Jo Malone, the celebrated British perfumer known for creating Jo Malone London in 1990, exudes warmth and enthusiasm as she discusses her love for Christmas and her plans for the festive season. Recently in Singapore for the launch of her Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime-scented guest amenities at Pan Pacific Hotels, she welcomed guests with her trademark energy, a warm smile, and stories that left everyone laughing and engaged.

Despite her busy schedule, including recent travels, Jo is in high spirits as she anticipates Christmas — a season she holds dear. Having sold her original brand to Estée Lauder in 1999 and launching Jo Loves in 2011, she’s faced significant life challenges, including a battle with breast cancer, but has always remained positive and full of energy.

As the holidays approach, Jo, who now resides in Dubai, reflects on the importance of Christmas in her life and her special traditions. “I simply adore Christmas,” she says. “There’s no place like Whistler for the holidays, but London will always be home to me.” Her family has spent several Christmases in Whistler, Canada, where snow falls just in time for their arrival, and the entire village transforms into a festive paradise, filled with the smells of pine trees and the buzz of Christmas shoppers.

In London, however, the Malone family’s traditions are deeply rooted. On Christmas Eve, their home is lit entirely by candles, and cooking is done by candlelight, creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere. After preparing a simple dinner, Jo and her husband, who’ve celebrated 38 Christmases together, enjoy a Christmas movie and then head to the nearby pub. This tradition of candlelight and simplicity is something they’ve cherished for nearly four decades.

This year, Jo plans to spend Christmas in London with her family, including her son, a teacher who finishes work just in time for the holiday. “It’s going to be wonderful,” she says, describing how they’ll gather a festive crowd, inviting anyone who may be alone, particularly young people, to join their celebrations. The evening will be filled with carols, a tree decorated together, and delicious food, from bread and cheese to smoked salmon.

When reflecting on meaningful Christmas gifts, Jo recalls two significant presents. One is a gift from her husband: a Tiffany star pendant, which she cherishes and never removes. The other, even more special, was a gesture from the Thula Thula elephant conservation project in South Africa, where Jo supports elephant preservation. A baby hippo, born at the reserve, was named in her honour — a gift she treasures deeply.

As the year draws to a close, Jo looks back with gratitude and optimism. “It’s been one of the happiest years of my life, full of adventure and new experiences,” she shares. “I’ve had some tearful moments that made me reflect on life, but overall, it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey.”

Jo’s time in Dubai has also been transformative, as she sees her plans coming to fruition. “I want to change the world, to support the causes I believe in,” she says, confident in her ability to be successful. She also considers new avenues, such as teaching entrepreneurial thinking to the next generation or even exploring the possibility of a movie about her life.

Having relocated from the UK to pursue opportunities abroad, Jo believes in seizing the moment. “I knew if I waited for the perfect opportunity to come to me, I’d miss it. So, I decided to go where I could create it myself, and the doors have just opened.”

Jo Malone’s infectious energy and ambitious spirit continue to guide her, as she embraces the coming year with a heart full of passion and purpose.