PARIS HILTON is a do-it-yourself kind of girl, and the active heiress tells ET’s own JANN CARL that there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to who she is.

“I’m a lot different than what people say,” she says. “I have a really big heart, I have a good soul, I’m spiritual, I love children, I love animals, I’m getting involved in a lot of charity work…

“I’m just a sweet normal person. I love to read, I love to cook and write, just lay on the beach, play with my animals, go see movies. I like bowling, I just like doing normal things. I cook really great French toast and really amazing lasagna. I can cook anything, but those are like my two specialties. It’s just fun to, like, have a home-cooked meal and do it yourself.”

Of course, Paris is a serious entrepreneur, and with all of her new projects, like her new venture into fashion designing, the reality TV star is keeping busy.

“I have been working very hard — I’m 26 years old now and started Paris Hilton Entertainment and my clothing line, which I’m actually wearing right now,” she says. “I do jeans, I do sportswear, we’re going to do shoes, purses” — she also says that she’s working on a new fragrance and her second book.

And then there’s those fun and famous hair extensions, which she’s turned into another opportunity called DreamCatchers.

“Before I started wearing DreamCatchers, my hair was kind of getting damaged,” she explains, “but ever since I have worn my new extension line, my hair has been growing. It’s just like there’s no glue, there’s no wax, there’s no damage, and that’s different than any other extension I’ve seen.”

Paris also says that while it may take up six hours or more at some places to put in hair extensions, DreamCatchers takes only about two to two-and-a-half hours.

“It’s really quick,” she says. “It’s a lot of fun, because you can just change your hairstyle all the time.”

With all of her business endeavors, Paris is living a dream come true: “It’s exciting — this has been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl — I’m fashion designing, I have my own doggie line coming out and just being an entrepreneur at such a young age. My grandpa, my dad, my mom, everyone is so proud of me, so it feels really good to accomplish so much so young.”

So, is there any time for love? “I enjoy being single, just getting to know myself, and hanging out with my sister and my girlfriends,” says Paris. “I know there is someone out there; I guess I haven’t found him yet.”

“Simple Life” pal NICOLE RICHIE seems to have found her bliss, though, and Paris gives us an update: “She’s really happy. [Her boyfriend, rocker JOEL MADDEN is] a really sweet guy, and I’m just really happy for her. I have never seen her this, like, in love, and he’s crazy about her. They just make a really beautiful couple.”

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