Salma Hayek Talks Independence with Redbook

She’s a self-made woman, and Salma Hayek hasn’t traded in her independence just because she married a billionaire businessman.

Covering the November 2011 issue of Redbook, the “Desperado” actress explained, "I work hard, I make my own living and I love it. I like having financial independence. I don't ever want to have to depend on anyone completely. But when I have troubles sometimes, it's nice to have someone there to help."

Hayek also noted that she and hubby Francois-Henri Pinault are both into dressing each other up. "I like to play fashion with him, but I'm nobody's Barbie."

A rundown of highlights from Salma's interview are as follows:

On why she chose to star in Puss In Boots:
"I liked the idea of doing a movie that Valentina could see, since there are many I’ve done that she is too young to see, and a few I’d probably never want her to. I’m a watchdog when it comes to what she can and cannot see."

On motherhood changing her acting:
"‘I’m playing the queen of a drug cartel in an Oliver Stone film,’ says Hayek. “He asked if I’d gone ‘all soft’ because I’m a mother. I said ‘Yes, but I can be the devil if I need to, because after all, I’m an actress.’”

On what’s different in her life now:
"I’ll tell you, there is nothing better in life than being a late bloomer. I believe that success can happen at any time and at any age. You can have a spiritual awakening and discover a news side of you at any age. And best of all, love can happen at any age. Life can just start to get exciting when you’re in your 40s and 50s. You have to believe that."

On her independence:
"I work hard, I make my own living and I love it. I like having financial independence. I don’t ever want to have to depend on anyone completely. But when I have troubles sometimes, its nice to have someone there to help."

On Francois influencing her style:
Like I said, I’m still a Mexican. I like to play fashion with him, but I’m nobody’s Barbie.

Adding to the star-studded spectacle, Salma Hayek and husband Francois-Henri Pinault attended the Yves Saint Laurent Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2012 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Monday (October 3).

Looking divine in an all-beige leather frock, the "Frida" beauty polished off her ensemble with a chunky black necklace and a pair of patent black pumps.

Earlier in the afternoon, Salma got a first-row glance at wares from A-list favorite Stella McCartney's midday runway showcase.

In career news, Ms. Hayek’s new film “Puss in Boots’ just released a new clip, ahead of its November 4th release.

In the preview, Salma’s character Kitty Softpaws begs Antonio Banderas’ Puss to let her join him on his adventures.

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