Known for her flawless body, impeccable dancing skills, and social activism, actress Jessica Alba can now add entrepreneur to her resume. A self-proclaimed health advocate, Alba used her celebrity platform to draw attention to her company, the Honest Company. After an allergic reaction to laundry detergent, Alba recognized there was a void that needed to be filled in the lack of healthy alternatives for baby shampoo, household cleaners, and diapers. The Honest Company began as an e-commerce entity and continues to flourish with current distribution in Costco, Nordstrom, Whole Foods, and Buy Buy Baby, Honest Company and an evaluation of nearly $1 billion. The Honest Company provides various safe, eco-friendly essential products from diapers, bath and body, cleaning, and everything baby.
Alba has become so committed and focused on the Honest Company that she often finds herself talking about her company on red carpets rather than promoting her movies. Alba’s duality of actress and entrepreneur demonstrate that businessman can pursue multiple opportunities. Rather than simply promote a fragrance or other beauty product like other celebrity actresses, Alba used her frustration with toxic chemicals in baby products and other household products to create her own line of safer products for children and families. Alba admits that many of her entertainment advisers were initially hesitant about her new business venture. However, Alba’s fortitude and determination to see her ideas become a reality led to her continued research, investment of her own money, and refining of her business model. Alba realizes that the Honest Company, which represents authenticity, savvy style, and social responsibility truly reflects who she is as a person. Alba’s advice for other young entrepreneurs:
- “Understand the marketplace for your business—it’s key.
- Have realistic business expectations and come to terms with the fact that it may be too much of a lofty dream and tailor your business plan appropriately.
- Stick to your guns—if someone can persuade you to depart from your idea, it’s a sign that the business might not be the right fit for you.”
Trajectivity: Transition Transform Transend 