Founder’s Story: Jo Glanville-Blackburn from JOGBLiving
 Meet Jo: the beauty journalist, holistic wellness expert and mother behind your new favourite candle brand. We delve deep into her career, the story behind why she started JOGBLiving and discover her top wellbeing tips, from candle gazing to breathing rituals…
Tell us more about your career…
I originally trained as a fashion illustrator and journalist, always combining visuals with words, so when I first landed a job as a junior beauty editor in the late 80’s I had the enviable position to immediately be trusted with styling and art directing my own shoots. I spent many years on women’s lifestyle magazines while also writing ten Spa, Beauty & Wellness books. Since becoming a mother my sense of smell was heightened from all the hormones, and so I found myself super sensitive to synthetic aromas and perfumes in my life and my home, which led me onto my next project… JOGB Living. What gave you the idea to start JOGBLiving? For me, as a mother of three and a homemaker, home is everything. The sounds, the smells, that feeling of beloved space that echoes moments of joy in your heart, even on days when you might be alone – home truly is in my heart. When my senses became heightened to synthetic ingredients found in my beauty products and I also developed an autoimmune disorder called MS (Multiple Sclerosis), I became much more curious about ingredients. Luckily, through my journalist career, I have met so many incredible experts – from neurologist, to Bio-Resonance Therapists, even a Shaman healer- they each advised me to cut toxic impure aromas from my home – from disinfectant sprays, perfumes and especially paraffin burning candles, which are widely known to emit toxic fumes in closed environments, like the home. So I cut them out of my life and I decided to create my own with only pure waxes and essential oils.
What makes JOGBLiving candles stand out?
I believe it’s the potency and purity: my unique mood-enhancing essential oil aromas have been created exclusively for me by a British natural perfumer, using not one or two oils but each aromas is a complex accord of top, middle and bottom notes. They truly do work magic on the senses. Tell us more about the candles and their scents… Each aroma really is like a deep breath of gorgeousness – MOJO is super sensual and confidence boosting, GOJO is positive, uplifting and brightening – a real pick-me-up, and SLOJO is just a soporific babe that really resonates with many of my customers who are just exhausted mentally and physically. I think that’s what I love best about these complex scents – they affect your senses deep down, they’re not superficial, and in your home they really can help you unwind and feel comfort the moment you step in the door. I always burn candles – more now than ever. My girlfriends are obsessed especially as a few used to get headaches with the ones they used to use – regardless of price – it’s all in the purity of the formulation. We often think of candles to get people to unite over a dinner table or to feel comfort when they come to visit. However, I use a candle to meditate with – helping me close my mind off by breathing in the aroma and by learning to ‘candle gaze’ for just 5 minutes a day, morning and night. I quickly found other ways to switch off and keep calm and now I can switch off like the flick of a switch! What other wellbeing tips have you’ve picked up along the way?
Since developing MS I think I am a much healthier person. I do a 10-day water fast every three months to help me work out specific foods that affect my body and to help minimise pain; I practice Autogenic Breathing every single day which is an incredible self-meditational ritual of breathing that helps to reduce aches and encourage the body to heal by being able to manage stress better. The course was actually given to me via the NHS – and backed by my neurologists in London. To follow Jo on her journey, check out her ‘Jo On The Go’ interview series which features industry experts and entrepreneurs who share their life and career journey, favourite tips and tricks and advice on leading a happier life.
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