John Paul DeJoria is a successful American entrepreneur and billionaire. His net worth is valued at $2.8 billion according to Forbes as of October 13, 2021. He is the founder of tequila maker Patrón Spirits Co. and the cofounder of hair care company John Paul Mitchell Systems. The 77-year-old was ranked 1174 in Forbe's 2021 list of billionaires. He has one of the most inspiring rags to riches stories which never fails to amaze. One can always look up to such journeys to know the true essence of what capacity a determined and hardworking individual holds.
John was born on April 13, 1944, to his Italian immigrant father and a Greek immigrant, in Echo Park, Los Angeles. He grew up with his single mother after his parents got divorced it was tough for a single mother to raise two sons, John, and his sibling. They were also sent to foster care for a while and returned when John was nine. At the young age of nine years, he started selling Christmas cards and newspapers along with his brother to support the family and attended schooling while working small jobs alongside. He went to Atwater Elementary School and John Marshall High School for education.
After his higher education, he spent two years of service in the United States Navy. John did all kinds of jobs after that to earn a decent livelihood. He worked as a janitor and sold shampoo as a door-to-door salesman and even slept in his car at some point in time. John tried taking his talents and knowledge related to hair care to several cosmetic companies which did not work out in his favor.
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In 1980, he met Paul Mitchell and this is when the duo decided to jointly start the hair care all-rounder, John Paul Mitchell Systems. He finally became an independent consultant and started the journey with Mitchell having only $700 in his pocket. The Paul Mitchell line of hair care products and cosmetics is now a leading brand in the hair care and cosmetology industry. His partner died of illness and John took over the company fully after that.
He is married to Eloise Broady DeJoria, an American model, actress, producer, businesswoman, and philanthropist. They have 4 children including Alexis DeJoria who is a well-known American drag racer. According to an interview he gave to CNBC, DeJoria had three rules which made him achieve the success he has today.
Rule No. 1: Always be prepared for rejection.
Rule No. 2: Make sure your product or service is the best it can be.
Rule No. 3: Doing good is good for you — and your business.
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John is an affluent businessman, philanthropist, and environmentalist. He was also a patron of Mineseeker which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to seeking solutions to the worldwide problem of landmines. He also founded Grow Appalachia, a non-profit initiative that teaches families in need how to grow, prepare and preserve organic fruits and vegetables in a region with little access to fresh, nutritious food in 2010. John has also been indulged in the film industry as an executive producer and actor. His journey inspires numerous aspiring entrepreneurs to date.
