“Paramount Beauty Salon” was brought to life by Herman Barrett back in 1950, located in the York Building on 23rd Street.  2 years later, Ellen Gaunt began working with Mr. Barrett as his receptionist.  Ellen went on to become the second owner of Paramount (1968) and the driving force towards bringing esthetic services to Paramount and Saskatoon. 

By 1955 she started offering the Paramount guest, facial waxing, brow tinting, manicures, makeup and her biggest passion, facial treatments.  In 1966 Paramount moved to the lower level location at 145-2nd Avenue No.  It was here that the esthetics side of Paramount really developed.  It was in the 1970’s that pedicures, sculptured nails and artificial lashes (yes, they were popular back then too!) were introduced.  

Women’s fashions and a ceramic boutique were also offered during that time.  1977 brought us the very first “Hydradermie” facial machine from Guinot.  This signature Guinot treatment was ground-breaking in the facial industry at that time with its use of galvanic current to help penetrate nutrients into the skin offering a level of hydration that standard facial treatments were unable to accomplish.  The 1980’s saw Paramount offering electrolysis, tanning beds, massage, body wraps, and the first “Non-surgical Face-lift” machine that used electrical current to stimulate facial muscles, creating amazing results and long-term effects.  Also, during this time Ellen introduced the “Paramount Charm Classes” to young Saskatoon women, instructing them in proper skin, nail, and hair care. 

In 1994, Ellen realized her life-long dream of opening Saskatoon’s first full-service Day Spa.  Paramount relocated to a beautiful new facility on 1st Avenue North offering full spa & salon services including full and half day spa packages.  Saskatoon women (and even a few men at that time) were quick to embrace this relatively new concept in our community, and were anxious to go “spa-ing”!