Thank you for joining us throughout our #WomenCrushingIt campaign. We're so excited to close out March by interviewing a mother, entrepreneur and game changer, Jessica Alba! Jessica founded The Honest Beauty Company in 2012 to provide consumers with mission-driven, clean beauty products that are earth conscious. She’s also developed one of the most successful baby care product lines with the goal of making basic necessities available to all families.

Jessica was on the cover of Forbes “Self-Made Women” and has been listed in Fortune magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful Female Entrepreneurs. She’s a bestselling author and icon among women and mothers of today.

Not only has she taken on the beauty industry with the goal of providing clean products for all consumers, she’s done so with sustainability at the heart of her company. The Honest Beauty Company was awarded the Pioneer in Sustainability Award by the Sustainable Business Council of Los Angeles.

She cares about other mothers, the planet and using her platform to raise the voices of other women. We’re in awe of her success and drive. She’s crushing it as a woman in business and in every industry she enters.

Meet Jessica Alba

Robin: When the pandemic subsides, who are you raising your first glass with and why?

Jessica: I am most looking forward to raising a glass with my extended family -- grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...the whole fam. I am excited to be surrounded by all those close to me. I have been in a pod with my immediate family, but I look forward to gathering again with everyone I love.

Robin: How is the 2021 International Women's Day theme #ChooseToChallenge meaningful to you? What has challenged you as a woman in a male-dominated industry?

Jessica: This year’s theme of #ChooseToChallenge is meaningful for me because it’s important to use my influence for good, to empower women and smash stereotypes. I recently learned that 73% of women experience bias at work which is completely unacceptable. In my personal experience, I have found that when people aren't used to a female leader, and a strong female leader at that, it takes a lot longer for them to absorb direction and feedback.

As a business owner, I’m determined to continue to support our female workforce at The Honest Company to ensure they feel safe and empowered, both professionally and personally. At Honest, 68% of our workforce are women and 59% of our leadership team are women -- women are at the core of everything we do! This year, I challenge myself and others to call out gender bias and inequity when we see it. 

Robin: Who has inspired you to break the rules or think beyond them as a woman in business and entertainment?

Jessica: Oprah has always been a huge inspiration for me as a leader not only in entertainment and business, but in life in general.

Robin: How would you define your tribe or sisterhood that has supported you during your path?

Jessica: My tribe consists of a few extremely close girlfriends. They are more than friends at this point, they are friends that have become family… they are my sisters. I prefer this over having a bunch of acquaintances. I lean on these girls and we are there for each other through both the good and the bad and we love each other unconditionally, as sisters do.

Robin: What advice would you give to women who want to pursue nontraditional careers that combine their work and passions?

Jessica: You must know every piece of your business model, from the market opportunity to the creative angle to your competitive edge and how you will win in the landscape. It’s also important to pressure test your idea with friends, family and people that you respect in business prior to going out and raising money. And as always, know your numbers. This is key when you are working to turn your passion into a profitable business.

Robin: How has the pandemic changed your work, industry and outlook?

Jessica: This past year was challenging to say the least, but it reminded me to prioritize what truly matters most, which is my family and loved ones. As we have all been through a lot this past year, it’s important now more than ever for women to lift each other up and to support each other. As a female entrepreneur, I know firsthand how hard it is to start a business for anyone, especially for women. It’s always been my priority to surround myself with other strong women and to give back and support them however I can. For me, it’s about women supporting women by bringing each other up and giving them an equal opportunity and a seat at the table.

Robin: What are you most excited about in your work right now?

Jessica: I am most energized about continuing to build a company and a workplace that people are excited about. My mission is always to create an environment that supports our employees, not only professionally, but personally as well and recognizes them as a whole person, connecting both the head and the heart. 

Robin: Do you have a favorite MSC wine, and a recipe, cuisine or mood to pair with it?

Jessica: SHE CAN is my go-to favorite for myself and to gift to others. The packaging makes it super convenient and, of course, the wine itself is amazing. An outdoor, socially distanced walk with a SHE CAN in hand is my jam.

Xoxo,