Jp Dejoria, correctly spelled John Paul DeJoria, is a self-made American billionaire known for cofounding John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrón Spirits. His path from living out of a car to building global brands remains one of the most famous rags-to-riches stories in modern business. From humble beginnings selling greeting cards on the streets of Los Angeles to leading multiple multimillion and billion-dollar enterprises, he has built a legacy centered on perseverance, ethical business practices, and deep community support.
| Full name | John Paul DeJoria |
|---|---|
| Born | 1944 in Los Angeles |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Entrepreneur and philanthropist |
| Known for | John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrón Tequila |
| Spouse | Eloise DeJoria |
| Parents | Immigrants from Italy and Greece |
Early Life and Humble Beginnings in Los Angeles
Born in 1944 in Los Angeles, John Paul DeJoria was raised by a mother who supported the family by making hats after his parents divorced before he turned two. His father was an immigrant from Italy and his mother was an immigrant from Greece. Life in East Los Angeles was challenging, and he began working at the age of nine by selling greeting cards door to door and delivering newspapers with his brother. He gave all his earnings to his mother to help make ends meet and keep the household running.
During his school years, he faced low expectations from others, even being voted least likely to succeed by his peers and told by a teacher that he would fail at business. After graduating from high school in 1962, he served in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he worked a series of jobs to support himself, including working as a gas station attendant, a janitor, a machine shop worker, a dry cleaner hanger wrapper, and an encyclopedia salesman. These early roles helped shape his natural talent for sales, direct human connection, and resilience.
Launching John Paul Mitchell Systems with $700
Before entering the hair care industry, he worked as a sales representative for Redken and later held management roles at other firms, where his independent management style often led to friction with corporate superiors. In 1980, he teamed up with hairdresser Paul Mitchell to launch their own hair care company. According to historical accounts, they started the business with just $700, some of which he borrowed from his mother.
During the early days of the company, he lived out of his car for several weeks while spending very little money on food, budgeting only a few dollars daily. Without funds for traditional advertising, he relied entirely on direct sales and door-to-door promotion to convince local salons to carry his products. That grit paid off, turning the brand into a massive global enterprise available in tens of thousands of salons across dozens of countries while refusing lucrative corporate buyout offers to protect the professional beauty industry.
Co-Founding Patrón Tequila and Other Ventures
Building on his success in the beauty industry, he ventured into the spirits market in 1989 by co-founding Patrón, an ultra-premium tequila brand. The company started out producing a modest 1,000 cases in its first year before growing into a massive international name that transformed how the world viewed tequila. He eventually sold his stake in Patrón in 2018, opening the door for new entrepreneurial pursuits.
Beyond hair care and spirits, his business portfolio expanded to include ventures focused on animal care, mobile technology, and software tools. He helped launch John Paul Pet, which produces shampoos tested on humans before animals to ensure safety and sensitivity. More recently, according to Wikipedia, he has turned his attention to software platforms like Vendidit and GlobalSKU, which help businesses manage product returns and marketplace resales.
Philanthropy and the Philosophy of Giving Back
Throughout his career, he has maintained a strict personal motto that success unshared is failure. In 2011, he formalized his commitment to charity by signing The Giving Pledge alongside other prominent entrepreneurs, promising to give away the majority of his wealth. That same year, he established JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation to support sustainability, social responsibility, and animal welfare initiatives.
His charitable efforts also include long-standing support for programs that provide housing and job opportunities for unhoused individuals in Austin, Texas, working alongside organizations like Mobile Loaves and Fishes. He has worked closely with community organizations to create sustainable gardens and housing communities for people in need. These philanthropic projects reflect the values he learned during his own struggles with poverty and homelessness in his early adult years.
Daily Routine and Business Philosophy
Based in Austin, Texas, he maintains an active daily routine that starts with hydration, meditation, and a strict set of push-ups. Even as a self-made billionaire, he famously avoids owning a personal computer, preferring to communicate through phone calls, in-person meetings, and handwritten letters. He continues to advise startup ventures, consult with business teams, and spend time with his wife Eloise and his adult children.
His remarkable journey from selling greeting cards on the streets of Los Angeles to leading multiple global companies remains a source of inspiration for aspiring business owners. By staying true to his core principles of product quality and social responsibility, he proved that starting with nothing does not limit how far a person can go. This commitment to ethical business practices and community support defines his enduring legacy in the modern business world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Paul DeJoria Mexican?
No, he is an American born in Los Angeles, California. His father was an immigrant from Italy and his mother was an immigrant from Greece.
What is John Paul DeJoria known for?
He is best known as the co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems hair care products and Patrón Tequila, as well as for his extensive philanthropic work.
What companies does John Paul DeJoria own?
Over his career, he has co-founded or invested in several companies, including John Paul Mitchell Systems, Patrón Spirits, John Paul Pet, and software tools focused on product returns.
What is John Paul DeJoria doing now?
He currently lives in Austin, Texas, where he advises new businesses, manages his charitable foundation, and works on software ventures like Vendidit and GlobalSKU.