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Our Story
In 1980, two friends—Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria—were inspired to create a company that would support the success of hairdressers and provide luxury hair care at an affordable price. With just $700, they launched a revolutionary hair care system with three products: Shampoo One®, Shampoo Two®, and The Conditioner®. Today, their dream is a reality. Paul Mitchell currently produces over 100 products and is available in over 80 countries worldwide.
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From the very beginning, education was a big part of the two friends’ vision. Soon, the company had assembled an A-team of outstanding stylists and educators. Among them was Winn Claybaugh, a top motivational speaker and business expert. As he inspired audiences across America, Winn was spreading a philosophy of business that has helped an entire generation of beauty professionals find success—and has profoundly shaped the Paul Mitchell Schools culture.
Everything finally came together in 2000 when Winn, John Paul, and Paul’s son Angus Mitchell—by that time co-owner of the company that bears his late father’s name—decided to create Paul Mitchell Schools with just one location. Today, Paul Mitchell Schools is over 100 locations strong—and growing.
Our Founders
Winn Claybaugh
Winn Claybaugh is the dean and co-owner of Paul Mitchell Schools and a motivational expert, acclaimed by Larry King as “one of the best motivational speakers in the country.” As an educator, consultant and speaker, Winn has helped thousands of companies—from airlines to restaurant chains to television networks—build their brands and create successful working cultures. Winn’s “Be Nice” philosophy of business and education and his ethic of inclusivity and acceptance form the core values of Paul Mitchell Schools.John Paul DeJoria
John Paul DeJoria is a first-generation American turned entrepreneur, philanthropist and pillar of the business community. He has struggled against the odds not only to achieve success, but to share his success with others, always living by his motto: “Success unshared is failure.” In 2011, John Paul signed Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s “The Giving Pledge” as a formal promise to continue giving back. He established JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, which supports the core values of his companies: sustainability, social responsibility and animal friendliness.Angus Mitchell
Angus Mitchell experienced a unique upbringing in the hair industry as the son of the late legendary hairstylist Paul Mitchell.The Beginning
With just $700, John Paul DeJoria and Paul Mitchell launch John Paul Mitchell Systems. Their “office” consists of a post office box and an answering machine with a message recorded by a female friend.
NO ANIMAL TESTING
Always looking out for our furry friends, Paul Mitchell becomes the first professional beauty company to announce that we don’t conduct or endorse animal testing.
Von Curtis Academy
Winn Claybaugh opens the Von Curtis Academy. Nearly two decades later, Von Curtis would become Paul Mitchell The School Provo.
THE AWAPUHI FARM
Green from the get-go, Paul Mitchell establishes a self-sustaining, solar-powered Awapuhi farm in Hawaii—all of the Awapuhi used in our products is still harvested there today.
By Professionals
Paul Mitchell (the man) stars in a national advertising campaign with the tagline, “This man does not want you to buy his products. Anywhere.” The ad firmly establishes our company’s commitment to the professional beauty industry and fighting diversion.
The First Caper
Winn tells Von Curtis students that if they can sell a certain amount of retail products, he’ll take them to the Long Beach hair show. Half a dozen students get to go on this cross-country “Caper.”
We Care
John Paul Mitchell Systems receives a Humanitarian Award from People magazine for our ethical treatment of animals.
The DOORS OPEN
Winn and John Paul come together to create a new vision in cosmetology education. They open Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa, and Von Curtis Academy becomes Paul Mitchell The School Provo.
Remembrance
Inspired by a student whose dad was a New York firefighter, Paul Mitchell Schools begin holding annual 9/11 remembrance days. Activities include fundraising and free beauty services for first responders.
A Big Honor
The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) inducts Winn into their Hall of Leaders. He is the youngest person ever to receive the honor.
Head for Change
Our global “Head for Change” campaign is launched based on the belief that if we all make small changes to the way we live and work, we can help make the world a better place.
We Hit A Hundred
Paul Mitchell Schools reach 100 locations (and 10,000 Future Professionals) nationwide.
Excellence
Modern Salon magazine creates its annual Excellence in Education awards. Paul Mitchell Schools are among the honorees this first year and in the years that follow.
Ann Bowler Day
In honor of the passing of Winn’s 92-year-old best friend Ann, schools begin a holiday tradition of visiting nursing homes and spreading cheer.
Unlocking Hope
Winn receives the Hairdressers Unlocking Hope award from Behindthechair.com. The award recognizes his work to make giving back an integral part of cosmetology education.
We Go International
Paul Mitchell Schools gets its first international location—in Slovenia.
Giving Back
Paul Mitchell Schools celebrate 10 years of FUNraising with a gala featuring Betty White, Fran Drescher, Magic Johnson, and other celebrity superstars. The amount raised for charity over the course of the decade totals over $11.2 million.
The New Face
Our website gets a makeover with fresh new imagery, alumni profiles, inspiration and career advice from top industry mentors, a peek inside our unique culture and history, and much more!
