Jessica Alba runs her billion dollar company by having an 'iron fist'

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 1 (UPI) -- Jessica Alba didn't build The Honest Company empire on being a laid back boss lady.

At the helms of a billion dollar eco-conscious lifestyle brand, the actress-turned-business mogul admits to being a tough boss.

In an interview with More magazine, the cover stay said: "Sometimes I'm a little more iron fist than velvet glove. I'm straight to the point. I've made people cry. I have to say, 'This isn't personal. This is what needs to get done, and it's just as simple as that. And ... we're not crying anymore.' I'm learning to tone myself down."

Clearly, her management approach is working because her business is just getting bigger and better, the company is valued at $1 billion.

"When you look at the marketplace that we're playing in, it's trillions of dollars. Window cleaner alone is a billion-dollar business, just to give a bit of perspective, because people get so freaked out by our valuation. Also, it doesn't feel tangible yet, because I'm still hustling," she said.

Her successful Hollywood career helped her in more ways than one to be a successful business owner. She told the magazine, "People act like starting the Honest Company is such a departure, but the reality is I've been selling other people's TV products, beauty products, movie products." The Sin City star continues, "I'm leveraging skills I've honed in Hollywood for years. ... Being an actress is like a vacation; business is relentless. People work hard here. It's nice to be around people who are so committed."

The cover star, who recently turned 34, told E! news that she celebrated her birthday on April 28, in a low key way. Her husband, Cash Warren, made her breakfast and her daughters Honor and Haven painted t-shirts for their mom.