John Paul DeJoria’s Reflections on the American Dream
Until July 4th, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is showcasing U.S. citizens sharing what the 2026 American Dream means to them. One of the highlighted voices is John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of the Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron Spirits Company.
DeJoria’s journey began with his mother, who immigrated from Greece at a very young age in pursuit of the American dream. They often told her the streets here were lined with gold, but the reality was quite different upon her arrival.
After marrying, she sadly found herself with an unsupportive husband. By the time DeJoria turned five, his mother faced health issues that led to him and his brother being placed in a foster care facility in East LA. They were fortunate, he notes, as they got to visit their mother over weekends.
In contrast, other children in the foster care system didn’t have the same luck. They never had visitors. DeJoria’s mother, though, had a big heart. She often invited other kids to join their family for holidays. He recalls her empowering words, “No matter what, you can do it.” And they did.
Despite having almost no money, they didn’t realize how financially strained they were. They had no TV or even a newspaper to remind them of what they lacked. To them, life seemed full and rich, largely because of their mother’s love and support. Around the age of nine and a half, they finally returned home.
His mother managed to buy them a small house, and one Friday, they gathered all their money—just 27 cents. This memory stuck with him. She shared a poignant lesson: “What does it mean to be rich? We’re wealthy because we’re happy and healthy. We may only have 27 cents, but we have vegetables growing in our little garden. Our bills are paid, and we have each other. We will get through this week and the next.”
The American Dream Video Project showcases authentic stories like DeJoria’s, shedding light on the journey toward opportunity. This series is part of the Milken Center’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, emphasizing interactive exhibits and narratives around achieving the American dream. For those interested, more details can be found on the Milken Center’s official website.
