How did you begin your career in the beauty industry?

My first job in the beauty industry was in the press office for Parfums Christian Dior, the cosmetics and perfumery part of the Christian Dior business, based in Mount Street, Mayfair. I can still recall the wonderful smell of the ‘samples cupboard’ and the excitement of seeing each new season’s cosmetics collections coming from Paris.

What inspired you to create your own brand?

I stopped dyeing my hair, and with the encouragement of an inspired hairdresser, realised that under the dye was a head of white hair. White and grey hair does have specific needs if it’s to look its best, so I started looking for specialist products that worked but also felt like a luxurious part of my beauty regime. I couldn’t find anything that shared the spirit of how I felt about embracing my grey hair, so decided to create my own.

How do you begin your day with a positive attitude?

Every day starts with a cup of tea, a quick meditation from the Headspace app and a short walk with my dog Ted. Attitude affects altitude in my book, so if I’m not in the right frame of mind, a quick talk to myself on the way into the office in the car seems to do the trick.

What has been the defining moment in your career?

There has been more than one. Moving out of London to join a big retailer was certainly one and then leaving the corporate world to join a small creative agency was another.

What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?

Despite what everyone says, no one really has a plan, so don’t worry too much about that. Do, however, keep checking in with yourself, to see that for the most part, you’re enthralled by what you’re doing and enjoying more days than not. And if you’re thinking about changing your job, think about the trapeze artist - reach for something you want to grab hold of rather than letting go of where you are!

What future ventures are in the pipeline?

I’ve always got a few creative ideas tucked away in notebooks and as a ‘maturepreneur’ I’m keen to dispel the myth that new ventures are for the twenty-somethings tucked away in their bedrooms. At the moment, taking White Hot to more and more women around the world who want to feel great about having grey hair is a big venture in itself.

What, for you, is the best thing about being a woman?

I can’t imagine life without the joy of playing with beauty products, trying new things and the small nurturing pleasure of beauty rituals. I’m not sure it’s the best thing but life would be infinitely duller if getting ready meant a quick shower and a clean shirt.

Who is your female role model?

No one woman embodies it all but I have huge admiration for Christina Rasmussen, a Greek-American author, speaker and philanthropist who after losing her husband in her thirties is pioneering a new way to help people restart their lives after loss.

Basket

DISCOVER

Powerful Women: Jayne Mayled, White Hot Hair

White Hot Hair is the brainchild of Jayne Mayled and has become the go-to haircare brand for anyone with white or grey hair.

In the White Hot collection, is a capsule of products designed to nourish, brighten and hydrate white and grey hair so it stays looking brilliant and gorgeous. Led by one of the smartest and most innovative entrepreneurs we have met, White Hot has grown from strength to strength to become one of the world's leading specialist haircare brands.

A Q&A with Jayne Mayled, founder of White Hot Hair

Team LF Writer and expert

Our team of beauty experts cover everything from makeup to skincare, picking out the most effective products from the best brands and latest trends. Stay up to date on everything beauty with the LOOKFANTASTIC blog, and find all your essentials in one place.