Caroline Dover was a stay-at-home mother of five for 30 years before opening her own Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise. In 2012, she opened and ran her own Pilates studio for four years before wanting to expand her business ownership in a smart way.
Caroline’s investment came as a result of speaking with some friends who were franchise owners themselves. She wanted to enter an industry that wasn’t over-saturated and led by a CEO who wasn’t still figuring out how to run a business.
After doing her own initial research, she discovered Pigtails & Crewcuts, and once Caroline did further due diligence, she realized it was the perfect opportunity. She decided to schedule a meeting with the corporate team.
“Everyone there seemed to get along,” Caroline said. “There was no in-fighting, no hidden agendas. All the existing franchisees were saying it was great – I couldn’t find a flaw.”
Now, Caroline owns two Pigtails & Crewcuts in South Carolina with the possibility of opening more in the future. At the same time, she’s helping the brand grow as an Area Representative.
Business in a Box
As an existing business owner, Caroline knew she needed to expand her portfolio with a concept that had a fast ramp-up time, a support structure in place and a business model that works.
That’s why she opened a franchise and why she chose Pigtails & Crewcuts – a franchise with a model so strong, she calls it a “business in a box.”
“The support system is invaluable,” Caroline said. “Everyone at Pigtails & Crewcuts corporate has a specialty, so I know exactly who to call for any question. They’ve built a very strong team, and you just can’t match that support as an independent business owner.”
As a Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisee, you receive ample support around the clock – something an entrepreneur outside the franchise system doesn’t have.
In addition to corporate support, the children’s franchise concept has a unique peer-to-peer network that allows franchisees to communicate and help each other succeed in their franchise ownership. Through that network, franchisees can ask questions about anything, from interior design choices to building and managing a star team, which Caroline believes is crucial.
“It’s all about the people on your team,” Caroline said. “We do things as a team, and I’d never ask a team member to do something I wouldn’t do myself. It’s all about respecting your employees. If they have the skillset and I trust them, then I’m going to let them do it.”
More than a Children’s Haircut Franchise
Caroline and her employees go to great lengths to not only provide excellent service but also get involved in their community.
Whether it’s a town parade, block party or children’s event at the local zoo, Caroline exemplifies the community outreach that Pigtails & Crewcuts stands behind.
One of Caroline’s most impactful partnerships is with Defenders for Children, an organization that raises money to supply police dogs that help combat human trafficking. The dogs are trained to smell small electronic devices that many human traffickers use to share information discretely. During Caroline’s back-to-school fundraiser for Pigtails & Crewcuts, she donated roughly $3,300 to this cause and held an in-store meet-and-greet for children and parents to meet the dogs they helped supply.
In addition to her outreach, she has a vision for what her Pigtails & Crewcuts salon could be. She was inspired by a local toy shop where her daughter lives that engages children and parents in a fun, entertaining and refreshing way.
“The owner does sing-a-longs and puppet shows,” Caroline said. “She knows every child and parent in there. She’s like everybody’s grandma. All the parents grab a cup of coffee and hang out while the kids play. There are lots of young moms and dads out there who are dying for that socialization because they’ve been home with their children all day.”
That type of guest engagement and hospitality is what Caroline envisions for her Pigtails & Crewcuts salons.
“I’m trying to encourage stay-at-home parents to just come in and hang out,” Caroline said. “They can drink coffee while their kids play at the train table. They can have storytime or sing-a-long time. I want my Pigtails & Crewcuts to be a place to socialize. We can be more than just a place to have a business transaction.”
Find out how to get started franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts by downloading our free franchise information packet today!
