My Story

by Jo Malone

  Josh, who was honing his own creativity with a camera, took a photo of me in one of Mougins’ streets. It shows me looking up from a set of stone steps; behind me, there is a dark archway, the other side of which is the light from a sunlit courtyard. Every time I look at that image, I’m transported back to Mougins, and reminded of the fact that, as much as the environment might alter around us, the entrepreneur’s journey is as uncertain as it is exhilarating, and all we can do is keep moving forward, keep building, and keep our eyes on the horizon, remaining true to who we are.

  Dubai, April 2016: I’m sitting on the front row of an auditorium packed to the gills, feeling more nervous than I’ve felt in a long time, and with good reason.

  Behind me, among the one-thousand-strong audience, are the great and the good of retail, plus representatives from international governments and the media. In front of me is the vast stage where I’m soon going to deliver one of the most important speeches of my life. For this is the annual World Retail Congress, and the day I’m being inaugurated into its Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious awards a retailer can receive.

  I got the call a few weeks after returning from Mougins and, at first, I thought there had been a mistake – the organisers must not have realised that I only have one shop now, not an empire. In my head, why would they want to honour a one-location shopkeeper? ‘It’s not about your old brand or your new brand,’ Charlotte had said. ‘It’s about you, the entrepreneur, in recognition of your contribution and vision, Jo.’

  I’m sure I’m not the only one in the industry who has spent so long focused on brand recognition that personal recognition still feels strange. But what makes this feel extra special is the fact that it’s a tip of the hat from my peers. Now I’ll join the ranks of previous inductees, such as the Nordstrom family, Sir Paul Smith, Martha Stewart, Miuccia Prada, Laura Ashley and Anita Roddick. And today, alongside me, Tommy Hilfiger and Solomon Lew will be added to the list as well. Regardless of the success I’ve achieved, there will always be a part of me that sits in such eminent company and wonders if I’ve walked into the wrong room.

  It’s only now that I am sitting here in the arena, with its cinema-sized screen and stage set that appears to dwarf the lectern where I’ll stand, that the enormity of the occasion truly hits me.

  It seems apt that we’re in Dubai for this moment because it was here, in 2012, that Jo Loves had her first public overseas outing. I can see them now: thirty glass bottles on a table at an Easter Sunday lunch hosted by our dear friends Mark and Elizabeth Horne at their home on Arabian Ranches. This couple, and their son Archie, have been with us through thick and thin, and they wanted to do everything they could to do their bit for our new brand at a time when we had no idea what the future held. And none of us had seen this day coming.

  I look around the audience and see all the different nationalities, from Europe to the Far East, from America to the Middle East; CEOs of international companies and heads of industry. When I think back, there was a time as I was starting out when I would have given my right arm to have just ten minutes with any one of them. And now I’m going to address them all about brand-building, in a speech entitled ‘Scents of Success’.

  The hall quietens as BBC presenter Naga Munchetty walks on stage to introduce me. As she does, my name and picture flash up on the screen above her.

  I lean forward and look along the front row and see Charlotte, and I think of all the adventures we’ve shared and the territories and stores we’ve opened. In her, I don’t see a member of staff, I see a best friend. Sitting to her right is our new general manager Jessica Clark, who has taken hold of the reins to steer the business. Her influence has been immediate, because what no one knows – until I announce it during my speech – is that we have just signed a deal with Net-a-Porter, the online luxury ‘department store’, to curate a Jo Loves collection. Five years after launching, we will have global distribution in place.

  I glance to my left and see Josh listening intently to Naga’s glowing introduction for his mum, and it feels like only yesterday that he was the infant strapped to my hip as I signed bottles of fragrances during personal appearances in New York. And to my right is my soulmate, Gary. No one knows more than him what it has taken to get here. I don’t know where I’d be without him but I know this much: I wouldn’t be in Dubai on this unforgettable day receiving such an honour.

