The Pigtails & Crewcuts Franchisee Experience
Kelly Hailey, Multi-Unit Owner
Pigtails & Crewcuts: Chattanooga, TN
Kelly Hailey celebrates her work life balance as a multi-unit Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisee. Based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Kelly opened her first children’s hair salon in 2011 and added a second salon in 2018.
Knowing first-hand how challenging it can be for a parent to find a place to get their child’s hair cut, she began researching kid’s haircut franchises as a business opportunity. She was drawn to Pigtails & Crewcuts because of the branding, business model, look and feel of the salons, and how well she envisioned it fitting within her community.
But, one of the biggest highlights has been her ability to remain a key part of her children’s lives, picking them up from school, participating in school activities, and extracurricular events. She’s able to achieve this without having to compromise her career or family life.
Andrew McGehee, Owner & Area Representative
Pigtails & Crewcuts: Woodstock & Roswell, GA
Area Representative for Alabama and Mississippi
“My wife and I learned about Pigtails & Crewcuts by taking our kids into one of their local salons. Becoming an owner of a children’s salon wasn’t necessarily my first choice, but we really wanted to become our own boss and do something that was fun. We had a great opportunity and started looking around in the community where we were and the first question we asked was ‘What is the need?’ – not necessarily the ‘want’ but what was the need that could be met. We saw that we needed a children’s hair salon in our community. We were tired of driving 30 minutes one way and it turned into a couple of hours round trip by the time we got all of our kids’ haircuts. We contacted the corporate office and the next thing you know, we are Pigtails & Crewcuts owners.
My favorite thing about the brand is that it’s fun. I love kids and I love people. I’m a big kid myself in a lot of ways so it was a natural fit for me. I love being able to act goofy or play ball in the salon or blow bubbles or whatever it might be. The daily interactions and seeing the relationships that can be built in the community is really awesome. I also love the family that we have at Pigtails & Crewcuts. It’s so great to be able to see other owners and talk to them.
When the Area Representative program was introduced, it seemed to be the next step for me. I believe in this company–it hasn’t let me down. The franchise leadership team is always looking out for us and our best interest, and I wanted to do the same and invest in the growth of the franchise. When people start looking into owning a business and exploring Pigtails & Crewcuts, I want to help them see the potential I saw in the franchise.”
Dalia Wolf, Owner
Pigtails & Crewcuts: Cedar Park, TX
“I took my oldest son to get his first haircut at a Pigtails & Crewcuts and it was a wonderful experience. At that time, I had a random conversation with that owner about why she did it and she told me all about Pigtails & Crewcuts and about the franchise as an organization and how much she loved it, and the kind of lifestyle that it afforded her as far as scheduling with her young children. I kind of put it in my back pocket and didn’t think about it for a while.
A few years later I had moved to a big and rapidly growing suburb full of children and was looking at returning to the workforce after having been at home with my children when they were younger. It seemed like a hole in the market. My background is working with children and families and I wanted to do something that spoke to that and was family friendly because I have young children. I did some research online with other salons but never met with anyone. I made a phone call and talked to Michelle and it all came together. I came to Atlanta to explore the idea and went home thinking “We’re going to do it.”
I wanted to invest in the Brand because it seemed I am my customer. I fit very well with the idea of living in the suburbs of the big city and having young children and looking for a safe place to go where I could take them, be welcomed, and have things there that were age appropriate. I also have a background in special education and liked the idea of being able to take a small thing like a haircut, which is so stressful for parents of children with disabilities, and be able to offer a space where we could help that population.
My favorite thing about the Pigtails & Crewcuts Brand is that it’s fun. It’s nice to be surrounded by ideas which come through in branding that are fun, that are colorful, and that at the end of the day what we’re doing is fun and makes people happier rather than really heavy stuff.”
Jennifer Tribble, Owner
Pigtails & Crewcuts: Dr. Phillips, Winter Springs & Lake Nona, FL
“I lived in Atlanta for 20 years and still have friends here. My best friend went to the Buckhead salon and knew I was looking for a franchise opportunity and wanted something that was kid-centered because as a new mom, I wanted a place where I could take my kids to work with me if needed. She called and said, “I don’t know what you’re looking into but this place has an hour and a half wait every time I go.”
I looked at franchises in other industries, but not other salon franchises. Pigtails & Crewcuts resonated with me because I saw the need for it in Orlando. There weren’t any kids haircut salons and felt the need for a kids salon. It was something new, I was going to be the first one, and it was a chance to pioneer an idea. Orlando has Disney, and Disney has a barbershop, but you have to have a season pass and get your kid all the way into Disney, but there weren’t any others at the time.
My favorite thing about the Brand is the community of ownership and having the feedback and support of others. I can’t imagine having to do this by myself. I’m at two salons now, and at some point in the future there will be a third.”
Bob Farster, Owner
Pigtails & Crewcuts: Glenview, IL
“I knew from the moment I heard about the kids’ salon franchise that it was exactly what I was looking for. With a franchise, I knew that I would be provided with a proven path, and if I followed it, I would succeed. That’s just what I’ve done.
In March of 2012, I opened my second salon in Mount Prospect, Illinois. The second salon opening has been much easier than the first. With the support of the Pigtails & Crewcuts corporate office, it’s all come together with relative ease. Plus, the new salon is in a refurbished mall that has boundless potential, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.”
