At VIOLET GREY we document the women we love and file their stories in our archives under SHE’S SO VIOLET. From screen sirens to boardroom moguls— these women have the inherent ability to empower, inspire and enthrall us all.

Eva Mendes, a recent creative director on a cover shoot for VIOLET GREY, embodies a spirit and the sort of attributes we admire. She possesses an insatiable desire to learn, is brutally honest (about herself and others) and revels in being out of her comfort zone. She manifests an honesty and commitment to her characters without ever being completely overtaken by them, whether it’s a character that is coping with emotional torment (A Place Beyond the Pines) or a comedic one that demanded improvised scenes (Clear History). She is devoted to her personal endeavors from charitable interests (Art of Elysium, Equal Justice Initiative) to the creative—Mendes recently launched a fashion and jewelry collection with New York and Company—and never attends a meeting without her composition notebook in hand.

After a chance encounter with Eva Mendes at a film industry event, VIOLET GREY founder, Cassandra Huysentruyt Grey, was transfixed by Mendes’ refreshingly honest charm and wit. The next day Grey took a cue from old Hollywood’s preferred method of correspondence and rang up Mendes’ manager. A lunch date was made and soon enough a friendship was sealed.

In this file, Grey sat down with Mendes and asked a series of questions on acting and beauty.