  He’s been telling everyone since we arrived how proud he is of me, but what no one will truly appreciate is his role and what I see: him telling me to get out of bed and make a decision after parting ways with Mum; standing by my side in our tiny kitchen in Chelsea, working until gone midnight to help me make bath oils; the man who negotiated the first deals that put foundations under our feet; and the constant laughter through the hard times.

  What none of my team know is that in the speech I’m about to give – and I’ve given countless speeches to schools, women’s organisations and business conferences before this – I’m going to start by acknowledging the two people who are not here to share this moment: my mum and dad. They were the ones who unwittingly shaped me into the entrepreneur I have become. Mum, from her Revlon days to Madame Lubatti; Dad, the magician and market trader.

  Naga Munchetty is wrapping up her introduction. I’m about to be called on stage. I look down at the red, A4-sized notebook in my lap. Engraved into its leather cover is the Oscar Wilde quote: ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.’ Resting on top of that are two cream cards that I’ll use as my prompts: one full of dates that mark the story of my journey; the other has three words written on it that say—

  ‘So please do give a very warm welcome to Jo Malone,’ I hear Naga announce.

  Applause breaks out as I walk up the steps to a stage where, the moment I reach the lectern, my nerves melt away and I feel instantly calm. Or is it content? Or proud? I place my notebook and cards down. I look out beneath the haze of the bright lights and I take a breath before beginning.

  I suppose I haven’t done that badly for the girl who was once told by a teacher that she wouldn’t make anything of her life. I’ll mention that, too, telling this audience that I might not have any qualifications but I do have the vital ingredients that every entrepreneur needs to succeed, and they are the three words written on the card in front of me: PASSION. RESILIENCE. CREATIVITY.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Until sitting down to write this book, I don’t think I knew what it would entail, or the memories I would unpack. I have been reminded of the amazing people who have travelled this journey across the years with me, and I have emerged with a new-found appreciation for what it takes to put one’s life story on the shelf. I would therefore like to thank the following:

  First and foremost Gary and Josh, you are the loves of my life. Thank you for putting up with all the highs and lows. Aunty Dot, for helping with certain details and jogging my memory.

  Kerri Sharp, my commissioning editor at Simon & Schuster, who saw this book before I did; her belief in me, and passion for my story, have been a constant source of encouragement. Jonathan Lloyd and Jacquie Drewe, thank you for your guidance. Thank you to the ghostwriter, Steve Dennis, for his collaboration in bringing my story to life. Jo Roberts-Miller, the copy-editor, for your polish and expert eye; Iain MacGregor, the non-fiction publishing director, for pursuing the artistry for scenting this book; Julia Marshall and Jo Edgecombe in production, and executive editor Trish Todd in New York.

  My stellar team at Jo Loves, who provide invaluable support and help me fulfil the vision. Special mention goes to my executive assistant Ruthie Burgess, who keeps me organised and makes everything run like clockwork. Thanks for all that you do.

  All our suppliers and creators for helping me create a great brand. And not forgetting the first twelve face clients who spread the word all those years ago. Josh Wood, Gary Glossman, Shaun Johnson, Beverley Pond-Jones and Liz McAulay, who never fail to make me look glamorous at every occasion.

  Jeremy
Pennant and his team at D. Young & Co. Alan Marshall, Gary Hampton and Paul Ingram. Plus, Jeremy Courtenay-Stamp, Amanda Pattison and all at Macfarlanes; and Peter Hansen and everyone at Sapient. Ron Dennis for his friendship. Thank you all for your wisdom and guidance.

  Dearest Larry Norton, Joseph Disa, Alexandra Heerdt and Mary Massie – thank you for helping me fight the biggest battle of my life and win; also every nurse and doctor at Sloan Kettering, who not only saved my life but save thousands of others every year. Thank you for your love and kindness.

