Paramount Institute of Cosmetic Arts started with a dream and a whole lot of legacy. Somer and Preston Wilson come from long lines of hairstylists, barbers, and entrepreneurs—people who believed in hard work, hospitality, and using their hands to serve others well. In fact, the school’s name is a tribute to Somer’s grandparents, Phil and Reatha, whose lives were a constant reminder to put God first and people always.
When the local Paul Mitchell school shut its doors, the Wilsons saw a gap—and an opportunity. They wanted to create a space where future stylists could learn the craft, but also how to build something of their own. Not just pass a test, but dream bigger. Open salons. Lead teams. Love people well.
So they found a building with history—an old church in Gastonia—and got to work turning it into a school that still feels sacred. Because to them, beauty is sacred. Service is sacred. And helping someone become who they were made to be? That’s what it’s all about.
The Mission
At Paramount, our mission is to equip the next generation of beauty professionals with the skills, confidence, and character to lead. We provide high-quality cosmetology education rooted in creativity, community, and real-world experience. But we take it a step further. We nurture entrepreneurial thinking and leadership—so students graduate ready to shape the industry, build something of their own, and lead with purpose.
Shared Legacies
Lasting Impact
