Jessica Alba reveals her business strategy: ‘I wanted to be treated like a guy’

WITH a company worth a tidy $2.4 billion, Jessica Alba is more than just a pretty face. And now she’s revealed the strategy that led to her success.

WITH a business worth an incredible $2.4 billion, Jessica Alba is more than just a pretty face.

The actress and co-founder of The Honest Company might just be Hollywood’s biggest multi-tasker. In addition to running her own company, starring in three upcoming films and raising her two daughters, the 34-year-old finds the time for photo shoots and interviews.

The Fantastic Four star has now posed for Self magazine, looking flawless on the cover of the mag’s beach-themed October issue. But her comments about how she successfully made the transition from screen siren to business mogul are the most intriguing.

“I’ve always been business-minded. I approached Hollywood like a business,” Alba told Self. “I was very calculated. I wanted to be treated like a guy; I wanted to put asses in seats.

Jessica Alba is married to Cash Warren. The pair have two daughters together. Picture: Gilles Bensimon for Self

“I saved my money, invested wisely and marketed myself. I’ve been building my own personal brand over time.”

In just three and a half years, Alba transformed her line of eco-friendly personal care products into a billion-dollar business empire. The Honest Company range now includes more than 120 products, including household cleaners, toothpaste, vitamins and nappies, all formulated without toxic chemicals.

Not bad for a company that was created out of necessity — while pregnant with her eldest daughter Honor, 7, Alba broke out in a rash after using a brand name baby detergent.

“I was horrified by the realities around the use of chemicals, and also the link that these chemicals have to a lot of illnesses, from obesity to lung disease to cancer, allergies, eczema — all of it,” she explained. “I was bringing this little person into the world and I thought, ‘I want her to be healthy.’”

The the super successful star admits she battled self-doubt in the past. “For a long time, I didn’t think I was smart. I felt like an impostor,” she revealed. “It’s not until you feel whole in yourself that you fit in anywhere. And it took me becoming a mom to actually feel that way.”

Jessica Alba for Self Magazine. Picture: Gilles Bensimon for Self

Jessica Alba for Self Magazine cover. Picture: Gilles Bensimon for Self

So, how does she fit it all in? Alba shared her morning fitness and beauty routine with Self in a video, admitting that fitting in exercise is not always easy.

“I’m going to be straight with you guys, I don’t like working out,” she said in the clip.

Phew, she is human, after all.