From successful movie actress to successful entrepreneur and all by age 34.
At last comfortable with identifying as an entrepreneur, Jessica Alba graces the cover of the latest issue of Forbes, but the road here wasn’t easy.
During her first pregnancy seven years ago, Alba contracted a rash on her arms after using a mainstream brand of baby detergent. After researching the harmful and toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing of popular American baby products, Alba created her own line of baby products and The Honest Company.
Opening up about becoming an entrepreneur at Forbes Women Summit today, Alba revealed the long and sexist road to success. The star revealed to Forbes, “people just saw me as this girl in a bikini in movies kicking butt – maybe I’m not the brightest bulb”.
“It took three and a half years of condescending nods and pats on the back of ‘good luck’ or ‘go back to endorsing things or go do a perfume.'”
Alba’s mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 23 and her grandmother died of stomach cancer. With illness in the family, toxic and harmful chemicals were not something she wanted to risk bringing into her household, especially around her children.
Growing up in a household on a budget, Alba knew how important it was to save financially. Her acting career helped fund the Honest brand and website, making as much money as she could at an early age through movies and endorsements.
Now three years after the initial launch, eco-friendly and non-toxic The Honest Company is valued at $1 billion.
Watch Jessica Alba take the stage at Forbes Women Summit.
Image via https://www.dailylife.com.au
