Jessica Alba: ‘I Was Chubby And Slow And Dead Last’
Jessica Alba — movie star, model, entrepreneur. Her name brings to mind one of the most attractive woman on the planet, one women emulate and men want to date. However, Alba has revealed in a recent interview that things weren’t always so glamorous.
Alba, 34, revealed to Self magazine that she struggled with her health and weight as a child, and wasn’t always the trim, toned celebrity that graces our movie screens. Growing up on Air Force bases around the world, the actress revealed that she was a “sickly kid” with asthma and one who regularly suffered from pneumonia. She even had to carry breathing machines to soccer games.
Luckily for Alba, her parents raised her in a strict environment, using tough love for both encouragement and self-development. Through this, she was able to transform herself and find the determination to become a better person, to face her fears and overcome them. Her parents, Catherine and Mark, wouldn’t allow their daughter to be defined by weakness.
Alba remembers her childhood, and appreciates what her parents did for her.
“I was on a swim team, and I was chubby and slow and dead last – a full two laps last. I was crying and couldn’t breathe. My mom and dad were like, ‘You started this, you’re going to finish it!’ My parents made me stick to stuff, pick myself up. It’s painful to go through, but I appreciate that tough love.”
Alba, who was interviewed about her success with The Honest Company — an eco-friendly beauty, baby, and home business worth $1.7 billion — revealed that the pain is something she used to motivate herself, to push herself forward and become successful. As a mother to two, Honor and Haven, Alba wants to ensure her daughters don’t experience the same events that she did.
The Honest Company has been a huge success, but Alba wasn’t always certain the success would come to fruition. Early on, she had her doubts.
“For a long time, I didn’t think I was smart. I felt like an impostor. It’s not until you feel whole in yourself that you fit in anywhere. And it took me becoming a mom to actually feel that way.”
Despite the doubts, she used the determination inspired by her parents to try to prove that she could succeed.
“I’ve always been business-minded. I approached Hollywood like a business. I was very calculated. I wanted to be treated like a guy; I wanted to put asses in seats. I saved my money, invested wisely and marketed myself. I’ve been building my own personal brand over time. I don’t want to regret not going after something. You’ll only be better, even if you make mistakes.”
Alba’s hard work has certainly paid off. An A-list actress with film credits such as Sin City (2005), Fantastic Four (2005), its sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), and Machete (2010), as well as a lead role in TV series Dark Angel (2000 – 2002), Alba has been gracing our screens for more than fifteen years.
She is regularly voted one of the most beautiful women in the world, topping the FHM “Sexiest Woman In The World” list in 2007. Her stake in The Honest Company, according to Forbes, is estimated at 15 percent to 20 percent, which gives Alba a net worth of $200 million.
With her childhood behind her, Alba now adheres to a strict regime of healthy eating, exercise, and meditation, including yoga. However, she does admit that she struggles with the regime, which she knows is key to her discipline.
“I’m going to be straight with you guys, I don’t like working out. But I feel really good after. It gives me energy. It just sets a good foundation for the day. Being strong helps me feel confident and beautiful.”
Jessica Alba — movie star, model, entrepreneur. We probably can add role model to that list, too.
[Image – Jessica Alba/The Honest Company and Getty Images/Jason Merritt]
