Early Life
John Paul DeJoria was born on April 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. His parents divorced when he was young, and he faced early challenges, including a period in foster care. From a young age, he showed an entrepreneurial spirit, selling Christmas cards and newspapers to support his family.
Rise to Success
DeJoria's career began with various jobs, including janitor and encyclopedia salesman. He entered the hair care industry at Redken Laboratories, but was later fired. In 1980, he co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems with Paul Mitchell with a $700 loan. The company quickly became a leading brand in the professional hair care industry. DeJoria also co-founded the Patrón Spirits Company in 1989, which became a world-renowned tequila brand.
Key Business Strategies
DeJoria's success can be attributed to several key strategies. He focused on quality products, a strong brand identity, and building relationships within the salon industry. He emphasized giving back, with sustainable practices at Patrón, and the core values of sustainability, social responsibility, and animal friendliness reflected in his business and philanthropy. The sale of Patrón to Bacardi in 2018 for $5.1 billion was a pivotal moment.
Philanthropy
DeJoria's philanthropic efforts are extensive. He established JP's Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, supporting various causes including sustainability, animal welfare, and community empowerment. He signed The Giving Pledge, committing to donate a significant portion of his wealth to charitable causes. His charitable work includes supporting Food4Africa, and building schools in Mali and Thailand. In 2022, he donated to save the HMS Unicorn.
