi Gari</a> in New York City and for juices, there’s no better place than <a href=http://www.organicavenue.com/#section=deep>Organic Avenue</a>.Ultimate decadent meal: My most decadent meal to date came from <a href=http://www.axerestaurant.com/>AXE</a> in Venice Beach. I love that place. Biggest vice: Chocolate. I can’t live without it.What people would be surprised to find in her fridge: Frozen pizza. We are all obsessed with American Flat Bread, which is made locally.Best thing she's bartered for products: Artisanal cheeses ... so yummy. I love the one from <a href=http://www.scholtenfamilyfarm.com/ target=_blank>Scholten Family Farm</a> Latest obsession: My <a href=http://www.sonos.com/system/ target=_blank>SONOS</a> sound system.Favorite room in the house: A two-story screened porch that we recently added. It has amazing views of the Adirondacks and we get all the fresh air we need.What stresses her out: Any type of disorganization.What relaxes her: Dancing changes my mood completely. I’m from a town on the coast of Colombia where people dance all the time ... it makes you forget everything.Health heroes: Christy Turlington and Alice Waters are two women I admire greatly.What she's totally over: That's easy: synthetic chemicals in all products I use on a regular basis.Hope for her children: I hope that above all else, my children will be strong, confident and kind adults who will do many things to make this world a better place.If she had a time machine: I'd visit England in 1810. The dresses, the balls, the long carriage journeys .... Favorite thing about the fall: It's especially magical in Vermont. The colors of the changing leaves and the crisp fall air are always signs of time moving forward. We love typical fall traditions like apple picking and tractor rides, and I always look forward to cozy fall nights in front of the fire.Message she'd like to send to the world. (Only catch: It has to be 140 characters or less.) Stop polluting … yourself and the planet!

Q&A with Tata Harper

Furthermore is the authority on the high-performance life. Travel, taste, experience, achieve. Go Further. Want More.