Reeda Beam, owner of reedatodd Aveda Lifestyle Salon/Spa in Geist, is experiencing a rebirth, not only for her business but for herself as well. After facing many challenges both in her private and professional life, she continues to propel ahead with tremendous drive, confidence and honest purpose.

Early in life, Reeda’s dream was to become a lawyer. However, as a young teenager, she began doing hair for her family and friends, and she began to realize her true passion in life was the beauty industry.

“I learned early on that my gift was doing hair and making people feel good about themselves by looking their best,” she said. “And their happiness gave me such a sense of satisfaction.”

In August of 1978, Reeda, a young, single mother, dared to turn her dream into a reality by opening the doors of her first salon in Greenwood. Over the years, she continued to grow her business and educate herself with top-of-the-line hair academies and educators, such as Vidal Sassoon, Sam Brocato and Aveda.

She then remarried and relocated to the north side of Indianapolis while continuing her commute to Greenwood. Reeda persisted in looking for ways to expand her business and share her knowledge. Finally, she discovered the untouched area of Geist. As a courageous risk taker, she decided to open the doors of her second salon, “reedatodd,” in 2001, without a single client, hoping to create a salon and spa like no other.

Now reedatodd is going on its seventh year, and Reeda proudly boasts, “We’ve been voted one of the top 200 fastest-growing salons in the nation for three years running from the magazine, Salon Today.

Incidentally, her Greenwood salon was also voted one of the top 200 fastest growing salons for four consecutive years prior to opening reedatodd.

Everything was going well for Reeda and her team, which she admits is “much in thanks to the generous embrace of the Geist area residents.” In just a few years, reedatodd participated in the nationally syndicated television show, “Ambush Makeover,” and Reeda shared in New York City’s “Fashion Week,” working with models for top fashion designers such as Betsy Johnson and Cynthia Steffe. Also, not only was reedatodd featured in the “Best of Indy” by Indianapolis Monthly magazine, but Reeda was recently voted one of the Top Hairdressers in the city by the same publication. In addition, Reeda was voted “Style Maker of the Year” by Allure magazine.

Reeda had the privilege of designing hair for several well known local celebrities such as numerous Indy car drivers, as well as John and Elaine Mellencamp and Peyton and Ashley Manning.

But in 2005, her fate began a drastic turn. After thinking she had been affected by only a routine bladder infection, one of her clients, a physician, persuaded her to have further tests. She learned she was indeed suffering from the effects of colon cancer. After experiencing the psychological trauma of such a diagnosis, she bravely endured two major surgeries and then chemotherapy.

Though it took over a year to battle toward recovery, it became apparent that her absence created a lapse in the team spirit and the common focus that she had worked so hard to create. Faced with adversity, Reeda felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, not being able to provide focus and direction to her staff. In an effort to rebuild, she decided to sell her Greenwood salon and give her entire attention to the Geist location.

Although times were tough and they took their toll, Reeda remains strong and positive. She cites a quote from a page in Lance Armstrong’s book with which she relates: “After being where I’ve been, the rest seems easy.” Reeda then adds, “As far as the salon goes, the future is bright for a new beginning.”

Two workers in particular have remained loyal while supporting Reeda both personally as well as professionally: Erin Smith and Amber Davis. Erin has served as a hair color coach for reedatodd for nearly six years, while Amber, the salon director, has been present since opening day of the Geist location. Both women hold tremendous respect and support for Reeda and her business.

Upon returning to work in August of 2006, Reeda continues to be positive and maintain balance to her 31-year profession. Throughout her years of excellence and hardships, she wishes to share her life lesson with her clients and friends:

“This illness has given me a sense of the importance of doing what you love to do in life and the true meaning of family and friends. My dream is to continue growing reedatodd salon and spa and making it better for our clients. I love knowing that clients leave our salon having experienced a difference.”

Thanks to her north-side support, Reeda is currently looking at the possibility of opening another salon in the Hamilton Town Center in Fishers near Deer Creek.

The reedatodd salon and spa, located in the Geist Marina area, specializes in hair cutting, coloring and hair extensions. Ultimate Aveda spa experiences such as facials, body treatments, massages, makeup, manicures and pedicures are also available. Reeda is offering various client appreciation promotions in thanks for everyone’s continued support over the years. Please visit www.reedatodd.com, stop by or call 595-6300 to schedule an appointment to experience the difference in the rebirth of reedatodd.

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