Industry Hero: Paula Kent Meehan (REDKEN)
Born Paula Jane Baer on August 9, 1931, in Beverly Hills, Paula dreamed of acting and briefly pursued it—landing roles in commercials and shows like 77 Sunset Strip and The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok. While acting, she experienced allergic reactions to hair products, sparking her mission to create gentler, more scientifically formulated haircare. Paula grew up in Burbank, California. She was a high school dropout, got married at the age of 15, and became a single mother by the age of 17. While attempting to find jobs in television, she worked as a gas station attendant and as a secretary. She overcame early challenges through resilience and self-education.