We are very excited to share our exclusive interview with actress and activist, Jessica Alba. Jessica shared with us her inspiration and story about her eco-business, The Honest Company and how her own children inspired her to make a difference.
We know
that keeping your kids and the environment safe was the initial inspiration
behind your brand, but what really pushed you to make that final leap to
starting your company?
When I
was pregnant with my first daughter, I sought the best products for her because
I wanted to create a healthy home for my baby. Easier said than done! When I
washed her clothes in the popular “baby-safe” laundry detergent everyone
recommended, I broke out in a rash. If I had such a bad allergic reaction, I
knew it couldn’t be good for a new baby. And then I had trouble finding
reliable healthy products here in the United States. So, I’d end up shopping
online, buying non-toxic products from Australia and Europe, or from different
health stores just to clean my house and bathe my child. It was too time
consuming and so expensive. I was really upset that the average family couldn’t
easily find or purchase safe products at a reasonable price. So, I created The
Honest Company with Christopher Gavigan, Brian Lee, and Sean Kane because, as
concerned parents, we felt it was our mission to make healthy, non-toxic
products accessible for children and families everywhere.
How has
your level of eco-consciousness changed since having kids?
Becoming
a mom definitely made me more aware and concerned about everyday toxic
ingredients, but I’ve been eco-minded since childhood. I grew up with the
droughts of Southern California, so our family focused on conservation, not
wasting water, and repurposing glass containers and boxes (still important
things to do). My focus now has expanded, with my primary attention on the
health of my family. So, we emphasize eating fresh whole foods, cooking
together, and having the girls pick herbs from our garden. This gets them
excited about building conscientious habits. The foundation I was taught as a
child—to live mindfully—I apply to my family, with their health as the number
one priority.
What are
some of the everyday things you do around the house to promote a healthy
environment?
My
husband and I try to model eco-friendly habits for the girls. We have a
non-toxic synthetic turf lawn and drink filtered water from our faucet using
BPA-free reusable bottles. We have multiple recycling bins and with our older
daughter Honor, we discuss the idea that things can be transformed into
something else—crafts with upcycled materials are popular in our house. I also
give Honor flavored sparkling water instead of sugary drinks, and she thinks it
is soda! We even take off our shoes before entering the house, so we leave lead
dust, pesticides, and other toxins outside. Bonus: My floors are cleaner!
Your
brand is based on offering eco-friendly yet disposable diapers. Did you ever
consider cloth diapers? What makes your disposable diapers stand out from other
eco-friendly options out there?
At the
time I first thought of creating The Honest Company, I wasn’t in a place where
I could easily use cloth diapers since I was working a lot and started traveling
again almost immediately after having Honor. I needed to have a better,
healthier disposable option. But I love that parents use cloth diapers—our
Honest laundry detergent works great on them. And we’re committed to providing
many solutions to meet the needs of parents, so let us know what you’re hoping
to see us develop as the company grows.
If
cloth diapering isn’t the right fit for your family (like mine!), or if you
cloth diaper but need an awesome disposable for things like day care,
preschool, and traveling, our Honest diapers aren’t like any other eco-friendly
option on the market. Our premium diapers are super absorbent; they’re free of
risky fragrances, lotions, and latex; and they’re colorful, fun, and cute (our
signature skulls print diaper is one of my favorites, but I really love them
all!).
LaptopLunches Bento-ware was founded by two moms, so we know that running a business
and managing a family can be tough. What tips do you offer for balancing work
and family?
Balancing
my busy career with motherhood is always a work in progress. It’s definitely
made easier because I have a great support system at home in my husband, Cash.
I make creative and efficient use of my time (I prepare Haven’s food for the entire
week on Saturday or Sunday), and I can bring the girls to work. We’re building
an awesome kids’ corner at our new Honest offices, where employees’ children
can play and be entertained while their parents work. And, no matter how
organized I like to be, some things honestly don’t get checked off my list. But
I don’t sweat it as much as I used to—if my girls are happy and healthy at the
end of the day, then everything falls into place.
What’s
your favorite lunch?
I enjoy
eating at a little lunch spot near our Honest offices called Tacos Por Favor.
They prepare all their dishes with farm fresh, locally grown, and organic
ingredients. My favorite thing to order is…everything! I love the variety of
tacos they make.
Jessica Alba is an actress, activist, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur. Although known throughout the world for her acting career, it is her role as the mom of her two girls that inspired the launch of The Honest Company in January 2012. With a product line ranging from natural and non-toxic personal care products for the entire family, to diapers and wipes, to household cleaning detergents and vitamins, The Honest Company is a mission-driven company focused on giving children the best possible start, ensuring families’ well-being, and safeguarding the planet through sustainable business practices. That's why with every product you purchase, The Honest Company donates product, money, and time to addressing critical health and social issues affecting the community. This year, its nonprofit partner is Baby2Baby, supplying families in need with essential baby clothing and gear. To learn more, visit www.honest.com.
