Do yourself a favor by tuning into ABC’s "Shark Tank." Eschewing the traditional reality show subjects such as losing weight or going on dates, "Shark Tank" documents the very real drama of aspiring entrepreneurs. The show's finest accomplishment is making capitalism telegenic.
But the two-year-old Honest Company is a special case. Capitalism can't get more made-for-TV than the company's celebrity founder Jessica Alba.
Celebrities have endorsed vanity projects in the past. 50 Cent has like 10 of them. But what makes Jessica stand out is ... well, just look at her. Honest produces eco-friendly products for children, ranging from diapers to baby cribs. Here's a product millions of mothers can use.
Jessica has found a viable second career, having raised $52 million in financing. When she was speaking with Jimmy Fallon, she seemed almost in disbelief that she raised half-a mill in less than 24 months. Don't sell yourself short, Jessica.
Out of all celeb business stories, Jessica's is one of the least likely. Over the last decade she's gone from being the go-to face to on movie posters and magazine covers to the next, hotter Martha Stewart.
Her company strives to wrap safety, style, and affordability all in a trendy package. I'm much more of a fan of her business acumen than her style in "Into the Blue." (RIP fellow businessman Paul Walker.)
She's already visiting other markets to expand her company. She visited South Korea last year. She recognizes the power and value of foreign markets.
We could all learn a thing or two about business from Jessica Alba. Or twelve.
