Salma Hayek might be married to billionaire François-Henri Pinault, but her independence remains a priority. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Hayek shared that, even with a financially secure partner, she feels “pressure” to make her own money. She explained that she and Pinault, who leads luxury group Kering, keep separate finances and have no prenuptial agreement, making her income a personal achievement she values.
Growing up in a wealthy family in Mexico, Hayek was no stranger to privilege, but her life changed when she moved to Los Angeles and struggled to support herself. That challenging period taught her resilience and self-sufficiency, she explained, shaping her career and drive. Now, even with her Hollywood success, Hayek says, “I want to make more” as a way to stay motivated.
Her marriage to Pinault also brought some unexpected social pressures. Hayek said that, instead of easing financial conversations, her marriage often puts more focus on money, with strangers assuming a friendship based on wealth alone. It was an adjustment she didn’t expect and doesn’t always enjoy.
Married since 2009, Hayek and Pinault have one child together, Valentina, and Hayek is stepmother to Pinault’s three children from previous relationships. She finds a sense of satisfaction in her independence, noting that personal financial success is something she’ll keep striving for regardless of her husband’s fortune.
