Jessica Alba How I'm Raising Strong Daughters

The star sets an example for her girls (and her 2-year-old son) as she balances family time with being a boss

- Julie Jordan

Jessica Alba is a master of multi-tasking. Sheltering at home for the past three months during the coronavirus pandemic has taught the actress and entrepreneur, 39, “that I’m really restless”, she says. “I’ve organised everything – twice.”

Inspired by her three kids, Honor, 12, Haven, 8, and Hayes, 2, with her husband of 12 years, producer Cash Warren, 41, Alba also started her own YouTube channel and joined TikTok, where she often teams up with her daughters and Warren to perform dance routines. “They get forced,” she admits, laughing. “I’m like, ‘You know what? I pay your bills, and I pay for that electronic device that you want to be on, and I can take it away.’ That’s what’s so fun about being an adult. I tell them I’m boss.”

Not that anyone would doubt her. From managing her acting career to creating an international baby and beauty brand with the Honest Company, which she co-founded in 2012, Alba is one of Hollywood’s savviest businesswomen. She now stars alongside Gabrielle Union in the second season of the crime drama series L.A.’s Finest, a spin-off of the Bad Boys franchise. “It’s refreshing that we’re black and Mexican. And we’re not 20 years old,” says the actress, who’s an executive producer on the show. “I love being able to play someone who is flawed but can take care of herself.”