Danny Gray's personal journey of overcoming body dysmorphia and creating a successful men's makeup brand.
The creation of Jack, a mental health platform, to provide support, advice, and resources for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Deep dives
The Power of Personal Experience and Empathy
Danny Gray, founder of War Paint, shares his personal journey of experiencing bullying, body dysmorphia, and mental health struggles. This led him to create War Paint, a men's makeup brand, and Jack, a mental health platform. By sharing his own story and providing a platform for people to access expert advice and support, Danny aims to help others facing similar challenges.
The Importance of Confidence and Self-Image
Danny discusses how his childhood experiences and negative comments from others affected his self-confidence. This led to an obsession with his appearance and the need to look perfect. However, through personal growth and self-acceptance, Danny has learned to manage his body dysmorphia and enhance his confidence. He emphasizes the importance of being the best version of oneself, rather than focusing on others' opinions or unrealistic standards.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and the Birth of War Paint
Danny reveals his entrepreneurial drive and his desire to start his own business. Inspired by his personal struggles and his observation of the men's makeup industry, he saw an opportunity to create a brand that catered to men's specific needs and made the experience of using makeup more accessible and efficient. Despite facing initial backlash and judgment, War Paint gained traction and success, challenging traditional beauty standards and offering a unique product for men.
The Creation of Jack and the Importance of Information
Driven by the aim to provide valuable resources and support, Danny created Jack, an interactive mental health platform. Jack offers a range of topics and expert advice, allowing people to access accurate information, ask questions, and gain insights into various mental health issues. Danny highlights the significance of finding reliable information and empathetic guidance to help individuals understand and address their mental health challenges.
This conversation with Danny Gray is one of our all-time favourites.
Danny had a childhood filled with bullying, trauma and mental disorders. It left him with scars that no one else could see, and eventually led him to starting War Paint, a men’s makeup brand that is on an unbelievable growth path. They’re creating a new category. In fact, they’ve already created it and are fast becoming an iconic brand.
Plus, Danny went on Dragons Den, got offers from all 5 Dragons and then ultimately turned them down. Madness. In this episode, we find out what really happened, behind the cameras.
Danny is also the Founder of Jaaq, a mental health platform which covers everything from depression to addiction, hair loss to periods. They’ve managed to get A-listers like Alastair Campbell to bare their souls, explaining the toughest things they’ve been through. The theory is that hearing from people with lived experience is a key part of feeling understood and ultimately being able to tackle your demons.
Danny looks and sounds like a 'Jack The Lad'. He says that was his image - but it really was all an image.
So what happened in his childhood that crushed his confidence?
