Mendes was born in Miami, Florida (although many sources incorrectly state her birthplace is Houston, Texas, though she has been there on several occasions) to Cuban parents and was raised in Los Angeles. She attended California State University, Northridge but dropped out to seek an acting career. She worked her way up through commercials to music videos to guest roles in TV series to supporting film roles. She is most recently noted playing the lead female role in the comedy Hitch opposite Will Smith. She is also one of the faces of the new Revlon ads. Mendes has worked in interior design and written children's books.