Founding Austin
When Giving to Others is a Gift
As an actress, model, and the original spokesperson for Paul Mitchell, Eloise DeJoria has a familiar face. She is often seen at events on the arm of her business icon husband, John Paul DeJoria. To many in Austin she is also the face of a woman with a passion for supporting their organizations and causes that support recovery, good health and nutrition, responsibility for the environment, and the arts. Her first foray into acting was a public service announcement against domestic violence, and the rights, well-being, and empowerment of women take center stage in her philanthropic efforts.
DeJoria is also an entrepreneur and innovative business woman with businesses that reflect her core values including Ultimate Face Cosmetics, the Arbor Healthcare Center, and Renew Logic.
Married to John Paul DeJoria since 1993, she is the co-founder of JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation. Together they have six children, all of whom are active in the family foundation. Her belief that family is her greatest blessing is the motivation for Eloise to invest in both businesses and philanthropic organizations that work to make our world a better place for all. Says DeJoria, “It is a gift to me when I give to others. It is overwhelming and humbling that I have been able to help other people achieve their purpose.”
VV | Your approach to philanthropy as well as John Paul’s is relational as well as personal which is one of the reasons you focus on the health and well-being of women. You are a strong supporter of Eloise House, named in your honor at The SAFE Alliance in Austin. How did you become interested and get involved in that project?
ED | Constance Dykhuizen, who is the director of our foundation, came to me to tell me about an idea of providing a kind of safe house where women could go following a sexual assault and get an exam and information. When I found out that almost all assaults go unreported because of the process, I was interested. Eloise House provides a place where they can be supported in a non-threatening, chill environment. I thought nothing would make me feel better than for these women to be taken care of so that they can provide evidence in the form of a forensic exam, one that is done in a kind and professional way that won’t retraumatize them. It was also important to me that the perpetrators are convicted and have consequences for their actions. There are so many women that are ashamed, that are afraid to tell their families, and are afraid of the men who raped them. That is where Eloise House comes in with all of its resources. It hurts every cell in my body to hear the stories of the women who come to Eloise House so I am grateful to be able to help them find a way to tell their stories and recover.