Paula Kent Meehan facts for kids

Paula Jane Meehan (born August 9, 1931 – died June 23, 2014) was an American businesswoman. She was also a leader in companies and a kind person who gave money to good causes. She helped start Redken, a famous company that makes products for hair. For a short time, she also worked as an actress and a fashion model.

About Paula Kent Meehan

Her Early Life

Paula Jane Baer was born on August 9, 1931. Her birthplace was Beverly Hills, California. Her parents were Richard Moorehead Baer and Lois. Her aunt, Paula Langlen, was an actress and dancer. Paula's father worked at Fox Studios. He was an assistant sound manager. Later, he became an accountant.

Her family moved to Burbank, where Paula grew up. She left high school early. At 15, she married Donald Arlen Slocum. She became a mother, but they divorced about a year and a half later. Paula worked as a gas station attendant and a secretary. She was trying to find jobs in television.

Her Career Journey

Acting Roles

Paula mostly acted in TV commercials. She played Mary Lake in a 1955 episode of The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok. The episode was called Buckshot Comes Home. She also played a waitress in an episode of State Trooper. This episode was titled The Choker. She had a small part as a hat check girl on 77 Sunset Strip.

Starting a Business

On May 17, 1959, Paula was named Queen of The Congress. This was at a big beauty event in the Biltmore Hotel. It was for thousands of beauty operators. Paula, with her new red-gold hair, handed out awards. She showed off new hair styles and colors.

In 1960, Paula started her business career. She co-founded a hair care company called Redken. She started it with Jheri Redding, who was a friend's husband. Redken was based in Southern California.

After a few years, Jheri Redding sold his part of the business to Paula. She then owned Redken Laboratories completely. In 1972, John E. Meehan became the president of the company. Paula became the chairwoman and CEO. In 1993, Redken was sold to L'Oréal, a very large beauty company.

Paula received many awards for her success. In 1977, Business Week magazine named her one of the "100 Top Corporate Women". In 1992, she was called one of the "Eight Most Powerful Woman Business Owners". Working Woman magazine also named her one of the "Top Fifty Women Business Owners".

She was on the Board of Directors for Union Bank of California. She also led a committee for California's economic growth. She owned her own investment company and managed her many real estate properties. Later, she became the chairwoman and president of Kenquest, Inc. and Timequest, Inc. In 2014, she bought The Beverly Hills Courier, a local newspaper.

Giving Back to Others

Paula Kent Meehan was very generous. She was on the Board of Regents for Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. In 2013, she gave $5 million to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. She was also a big donor to the Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden.

She supported Childhelp, a group that helps prevent child abuse. She received an "Angel Award" from them in 2003. She also gave money to the Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Paula was also on the board of The Thalians, a charity for mental health.

Her Personal Life

On April 20, 1973, Paula married John Meehan in Los Angeles. They lived in Beverly Hills, California. John passed away in 2004, and Paula became a widow.

Her Passing

Paula Kent Meehan passed away on June 23, 2014. She died at her home in Beverly Hills. Her funeral was held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. She was buried there on July 5, 2014. During the ceremony, Nancy Krasne, a city council member, spoke about Paula. Ruta Lee, a friend of Paula's, sang some of her favorite songs.