Success is never accidental. Some of the world’s most influential and accomplished people were forged through struggle, resilience, and sheer determination. John Paul DeJoria is one such example. Known today as the co-founder of the iconic haircare brand Paul Mitchell and the luxury tequila company Patrón Spirits, DeJoria’s journey to wealth was far from easy. Before becoming a billionaire, he was homeless—not once, but twice. His life story stands as a testament to perseverance, hard work, and the power of believing in oneself.

John Paul DeJoria was born on April 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, into a poor immigrant family. His father was Italian, his mother Greek. His earliest memories were filled with arguments and tension at home, and by the time he was four, his parents separated. From then on, he lived with his mother, who, despite struggling with illness, worked tirelessly to support him and his siblings. Even as a young boy, DeJoria helped contribute by selling Christmas cards and newspapers on cold streets alongside his brother.

When his mother could no longer support the family, DeJoria and his siblings were placed in a foster home in East Los Angeles. There, he endured harsh conditions, including long hours of labor in barns and physical punishment. Despite the hardships, he clung to the hope that education could change his life. After two grueling years, he escaped the foster system, beginning a life of survival on the streets.

Homelessness became a reality for DeJoria. He slept in a beat-up car in parks, taking odd jobs wherever he could—washing dishes, repairing cars, selling encyclopedias door-to-door, even collecting scrap metal. At one point, he fell in with a street gang, engaging in petty theft, but instinct and conscience eventually pulled him away. Even amid poverty and instability, he never abandoned school, believing it was his path out of despair. In 1962, he graduated high school, and the following year, he married.

Life’s trials were relentless. At age 22, his wife left him, taking their two sons, their car, and months of rent money. DeJoria was once again homeless, forced to live in motels, cars, and parks while working multiple jobs to care for his children. He worked at gas stations, cleaned offices, sold photocopiers, and knocked on doors selling books—anything to survive. These years of struggle, however, instilled in him a work ethic and resilience that would become the foundation of his future success.

DeJoria’s breakthrough came through haircare. In 1971, he began working as a salesperson for Redken Laboratories. His talent was undeniable, consistently leading in sales, and he was soon promoted to management. Yet after just a year and a half, disagreements over business strategy led to his dismissal. Undeterred, he continued selling hair products for other companies, demonstrating remarkable skill by generating millions in revenue and rescuing struggling businesses.

In 1980, DeJoria partnered with his friend Paul Mitchell to launch John Paul Mitchell Systems with an initial investment of just $700. Their goal was simple: create high-quality haircare products that made salon work easier and more effective. The first years were brutal; the company nearly went bankrupt at least fifty times, and the sudden death of Paul Mitchell added even greater pressure. But DeJoria persevered, driven by loyalty to his friend and belief in their vision. Slowly, the company grew, earning its first million dollars and then ten million by its fifth year.

Over the decades, John Paul Mitchell Systems expanded its product lines—shampoos, conditioners, dyes, and styling products—and became one of the world’s leading haircare brands. By 2015, the company’s revenue reached $1 billion. But DeJoria’s ambition didn’t stop there. In 1989, he co-founded Patrón Spirits, a premium tequila company, which grew into a global phenomenon, generating $1.6 billion in revenue by 2017. DeJoria sold a 70% stake to Bacardi for $5.1 billion in cash, securing an estimated $4 billion for himself.

Yet wealth was never his ultimate goal. DeJoria remembered his struggles and the help he once received. He committed himself to giving back, supporting underprivileged children, environmental causes, animal rights, and education. In 2011, he pledged to give away half of his fortune through The Giving Pledge. He also established the Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, funding charitable initiatives, vocational training, and mentorship programs for youth, especially those facing homelessness like he once did.

DeJoria’s philosophy for success is grounded in three principles:

Prepare for rejection. In business, not everyone will welcome your ideas or products. Accept rejection, stay confident, and keep moving forward.

Prioritize quality. Success follows excellence. Offer the best products and services possible, and people will notice.

Work tirelessly. Hard work is irreplaceable. No matter the circumstances, persistence and effort will help you overcome challenges.

John Paul DeJoria’s story is more than a rags-to-riches tale. It is a lesson in resilience, vision, and generosity. From sleeping in cars to running billion-dollar enterprises, he has proven that determination, integrity, and compassion can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. His life is a beacon for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone who refuses to give up on their goals. The American Dream, for DeJoria, was not just about wealth—it was about transformation, opportunity, and giving back.