VeeCon 2023: Jessica Alba's Journey With The Honest Company And Entrepreneurial Wisdom: 'I'm Just A Human Being Who Cares About People'

Jessica Alba told the audience at VeeCon 2023 that she never wanted to be put in a box as an actress, seeking to star in different genres of movies. A valuable life lesson, Alba learned during her pregnancy, led her to ensure that consumers aren’t stuck in a box when it comes to choosing healthy products.

What Happened: Alba was one of several celebrities, that are also entrepreneurs, featured among the more than 190 speakers at VeeCon 2023.

Alba shared the story of the creation of her clean consumer products company, The Honest Company HNST, which went public in 2021.

“I had this epiphany when I was pregnant with my first kid, over 15 years (ago),” Alba said. “I learned that there are all these untested, potentially harmful chemicals in products.”

Alba went on to say that the chemicals found in some products for young children can be attached to pretty bad things like mutating genes.

A common misconception, held by Alba and which she suspects is also shared by other parents, is the assumption that every product sold in a store is safe.

After learning there was no oversight board for the chemicals in some children’s wellness products, Alba went to Capitol Hill to lobby for chemical reform.

“Once I knew that, I couldn’t unknow that.”

Alba said she quickly learned that chemical reform was not a priority and that luckily she lived in a country where you can do something about it and build your own business.

The actress launched The Honest Company around an ecommerce business model and then sought out funding.

“I’m just a human being who cares about people.”

Having faced challenges in her childhood due to allergies and asthma, Alba expressed a strong passion for ensuring that products intended for children are safe.

The actress recalled having to play sports with a breathing machine on the field, which was “hella embarrassing.”

“(I) had a nerdy breathing machine on the field.”

Alba said while people in Hollywood thought she was “nuts,” she had to create the company, so her kids didn’t suffer the same way she did.

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Alba’s Advice For Women And All Entrepreneurs: Speaking in front of an audience at VeeCon 2023 which included many people with entrepreneurial aspirations, Alba shared tips and tricks on how to accomplish goals.

Alba spoke about the difficulties, particularly for women entrepreneurs, which she experienced first-hand even with her star power.

“Women’s companies aren’t funded as much as men’s companies,” Alba said. “There’s more David and John CEOs than all women CEOs.”

Alba said that women entrepreneurs should know going in that it won’t be easy and shouldn’t expect it to be. Alba shared one piece of advice for women and all entrepreneurs when it comes to the company and products they’re attached to.

“Be open and curious to change.”

She talked about the importance of not becoming overly attached to specific ideas, highlighting the need to be flexible and adjust according to the needs of consumers.

“Really know what your point of differentiation is.”

Alba said it’s important to stay ahead of the curve on innovation and trends for a leg up on legacy companies.

The actress and entrepreneur referred to The Honest Company as a speedboat, while describing decades-old companies in the consumer product space as barges.

“The big companies learned from us certain tactics.”

Alba referenced competitors to The Honest Company using pictures of nature on packaging, using certain key ingredients, and the way they market products as copying what Honest started.

“We’re legit and they’re not.”

Alba told the audience that she had to force opportunities and maintain an unyielding belief in herself, as others might not always share or understand her vision.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t. You have to be your biggest cheerleader.”

Alba said that entrepreneurs already know their purpose and have to trust what it is.

Benzinga attended VeeCon 2023 live. Stay up to date with the latest news on this page and on our socials. Also, check out ongoing video coverage on Benzinga’s YouTube page.

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Photo: Money Mitch