Paul Son’s Philosophy of Growing Together with the Community
“Giving Always Returns in Greater Ways”
Paul Son with scholarship recipients. (Source: HCCA Facebook)
December marks a season to reflect on sharing and giving. Among those who have consistently practiced generosity in their communities is Paul Son, a Georgia-based beauty supply owner and former president of the Beauty Association.
“Whenever I give, it always seems to return even greater,” he says. To him, giving is not just a good deed but a seed that grows into new opportunities and deeper acts of kindness. He shared how his $3,000 donation five years ago came back as an unexpected gift.
Investing in Students’ Futures
How did his journey of giving begin? The story goes back more than ten years. At the time, as an executive of the association, Son was first introduced to charitable work through its scholarship program. He later made occasional personal donations but decided five years ago to begin regular, organized giving.
It began simply. Son contacted the county’s Board of Education, saying he wanted to fund student scholarships. When asked about his business, he replied, “I run a beauty supply store,” which led him to a cosmetology instructor at Houston College and Career Academy (HCCA). His first donation was $3,000, increasing each year to $10,000 last year. What began with cosmetology students now supports 19 departments. Because cash scholarships are uncommon, both students and parents express deep gratitude.
Among the scholarship recipients was Austin Lee Hrizuk, a recent graduate of Veterans High School who will major in Broadcast Meteorology at Mississippi State University. In a letter to Son, Austin wrote:
“This scholarship is helping me attend Mississippi State University this fall. I’ve been working toward this dream for years, and your support is a big part of making it happen. Thank you again for investing in my future and believing in students like me.”
Another recipient, Ryke Smith, sent a letter thanking Son “for taking the time to review each application and choosing me as a recipient.” Son’s giving extends beyond financial support, showing genuine care for the students’ growth and future.
His generosity is now inspiring others. Several business owners have expressed interest in joining, and his employees have volunteered to take part as well. Starting next year, the plan is to provide all 300 graduating students with scholarships and special gifts.
Letters of appreciation from scholarship recipients to Paul Son.
An Unexpected Reward
The most unexpected reward from giving was people. “Finding one trustworthy, good employee is like picking a star in the sky,” Son said, a feeling many in the beauty supply business understand.
As his donations continued, the school principal and teachers began recommending hardworking students to him. Three scholarship recipients eventually joined his store as employees.
“I never expected anything in return when I donated. But in the end, I received even more. Everyone knows how hard it is to find an employee you can truly trust,” he said.
Since he began giving, Son has never struggled to find good staff. “It amazes me how things come together like this, and I’m simply grateful,” he added with a smile.
“Why Did the Police Thank Me?”
Another concern among beauty supply owners is safety. Son’s giving unexpectedly created a connection to this issue as well.
During a visit to the school, a police officer approached him to say thank you. The officer turned out to be an instructor in HCCA’s Law & Public Safety program, whose students had also benefited from Son’s scholarships.
That experience inspired Son to start donating directly to local police and fire departments this year. “Police officers work so hard,” he said. “I just wanted them to have enough to give their children a nice gift at Christmas.”
Son describes this as a “virtuous cycle of giving.”
“I don’t give expecting anything in return. When you build lasting trust with the community, that trust eventually comes back to your business. Being known as someone who consistently gives back is the greatest asset of all,” he said.
Start Giving, Even with a Small Amount
For beauty supply owners who are unsure how to begin giving, Son’s advice is simple.
“Just start.”
“A thousand dollars? Even five hundred is fine. Visit your local police or fire department and say, ‘You work so hard. Thank you. I hope this helps with your year-end event.’ That is how you begin. You can increase the amount as your situation improves. If you want to support students, contact the local Board of Education and they will connect you right away.”
Son, now in his sixties, says one reason he has no plans to retire is that giving and volunteering have brought him new energy and fulfillment.
“This scholarship means a great deal to me and my family,” he said.
The words from a student’s letter remind him why he continues to give and reflect how his generosity is helping to change the community. This December, his heartfelt message continues to resonate warmly throughout the beauty industry.
