Who is Dhar Mann? From Taxi Cabs to YouTube Fame
He grew up in a cramped one-bedroom Bay Area apartment shared by multiple families, as his parents were focused on managing their taxi cab company.
Dharminder “Dhar” Mann was born on May 29, 1984, to Indian immigrant parents Surinder Mann and Baljit Singh Mann. He grew up in a cramped one-bedroom Bay Area apartment shared by multiple families, as his parents were focused on managing their taxi cab company Friendly Cab. Mann’s upbringing was marked by financial hardship, as his family struggled to make ends meet while running the small taxi business.
Despite the challenges, Mann’s parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, determination, and entrepreneurship from a young age. They encouraged him to pursue his dreams and seek out opportunities to create his own success. This early exposure to the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship would later shape Mann’s approach to business and his desire to inspire others through his work.
Business Ventures
In 2010, Mann co-founded the hydroponics store weGrow, which marketed its products for growing medical marijuana. The business was intended to capitalize on the emerging legal cannabis industry, providing supplies and equipment to individuals and small-scale growers. However, the venture was short-lived, as it closed down just two years later amid lawsuits between Mann and his business partner.
The legal disputes and ultimate failure of weGrow served as a formative experience for Mann, teaching him valuable lessons about the complexities of running a business and the importance of strong partnerships and clear communication. Undeterred, Mann continued to explore new entrepreneurial opportunities, eventually finding success in a different field.
In 2013, Mann was convicted of defrauding the city of Oakland through his real estate company MannEdge Properties. This legal issue further complicated Mann’s business history and reputation, but it also motivated him to reevaluate his approach and seek out more ethical and socially responsible ventures. The experience of facing legal consequences for his actions likely contributed to Mann’s subsequent focus on creating content that promotes positive values and moral lessons.
Dhar Mann Studios
In 2018, Mann founded Dhar Mann Studios, a video production company that creates short morality-themed films for social media platforms like YouTube. The studio’s videos typically feature a character learning a valuable lesson after making poor choices, often related to themes of honesty, kindness, or personal growth. Mann’s goal with Dhar Mann Studios was to use the power of storytelling and visual media to inspire and educate his audience, particularly younger viewers who may be navigating complex social and ethical challenges.
The success of Dhar Mann Studios has been driven by the company’s ability to create engaging, relatable content that resonates with viewers. Mann’s personal experiences and the lessons he has learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey have informed the narratives and messages conveyed in the studio’s films. By drawing on his own life experiences and the challenges he has faced, Mann is able to craft stories that feel authentic and impactful, connecting with viewers on an emotional level.
In 2021, Mann’s Dhar Mann Studios took a significant step forward when the company signed a contract with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a leading talent and entertainment agency. This partnership has allowed Mann to expand the reach and distribution of his studio’s content, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, Mann launched a mobile app to host the Dhar Mann Studios’ content, further enhancing the platform’s accessibility and engagement with viewers.
Personal Life
Alongside his professional endeavors, Mann has also maintained a prominent personal life. He has been in a relationship with his fiancée, Laura Avila, since 2015, and the couple has two daughters together. In 2020, Mann made headlines when he purchased a mansion in Calabasas, California that was previously owned by reality TV star Khloé Kardashian.
Mann’s personal life and family have played a significant role in shaping his outlook and the themes he explores in his content. The challenges he faced growing up in a financially-strapped household have likely contributed to his desire to create stories that inspire and empower others, particularly those from underserved or disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, his role as a father has likely influenced the family-oriented and morally-driven narratives that are central to Dhar Mann Studios’ productions.
Mann’s journey from a childhood marked by financial hardship to a successful entrepreneur and content creator is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to positive social impact. Through his work with Dhar Mann Studios, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of social media-driven storytelling, using his platform to spread messages of kindness, integrity and personal growth.
