Eva Mendes, a celebrated actress known for her roles in films such as “Hitch” and “The Place Beyond the Pines,” has made a seamless transition into a successful entrepreneur. Known for her dynamic career in Hollywood and her high-profile relationship with actor Ryan Gosling, Mendes made her mark in the business world when she joined Skura Style, an innovative kitchen cleaning brand. Her journey from the glitz and glamour of the silver screen to the practical and purposeful world of business speaks to her versatility and determination.
Discover the Skura style
Mendes first came across Skura Style products in 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people, she was spending more time at home, and as a result, more time cleaning. The brand's sponges quickly became an essential part of her cleaning routine. In March 2022, Mendes announced on social media that she was joining forces with co-founders Linda Sawyer and Allison Matz to take on new roles as co-owners of the company.
“During the pandemic, like a lot of people, I've been cleaning obsessively. I'm not a germaphobe by any means, but I love having a clean home, especially a clean kitchen and sink. For me, I feel like it's part of my mental wellness. I've been using a lot of sponges and cleaning products. I basically discovered Skura Style sponges through a friend and I loved them straight away,” Mendes told Forbes in an interview.
What makes Skura Style unique?
Skura Style is an award-winning lifestyle brand that has revolutionized kitchen cleaning tools. Their sponges are particularly notable for being odorless and designed to change color when it's time to replace them – an innovative feature that ensures users always have a practical and hygienic product. Since its launch in 2017, Skura Style has raised an estimated $2.18 million, attesting to its success and popularity.
“Immediately, I responded to the feel and the design. Then I responded to the technology. It's made of polyurethane instead of cellulose, so it has much less bacteria and it doesn't smell. It rinses very dry, and in terms of scrubbing, what I like most about this sponge is that it has the monogram, the 'S' for Skura, and when it starts to fade, it lets you know it's time to replace the sponge. It's a really smart sponge. It thinks for you,” Mendes elaborated.
Be part of a team
Mendes initially reached out to the Skura Style co-founders to express his appreciation for their great products, and this small gesture sparked conversations about Mendes becoming more involved with the company, ultimately leading to Mendes becoming a co-owner.
“My day-to-day job involves dealing with press and promoting the product, which also involves me, Linda and Allison discussing shipments and manufacturers. It ranges from product development to what else we have coming in. I have my own ideas and things I want to add to the actual product itself. I've never really cared that much about numbers,” Mendes explained.
Full circle moment
For Mendes, the collaboration feels like a full circle: Nearly 15 years ago, she worked as a tableware designer at her first company, Vida, and joining Skura Style allowed her to rediscover her passion for kitchenware and apply her creative acumen in a new way.
Reflecting on Vida, Mendes said, “A lot of people don't like to talk about their failed businesses, but I love talking about my failed businesses because that's where I learned the most. By failing — by putting a business out there and it not succeeding the way I wanted it to — I gained so much more market insight and experience.”
Mendes is keen to encourage others, especially women, to take risks and not be afraid of failure. “I especially want to encourage women, but anyone who wants to take risks. If you're afraid of failing, the risk isn't as great and therefore the reward isn't as great. I just want to make sure it's not taboo,” the Hitch star added.
