Jessica Alba has gotten some major attention throughout her time as an actress. She burst onto the scene in 2000, starring as Max Guevara in Dark Angel—a sci-fi television series on FOX. After two seasons, Dark Angel fell from the heavens; but Jessica only grew more popular. She went from television to the big screen - playing in movies like Honey, Sin City, and The Love Guru.
Despite Jessica’s successful ascension to film stardom, her performances weren’t considered noteworthy. In fact, several critics have hinted that it is Jessica’s beauty -not her talent - that has skyrocketed her to fame. By 2011, she had several films under her belt (most of which were critical or commercial failures) and she decided to slow her acting career down significantly. She appeared in a few films now and then, but largely disappeared from the Hollywood scene.
What has she been doing all of this time? Let’s find out!
15 Mommy Dearest
Jessica is a proud mama to three kids - Honor; Haven, and Hayes. She’s glad they’re able to see her as a worker, struggling and fighting for something she believes in (and also slaying the business game). She’s able to be a role model who demonstrates the value of hard work.
14 Starting The Honest Company
Jessica started The Honest Company because she was appalled by the dangerous chemicals found in household products. After a series of rejections, she finally acquired shareholders who invested in her idea. She wanted to sell toxin-free products.
In 2012, its first year of business, Honest made $10 million, with only 17 home products for sale.
13 Being A Wifey
In 2004, Jessica met Cash Warren on the set of The Fantastic Four. Jessica was acting in the film as Sue Storm, while Cash was a production assistant. After meeting him, Jessica reportedly told her friend that she felt like she had known him forever. They married four years later!
12 Bad Blood
Jessica Alba was in Taylor Swift’s 2015 “Bad Blood” music video (now at more than a billion views). She starred as Domino - a beautiful motorcyclist who removes her helmet in slow motion.
While Jessica Alba wasn’t necessarily part of Taylor’s official squad, they do run in the same circles.
11 Playing House
Jessica’s family lives in a gorgeous L.A. home that was featured in Architectural Digest. The house incorporates a French countryside feel, with elements inspired by the decor of Ellen DeGeneres' home.
It took Cash and Jessica more than 18 months to renovate the house to their liking, but their perfectionism paid off!
10 Confidence Is Key
When she was younger and part of the Hollywood scene, Jessica felt trapped by the unsolicited opinions of others. She thought she had to be what others envisioned her to be. However, by leaving the spotlight, becoming a mom, and starting a business, she gained confidence. Now, she's more confident than she ever has been.
9 Honestly Rich
Jessica Alba is worth $340 million and considered a self-made millionaire. She made a lot of money from acting but the majority of her funds come from The Honest Company. The eco-friendly company is worth almost $1 billion, and the business team wants to implement some new ideas to spark even more growth!
8 Therapy
Jessica and her eldest daughter, Honor, go to therapy sessions together. Alba claims these sessions help her to be a better mother. Growing up, Jessica was never encouraged to talk about her feelings, so being able to express herself in therapy has helped her be more self-aware, and to connect with her child.
7 Body Positivity
Alba shot her latest Instyle magazine cover after the recent birth of her son. She reflected on how, when she was younger, she would’ve definitely tried to diet and exercise for the photoshoot. Now, Jessica is content with her body as is, and no one will change her positive opinion about herself.
6 Aging Gracefully
Jessica claims she truly found herself in her 30s. Although women are pressured to believe youth is king, in terms of inner happiness, getting older may be the key. According to Jessica, aging is about progress and building on positive lessons you’ve learned. She can’t wait until her fun and fabulous 40s!
5 Taken To Court
Honest has had to deal with a series of lawsuits since it opened for business. Plaintiffs have claimed that the products don’t work well enough and/or contain harmful chemicals. In 2017, Honest paid $1.55 million to settle a lawsuit claiming Honest lied about the ingredients in its laundry detergent and dish soap.
4 So Fresh And So Clean
Jessica Alba created her company because she wanted to rid her home of all the toxic chemicals in everyday, household items. She wanted to keep her family away from these chemicals.
She discovered that the FDA has banned less than 12 harmful chemicals, while Europe prohibits more than 1,300 of them to be used in household products.
3 Prime Real Estate
As of 2019, in Los Angeles, Jessica and her family have listed a $6 million home and bought a $10 million home. They also own an undeveloped, 13-acre parcel of land and rent out a fully-furnished, two-bedroom home for $12,000 a month. All the spaces are obviously gorgeous, just like our star!
2 Family's #1!
Jessica always puts her family first. She’ll bring her kids to the set of L.A.’s Finest and into Honest. This ensures that she doesn’t waste any quality time. She says it’s important for moms to take it easy on themselves. They can only do so much and quality time should be paramount.
1 Tattoo Time
Jessica made a commitment to her kids…with ink! Alba tattooed the astrological signs (in star constellation form) of her three children, Honor, Haven, and Hayes, on her forearm. She went to the famous tattoo artist, Dr. Woo, in Hollywood. The three tattoos are quite delicate and classy—just her style.