Having established herself as an icon within the perfume industry, it’s evident that Jo Malone has an abundance of business ability and entrepreneurial qualities that are desirable for many in the corporate world. As a sufferer of severe dyslexia, Malone left the educational system at the age of 15 with zero qualifications to her name. With very little direction, she started working as a beauty therapist from her flat in London which is where she first found her love for experimenting with fragrances. Word of her exceptional potions quickly spread and soon Jo was unable to keep up with demand. From these artisan beginnings, Jo launched her first brand, Jo Malone London which gained cult status around the world.
Malone’s innovative, homemade twists on fragrances and down to earth personality won over millions worldwide as her luxury brand expanded overseas with bottles of her formulations making it to the shelves of New York’s Bergdorf Goodman department store. In 1999, Malone sold her empire to Estée Lauder Companies and remained as Creative Director until she left in 2006. Her efforts within the beauty industry meant that she was awarded MBE in 2008, she also presented and launched a TV series in the bid to help small businesses aim large. High Street Dreams showed Malone and Nick Leslau encourage various entrepreneurs to set up a total of six new brands and launch them onto the high streets of Britain.
In November 2011, five years after leaving Jo Malone London, she launched her new brand Jo Loves to global anticipation and in 2013, Jo opened the first Jo Loves store in Belgravia’s Elizabeth Street, where coincidentally she began her career as a sixteen-year-old florist. Bottling her undeniable desire to create beautiful and unexpected fragrances, pioneering new products and entertaining experiences, Jo Loves embodies integrity, creativity and innovation.
A creative, business savvy and charismatic public figure, Jo Malone is one of the most highly sought after entrepreneur speakers on our roster. Her down to earth personality highlights that anyone can build a successful business and creates the most positive atmosphere at any corporate event or function.
In December 2023 Jo Malone sat down for a Q&A and discussed how she built two successful companies and her fight with and recovery from cancer. Watch our Interview with Jo Malone.
