Jessica Alba on How Her Mexican Heritage Influenced Her as a Mom
Jessica Alba's two daughters, 7-year-old Honor and 4-year-old Haven, are not only growing up to be beautiful girls, but also well-rounded kids with a concept of the outside world. That's what Jessica made sure to tell Parents Latina's Spring 2016 issue, saying: "They are going to be global citizens and will need to understand many languages, including Spanish, to make a difference in the world." So how is Jessica doing just that, while still managing to run a multimillion dollar personal care company, The Honest Co.? Find her tips and secrets to doing it all below, and pick up the issue of Parents Latina, on newsstands now, to read more.
- On how her Mexican heritage influenced her as a mom: "My heritage is all about family, which always comes first. And respect for yourself and for your elders is something that I'm passing on to my daughters."
- On why her kids might not easily identify themselves as Latina: "I grew up around my Mexican-American grandparents. My grandmother was an incredibly strong woman a great influence on me. I was also surrounded by tios and tias at a lot of family events. My kids don't have same constant proximity. I make sure they know where they came from and that they spend time with their relatives, but they're not surrounded by it all the time. We have different cultures in the house."
- On whether or not her daughters speak Spanish: "They know how to ask for besos and leche! They are going to be global citizens and will need to understand many languages, including Spanish, to make a difference in the world."
- On whether or not she ever considered giving up her dream to become a successful businesswoman: "When your initial pitch is rejected as much as mine was, the thought of giving up altogether crosses your mind. Fortunately, being an actress prepares you well for rejection. I had to be patient to get that ultimate 'yes.' If I believe in something, one 'yes' is worth a million no's."
- On the best advice you can give moms who want to start their own business: "Don't get overwhelmed trying to do everything at once. Lay out what you can get done now and what will take longer."
- On how she handles the struggle of "mom guilt": "Don't be hard on yourself. Doing your best to be present wherever you are is what's important. Make time to eat healthy and stay active. It's worth it to recharge once a week: Get sleep, have a date night or girls' night in, and drink some wine!"
- On how to feel sexy when you're a busy mom: "Being sexy is about confidence. So be proud of what you accomplish, be amazed at what your body can do, and give yourself props. When all else fails, put on a bright red lip! (I hope it's one by Honest Beauty.)"