Jo has one of the most recognizable names in the perfume industry. Starting out with handmade scents from her kitchen, she grew Jo Malone London into a cult classic brand worn by royals. She sold the company to Estée Lauder in 1999, and after stepping away, found the inspiration to start a new venture, Jo Loves. It’s a rekindling of her deeply personal relationship with fragrance.
In this episode, Jo sits down with Mariya Nurislamova, Scentbird’s co-founder and CEO. She reflects on what makes her a successful entrepreneur, tells the story of the scent that changed her forever, and reveals a new creation that is revolutionizing how people apply fragrance.
• Jo’s story
• Jo’s extraordinary sense of smell: “I could smell if the dog was sick”
• Dyslexia, synesthesia, and fragrance as a superpower
• Seeing color for smell?
• The magician’s assistant and early entrepreneurial roots
• The promise Jo made to herself
• As a 16-year-old, a dramatic scene gets Jo fired from her job at a flower shop
• Full circle: the story of No. 42 Elizabeth Street
• Ready for fragrance tapas? Nothing to eat, only to smell
• Why brands need to create a “first kiss” moment
• Jo’s tips for scenting your home
• The scent that changed Jo forever
• How to seal the deal with a retail partner? Douse their Burberry coat in Pomelo
• Jo’s go-to fragrance notes
• Why life is not about succeeding or failing
• A fragrance paintbrush? A revolutionary new idea
• How Jo thinks about packaging and the story behind the red dot
• Scent Spotlight: Mango Thai Lime, White Rose & Lemon Leaves, and Number Forty-Two The Flower Shop
• What would the Union Jack smell like?
• Mariya tells Jo a quick story and Jo recreates it in 5 fragrance notes or less
• Don’t worry about the teacher who didn’t believe in you as a kid
Pomelo by Jo Loves
Jo by Jo Loves
Mango Thai Lime by Jo Loves
White Rose & Lemon Leaves by Jo Loves
Number Forty-Two The Flower Shop by Jo Loves