  Lucy Perdomo-Ruehlemann, Cathy O’Brien, Pamela Baxter, Terry Darland and everyone else at Lauder, especially John Larkin and the late Evelyn Lauder. The GREAT campaign and everyone involved with flying the flag around the world. Sarah Sands, Jim Armitage and Alex Lawson at the Evening Standard – the best editorial team I have worked with. Those members of the press (and now blogosphere) for every story and piece you have written about both my businesses over the years. I would never be where I am today without your continued support. A big thank you to Jeremy King for designing the Brasserie Bar in Elizabeth Street and Shayne Brady for bringing it to life.

  Dr Guy O’Keeffe, Anna Albright and Dr Michael Pelly, I am indebted to all three of you and what you have done. Rich and Emily Powers, Linda Adeson, and Martin and Christine Falkner – my wonderful Thanksgiving family. Nicky and Pippa Gumball, for all your prayers. The Hornes, Haddocks, Cadburys, Vigors and Farrs for the memories, celebrations and best holidays in the world. Also, ‘The Girls Rose Club’ of Jane Moore, Ruth Kennedy, Caroline Gallagher and Dame Betty. Magoo Giles, David Goodhew, Catriona Sutherland-Hawes and Tamás Kovács, thank you for inspiring the next generation. And Flo – you are a treasured friend to our family.

  To all my amazing friends – you know who you are – thank you for every Friday night dinner, Sunday lunch, celebration, and special occasion. Every time you were there to laugh and dry our tears. You are without doubt my Solomon’s riches.

  And lastly, I’d like to express my gratitude to every person across this world who, over the last thirty years, has bought a product I’ve created, be it a fragrance, a bath oil, candle or face cream – thank you for helping make a shopkeeper’s dream come true.

  Jo, summer 2016

  RECIPE FOR A

  YOGHURT FACE MASK

  I wanted to end this book by leaving you with a recipe for the face mask that I’ve made throughout my life, from my years with Madame Lubatti to this very day. It’s perfect for when you need to rehydrate your skin, and I use it every time I travel.

  Ingredients

  1 small pot of natural yoghurt

  freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon

  1 teaspoon warm liquid honey

  2 drops jojoba oil

  2 drops avocado oil

  Method

  Add all of the ingredients to the yoghurt, stir together and store overnight in the fridge. Remove from the fridge and apply to thoroughly cleansed skin using your fingertips or a brush. Leave on for approximately twenty minutes until the mask starts to dry and go hard. Next, gently massage the skin using a little extra avocado oil, which will help to remove the mask and any dead skin cells. Finally, completely remove the mask with a warm face cloth and spritz the skin with cold water. You now have a completely clean canvas on which to apply your moisturiser.

  List of Illustrations

  1. Dad and me on the back step of our house in Barnehurst.

  2. Bonnie kid – the photo Mum submitted, earning me the audition for a Heinz commercial.

  3. Aged four, on Mum’s lap, alongside Nanny Edie.

  4. The netball team. Here I am (centre, holding ball) with the rest of the girls.

  5. My mum.

  6. My impish sister, Tracey.

  7. Around the dinner table with the Sewells.

  8. Marrying my soulmate, Gary.

  9. Our wedding day. With my bridesmaids, Sarah, Tracey and Emma, and Mum (far right) and Dad (far left).

  10. ‘The face girl’ – working on a client in the treatment room at the flat in Chelsea where it all began.

  11. My work desk after branching out into the world of fragrance.

  12. A People magazine shoot on the opening of Walton Street.

  13. Two of my greatest loves – fragrance and flowers – at Covent Garden Flower Market.

  14. Steven Horn and me in New York, celebrating the opening of Bergdorf Goodman.

  15. Deborah Bennett and me enjoying the beauty of Petra, Jordan.

  16. Gary and me at a polo match.

  17. Opening day at our first shop, 154 Walton Street.

  18. Our precious son Josh – one of the greatest gifts of our lives.

  19. Father’s Day.

  20. Celebrating Josh’s birthday in Serafina, our favourite pizza restaurant in New York. I’m on my last round of chemo . . . still wearing my Sex & The City cap.

