Meet the Educators
Samantha Paris, Founder | Lead Licensed Educator | Admissions
Samantha Paris is the Founder and Lead Educator of Prequel Beauty Academy and the owner of Storybook Salon in Forest, Virginia. As a licensed cosmetologist, salon owner, registered nurse, and educator, Samantha holds a deep commitment to shaping, not just skilled stylists, but grounded, professional, financially literate beauty entrepreneurs.
Samantha's passion lies in the business foundation of the beauty industry. She believes that true confidence comes not only from technical ability, but from understanding how to build, sustain, and grow a career with intention.
Her expertise includes:
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Clientele building from the ground up
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Client retention and rebooking systems
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Elevated guest experience and customer service
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Strategic pricing and profitability
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Financial literacy for beauty professionals
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Insurance, retirement planning, and benefits
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Taxes and financial organization
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State board compliance and professionalism
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Marketing and social media strategy
Sam's teaching philosophy centers on empowerment, ownership, and longevity. Students are equipped with the tools to begin building stable, profitable careers the moment they enter their first class... not just pass a licensing exam.
Technically, Sam specializes in modern blonding techniques, bridal hair, and extension services. Students receive hands-on extension training and graduate with real exposure to one of the most in-demand services in the industry today. Extension education is integrated with strong foundations in haircutting, color, scalp care, skincare within scope, and lash and brow services within scope. Sam is a Redken Artist in training, a Redken Shades EQ Specialist, and an Invisible Bead Extensions Certified Stylist.
Above all, Sam is committed to cultivating a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and integrity. She believes the future of the beauty industry is rooted in community over comparison -- and she leads accordingly.
Her mission is simple:
To gradate confident, competent cosmetologists who know how to serve with excellence and build careers with stability, clarity, and purpose.
Kaleigh Smith, Program Director | Licensed Educator
Kaleigh Smith is an enthusiastic licensed cosmetologist of 6+ years, and became a licensed educator in 2026 to embark on her journey with Prequel Beauty Academy. Kaleigh is passionate about continuing her education in the hair industry. She rarely passes up an opportunity to attend a class or hair show, always hungry for more knowledge. This is what makes Kaleigh an amazing educator.
Kaleigh's passion lies in extensions and blonding. She is a stylist and salon manager at Storybook Salon. Kaleigh is also a certified Redken Specialist.
Kaleigh is committed to mentoring her students and providing them the knowledge, guidance, and empowerment needed to become successful hair stylists behind the chair.
The PBA Experience
Prequel Beauty Academy is a full-time, cosmetology program designed for focused, immersive learning.
We are a state-approved hybrid cosmetology program, meaning we are able to provide some theory work via online-learning. The in-person portion takes place inside of Storybook Salon, a fully functioning real salon focused on hair, skin, and scalp care. With its own dedicated classroom for theory and practical work, Prequel Beauty Academy students will get to interact and network with not only Storybook Salon stylists and staff, but also with Storybook Salon clients, providing opportunities for growth before you even graduate.
The program schedule is Monday-Thursday 8AM-5PM in-person and Friday 8AM-12PM online. With a 1,000-clock hour program at 36-hours per week, the program takes 28-32 weeks to complete (this can be affected by all missed time such as tardiness and vacation, as well as breaks such as Christmas and Easter.
The cost of the program totals to $17,550.00, and payment plans are available at a minimum of $2,500.00 per month. Scholarships may be available, talk to our admissions team for more information!
Each cohort is intentionally small with fewer than 12 students. This allows for individualized attention, mentorship, and true skill development.
Our program is hair-forward, with comprehensive training in:
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Advanced foundational haircutting and color
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Extension methods and application
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Scalp care and treatments
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Skincare within cosmetology scope
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Lash and brow services
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Foundational nail training required for licensure
Students graduate as well-rounded cosmetologists with clarity, confidence, and direction.
Business Education is Built in
Professional success requires more than technical talent. Throughout the program, the students learn:
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How to build and maintain a clientele
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How to create an exceptional guest experience
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How to price services sustainably
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How to understand taxes, insurance, and retirement planning
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How to structure vacation time and long-term benefits
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How to remain compliant and professional
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How to market themselves with integrity
These skills are integrated into the curriculum... not treated as an afterthought
Real World Salon Exposure
Students receive assisting and shadowing opportunities at Storybook Salon, observing real consultations, real service flow, and real client relationships in action. This bridges the gap between classroom learning and salon life.
Collective Industry Experience
Our instructional team brings a combined 20 years of industry experience, providing students with mentorship rooted in active, working knowledge of today's beauty industry.
Prequel Beauty Academy is designed for students who want:
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Focused, high-level hair education
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Modern extension training
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Strong foundations in skin, scalp, and lash services
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Financial and business literacy
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Small class sizes and ongoing mentorship
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A supportive, professional culture
We are not focused on being the biggest.
We are focused on being intentional.
And that intention shapes everything we do.