ONCE AGAIN, ADIOS CALIFORNIS, HOLA TEXAS

Major California company leaves for Texas

It was given a $640,000 grant to help with the move

 

By Kasia Pawlowska

 

SF Gate

Jun 24, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

Another major company is fleeing California for the Lone Star State. Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that hair care giant John Paul Mitchell Systems would be moving its headquarters from Santa Clarita in Southern California to Wilmer, Texas — a town of roughly 6,000 residents about 20 minutes outside Dallas. 

 

The company, which encompasses popular lines like Paul Mitchell products and Neuro styling tools, has three partner schools in the Bay Area: in San Francisco’s SoMa district, at San Jose’s Eastridge Center shopping mall and in downtown Pleasant Hill. In 2022, John Paul Mitchell Systems hit the $1.1 billion revenue mark.

Beyond offices, the company will set up a global distribution center at its new Texas location. According to the news release, the move will create 80 jobs and bring $12 million dollars to Texas.

“We’re grateful to Governor Abbott and the State of Texas for their warm welcome and support and look forward to contributing to the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth that make Texas such a special place to do business,” said John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, in the release.

A 25-year Austin resident, DeJoria has made four donations totaling more than $70,000 to Governor Abbott since 2021, according to OpenSecrets, and has made donations to Abbott’s campaigns going as far back as 2013. To help facilitate the move, the company has been given a $640,000 Texas Enterprise Fund grant. Overseen by the governor’s office, the TEF grants are awarded to businesses that are relocating to or expanding in Texas, creating jobs and attracting investment.

John Paul Mitchell Systems is the latest company to leave California for Texas. Last summer, Chevron announced its move from San Ramon to Houston, and in February of this year, Realtor.com announced it would be leaving Santa Clara for Austin.