Jo found her golden ticket
AFTER leaving school with no qualifications and struggling to overcome dyslexia, Jo Malone went on to create a globally successful beauty business. She has also overcome breast cancer. Our sister publication, No.1 magazine, caught up with Jo to discuss her life, career and new book, My Story.
Why release your book now?
WHEN I built the brand and survived cancer, I had lots happening but never really felt ready to unpack all the luggage that you have to unpack when you write a book. I did now. It definitely has been the right time. I feel as though I’m about to head into a whole new chapter of my life.
What can readers expect?
IT’S the story of an entrepreneur but it’s also a book of survival. It explains why imagination can be your golden ticket in life, no matter your upbringing or where you come from. I think it brings hope and it’s an inspirational story.
Describe your average day.
I GET up and walk the dog, have my breakfast then get out there. I live a normal, unglamorous life. At the end of the day, I go home to be mum and cook dinner.
What’s your inspiration?
I’M dyslexic so my nose is my paint brush. I see colour, texture and music in fragrance. I find my inspiration through everyday life – whether it’s walking in the park, sitting in a coffee shop. Everything translates back to my sense of smell.
Why is fragrance so important?
BECAUSE it’s the colour in life. Creating fragrance is the one thing I can do brilliantly. It adds such luxury to life.
What do you love about beauty?
EVERYTHING. I love colour and skincare. I was in a beauty hall the other day. I’m just obsessed with all kinds of products – how they look, how they smell, how they feel. I would love to do a colour line, I don’t think I would be brilliant at it but I’d give it a good go.
What does your future hold?
FIRST of all, we’ve got the shop rights to take Jo Loves around the world, which the book has paved the way for. Next year (hopefully around May time), I’m going to launch a product that will change the way people look at fragrance. It’s all very exciting!