From Stylist to CEO: The Success Story of Paul Mitchell
It takes a special kind of person to work their way up from being a stylist to the head of a multi-million dollar company. This is exactly what Paul Mitchell did in the hairdressing industry. He was famously known for his iconic hair care brand, Paul Mitchell Systems. This brand revolutionized the industry and to this day, his hard work and dedication is respected across the world.
The Early Years
Paul Mitchell was born on June 12, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan. He started his career by attending the cosmetology school at the age of 15. After completing the program, he moved to New York and began to work as a stylist. His skill and determination made him stand out among his peers. He quickly gained the trust of noble clients. As the years passed, his acclaim and experience grew.
Paul Moves to Los Angeles
In 1965, Paul Mitchell and his wife, Winnie, decided to move to Los Angeles, California. There he found work as a cosmetology style editor for Vogue. His article detailed modern styling techniques and even included suggestions for proper use of color and products. Along with his wife, he also started working for the magazine Hair Styles Now, where he further developed his knowledge of the industry.
Meeting the Future Partner
It wasn’t until he started working for this magazine that Paul Mitchell met John Paul DeJoria, his future partner. Some say their meeting was a work of fate as it ended up becoming an immensely successful business partnership. John Paul initially worked as a stylist at the magazine and he soon joined forces with Paul Mitchell. Together they would combine their years of experience and knowledge to create a revolutionary brand.
The Paul Mitchell Brand
The Paul Mitchell brand was officially launched in 1980. Initially, the company sold color trays and styling products. This was very different and innovative compared to other hair care brands at the time. Their products contained ingredients that were incredibly mild and gentle while still having great results. It was developed with salon professionals in mind, both stylists and coiffeurs alike.
The Impact of Paul Mitchell
The brand quickly grew in popularity and made Paul Mitchell a household name. It wasn’t until 1991 that he truly recognized for his contributions to the industry, receiving 6 awards from the Professional Beauty Association. He was also awarded the Most Admired CEO award from the Long Beach Press-Telegram.
His success story proves that anyone with dedication and hard work can reach their goals. He set a standard for modern hair care and inspired other renowned stylists to reach their dreams. He may no longer be with us, but the legacy he created will always be remembered.
Paul Mitchell’s success story is one of determination and dedication. He worked his way up from being a stylist to becoming the CEO of his own company. Not only did he revolutionize the hairdressing industry, but he was also an inspiration to many. His work is remembered and respected by salon professionals across the world.