  21. Getting stronger – back to real life, my first party after finishing chemo.

  22. My two dear friends, Jane Moore (left) and Ruth Kennedy, together in Venice. This was the photo I pinned on my ‘chemo calendar’ . . . and I’d look at it every day.

  23. A very proud day – receiving my MBE at Buckingham Palace, with Gary, Josh and Dr Larry Norton, the doctor who saved my life.

  24. Charlotte and me outside No.10, where I was about to give a keynote speech.

  25. Strolling down the beach at Parrot Cay – the place where Pomelo, my first Jo Loves fragrance, came to life.

  26. My dear friend Isy Ettedgui, who helped me create the iconic packaging for Jo Malone London.

  27. Joel Cadbury, who’s always been there for me.

  28. Charlotte McCarthy on the morning we announced Jo Loves to the world . . . from the kitchen table.

  29. Launching Jo Loves with a pop-up at Selfridges – from our initial red and black branding, to working flat out through the night, to stocking the shelves with product.

  30. Life comes full circle and takes me right back to the beginning: from Justin de Blank at No.42 Elizabeth Street to Jo Loves – my forty-ninth birthday present.

  31. The beautiful fragrance brasserie, as seen from the front of the shop, looking through to the Candle Cocktail Bar at the back.

  32. Kathy Phillips joined me in making a candle. Kathy is a dear friend as well as the first journalist to write a story about how we built our first brand from a tiny kitchen.

  33. In The Candle Shot Studio with Jacquie Tovey, making lots of candles for the Christmas orders.

  34. Showing Gary and Naomi Harford the beauty of Grasse and my beloved Mougins.

  35. In the heart of Mougins – rediscovering a love affair with creativity again . . . and trusting the artist in me. I love this picture because it’s captured by my son, Josh.

  36. The Perfumer’s Organ – an array of notes from which ‘a nose’ selects the scents that make up a fragrance.

  37. Dubai 2016 – the great honour of being received into the World Retail Congress Hall of Fame, followed by a private audience with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and his ministers. A truly wonderful moment.

  1. Dad and me on the back step of our house in Barnehurst.

  2. Bonnie kid – the photo Mum submitted, earning me the audition for a Heinz commercial.

  3. Aged four, on Mum’s lap, alongside Nanny Edie.

  4. The netball team. Here I am (centre, holding ball) with the rest of the girls.

  5. My mum.

  6. My impish sister, Tracey.

  7. Around the dinner table with the Sewells.

  8. Marrying my soulmate, Gary.

  9. Our wedding day. With my bridesmaids, Sarah, Tracey and Emma, and Mum (far right) and Dad (far left).

  10. ‘The face girl’ – working on a client in the treatment room at the flat in Chelsea where it all began.

  11. My work desk after branching out into the world of fragrance.

  12. A People magazine shoot on the op
ening of Walton Street.

  13. Two of my greatest loves – fragrance and flowers – at Covent Garden Flower Market.

  14. Steven Horn and me in New York, celebrating the opening of Bergdorf Goodman.

  15. Deborah Bennett and me enjoying the beauty of Petra, Jordan.

  16. Gary and me at a polo match.

  17. Opening day at our first shop, 154 Walton Street.

  18. Our precious son Josh – one of the greatest gifts of our lives.

  19. Father’s Day.

  20. Celebrating Josh’s birthday in Serafina, our favourite pizza restaurant in New York. I’m on my last round of chemo . . . still wearing my Sex & The City cap.

  21. Getting stronger – back to real life, my first party after finishing chemo.

  22. My two dear friends, Jane Moore (left) and Ruth Kennedy, together in Venice. This was the photo I pinned on my ‘chemo calendar’ . . . and I’d look at it every day.

  23. A very proud day – receiving my MBE at Buckingham Palace, with Gary, Josh and Dr Larry Norton, the doctor who saved my life.

  24. Charlotte and me outside No.10, where I was about to give a keynote speech.