MENU
SEARCHFriends and families gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA on Saturday, August 9, 2014 to share their remembrances of Paula Kent Meehan, the co-founder of Redken Laboratories, who passed away at her home on June 23, 2014 at 82. The choice of August 9 was especially significant as it is Meehan’s birthday.
Friends and families gathered at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA on Saturday, August 9, 2014 to share their remembrances of Paula Kent Meehan, the co-founder of Redken Laboratories, who passed away at her home on June 23, 2014 at 82. The choice of August 9 was especially significant as it is Meehan’s birthday.
Ruta Lee and Debbie Reynolds, who introduced herself as “Princess Laia’s mother.”Lee sang "You'll Never Know": "You went away and my heart went with you."
The invitation to the memorial read, “Let’s celebrate Paula’s life with love and laughter. That’s what friends are for.” There were jokes, songs, some tears but more smiles. Her longtime friends, Debbie Reynolds and Ruta Lee, were emcees and they shared warm memories of Paula, going back to grade school. Reynolds, an actress and entertainer, was perhaps Meehan’s oldest friend and Lee became close to Meehan through their shared commitment to The Thalians, a charity dedicated to supporting mental health treatment.
Florence Henderson, famous for her role as Mom to a big brood on “The Brady Bunch” , sang a rousing rendition of “One Singular Sensation” from the musical “A Chorus Line.”
Reynolds read a poem she had written with Meehan in mind. “Now it’s on to a new life and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead, I’m looking forward to a new life but my past life will be hard to beat.”
Meehan’s son, Michael Miller, thanked everyone who organized and attended. “It’s a wonderful tribute to my mother on her birthday and I’m very grateful to you all.”
Longtime Redken spokesperson Ann Mincey Jetton shared one of Meehan’s favorite poems by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Everything that should come to you will come to you through open and winding passages.”
Actress and former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley also stood to speak. “Many pass through our lives but some stay and leave footprints on our hearts. I’ll never forget Paula’s friendship, generosity, brilliance and love,” said Mobley. “Friends should not cry when we lose someone dear but we should smile because we had them. So every day when I think of my Paula, I try to give the world’s biggest smile.”
Actress/entertainer Jo Anne Worley helped everyone laugh, with some jokes, songs and her trademark zaniness and actress Anne Jeffreys, at 91, expressed her admiration for Meehan.
At the end and together, guests sang a favorite song of Meehan's:
"Keep smiling, Keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure.
That's what friends are for."
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.
The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.
SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.
The 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries encompass industry leaders driving innovation and meaningful change on their own terms.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
A new professional smoothing collection designed to help stylists control frizz and humidity while maintaining natural-looking results.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
A new report criticizes the regulations' impact against students and entrepreneurs.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.
