Whenever I’m getting a haircut I always notice all those Paul Mitchell bottles shelved up high, or in the hands of some hair stylists aggressively selling it to me. There must be a good story behind this brand which is constantly in ones face.

Due to the packaging, most people know the name Paul Mitchell, but the name John Paul DeJoria is lesser known.

However John Paul DeJoria’s rise to wealth is most spectacular, simply because he used to be homeless, and grew up nearby in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Some details about DeJoria’s life:

-DeJoria and his brother were moved into a foster home after his parents divorced

-DeJoria was part of a street gang in East Los Angeles (he got out and joined the Navy)

-Had many odd jobs, working as a janitor and life insurance salesman

As a natural salesman, DeJoria earned a marketing position at Time Magazine, leading to subsequent promotions, and then worked for Redken Laboratories (hair care brand now owned by L’Oreal).

Later, In 1980 DeJoria met Paul Mitchell and together they formed John Paul Mitchell Systems with a loan for $700 (see this link for starting up a company with low capital).

DeJoria’s proven resilience, despite the hardship in his life, carried over in his business.

A great quote from DeJoria is such ” I have said many times [Read more...]