Austin entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author John Paul DeJoria has built a legacy around more than just business success — he has built one around kindness, generosity, and giving back.
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott caught up with DeJoria to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, as well as the release of his new memoir, “Success Unshared Is Failure.”
On We Are Austin, Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott caught up with DeJoria to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, as well as the release of his new memoir, “Success Unshared Is Failure.”
The founder of the Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation by the John Paul and Eloise Family Foundation is celebrating a milestone rooted in compassion and service, marking 15 years of supporting communities and creating opportunities for people in need.
DeJoria launched the foundation in 2010 during a challenging time for many Americans, when unemployment was high and families were struggling.
John Paul DeJoria celebrates 15 years of giving back with new memoir!
“At that time, when I put it together, unemployment in the United States was about 10%. A lot of people were out of work, and I thought, you know what? I’ve got to put together a foundation,” DeJoria shared. “It’s a family foundation. No one contributes to it but me and my family, to help change the world.”
Starting right here in Austin, DeJoria says the foundation was built around a simple but powerful message.
“The words peace, love and happiness — if everybody lived by it or just said it once a day — it helps change the world,” he said. “It’s all about peace, love and happiness and sharing with one another.”
“The words peace, love and happiness — if everybody lived by it or just said it once a day — it helps change the world,” he said. “It’s all about peace, love and happiness and sharing with one another.”
For DeJoria, giving back comes from his own experiences and the challenges he faced early in life. After growing up with limited resources and experiencing homelessness, he says helping others became a responsibility.
“I started out homeless in my life, needless to say, with a single mom,” DeJoria said. “I knew that by gosh, once you make something, you’ve got to give back or you don’t feel right.”
For DeJoria, the goal has always been about making the world a better place for future generations.
Through the foundation and his other philanthropic efforts, DeJoria has supported causes across Austin and beyond, including helping people experiencing homelessness, creating opportunities for job training, and supporting organizations that serve those in need.
For DeJoria, the goal has always been about making the world a better place for future generations.
“We have absolutely nothing when we get here,” he said. “What can we do to pay a little bit of rent to be here and make the planet better while we were here? And that’s what it’s all about.”
“We have absolutely nothing when we get here,” he said. “What can we do to pay a little bit of rent to be here and make the planet better while we were here? And that’s what it’s all about.”
Now, DeJoria is sharing more of his personal journey in his first memoir, “Success Unshared Is Failure.”
The book explores his path from starting with nothing to building successful companies, while also sharing lessons about perseverance, entrepreneurship, and the importance of generosity.
Now, DeJoria is sharing more of his personal journey in his first memoir, “Success Unshared Is Failure.”
A friend encouraged DeJoria to write the book so others could learn from his experiences and understand how success can be achieved through hard work, resilience, and kindness.
“The best part of wealth is if you’re happy and healthy, you’re wealthy,” DeJoria said. “If it’s just money, you’re not wealthy. You just have money.”
The title, “Success Unshared Is Failure,” reflects one of DeJoria’s biggest beliefs: that true success comes from helping others.
“Don’t just read it for yourself. Give it to your children. Give it to your grandchildren,” he said. “It shows America still works. It still works.”
“The best part of wealth is if you’re happy and healthy, you’re wealthy,” DeJoria said. “If it’s just money, you’re not wealthy. You just have money.”
After decades of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, DeJoria continues to encourage the next generation of leaders to embrace challenges and stay committed to their values.
His advice? Be prepared for rejection, stay persistent, and always lead with kindness.
“Be prepared for a lot of rejection in your life, whether it’s personally or in business,” DeJoria said. “If you’re prepared for rejection, it’s not going to hurt you. You’re not going to give up.”
He also encourages entrepreneurs to focus on creating products and services people truly value.
When it comes to building relationships and navigating life, DeJoria believes honesty and kindness can make all the difference.
To learn more about the Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation or find his new memoir, “Success Unshared Is Failure,” visit the organization’s website and book retailers.
To learn more about the Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation or find his new memoir, “Success Unshared Is Failure,” visit the organization’s website and book retailers.