We told you two weeks ago about a new non-profit cosmetology school opening at the historic Saint Stevens AME Zion Church in Gastonia.
We talked with Somer Wilson, co-owner of the William Henry Salons about the new school.
GA: Somer- how exciting! Tell us about the new school.
Somer: I would love to! It has been a dream of mine and my husband Preston’s to open a cosmetology school, probably going on 15 years now. When he opened William Henry in 2005, his intention was to create a beautiful place for hairstylists and guests alike.
Being the creative he is, he opened with a different model and vision in mind than most salon owners. He wanted a place to continue his grandfather’s legacy but also a home for beauty professionals to come and be entrepreneurs.
Being entrepreneurs ourselves, we envisioned a school where we could not only teach the art of cosmetology but also encourage and grow future business leaders in our industry. And the cherry on top for me is that our school, Paramount Institute of Cosmetic Arts, will celebrate the life and legacy of my grandparents, Phil & Reatha Poovey.
My Papaw had the biggest heart for serving others and was the world’s greatest entrepreneur. My Mamaw was the rock. She was the light in the room and an encouragement to everyone. She is also to thank for my good genes as a hairstylist because she was a stylist herself.
GA: What a historic location! How did that happen?
Somer: It is kind of a miracle of a story. Last year we decided to start some new ventures in downtown Gastonia when another piece of the William Henry story was revealed … that’s a whole other story!
Through Preston’s involvement with city development and the dream of revitalizing Gastonia to the bustling town it once was he was introduced to Pastor Dewberry of AME Zion Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. If you know Preston and his love for history and churches then you know it only took one meeting and he had a vision!
GA: We understand the school will be not-for-profit. Why? What opportunities does that present?
Somer: Yes! We are very excited to be able to bring a fresh perspective and way of providing education in the beauty industry by being a non-profit. It has always been our mission to serve others well and with a generous heart.
It’s no secret in a world of greed that most people would believe we are just in it to make money, but for us, it’s so much more than that. It’s about continuing a legacy of light and generosity. We want to be able to provide an opportunity for students to possibly get scholarships by way of donations from other non-profits and people in the community.
The school will not be owned by one person but rather overseen and held accountable by a board of 10 individuals. Just like any school there will be a tuition cost and it will operate very similarly, but we believe this is a great way for others to invest in the future of our youth.
GA: Will you keep the building as is, or?
Somer: The church will stay just the same and as beautiful on the outside as it’s always been. Of course, we will create a stunning salon floor area for our students and their guests, as well as gorgeous classroom spaces. I think we are most excited about the ways we can preserve and integrate the church’s history and beauty into the story of our school. We really want to honor what was and celebrate the new life that’s about to be revealed.
