Before Jessica Fullwood became a business owner, she was a stay-at-home mom with four kids and taught dance classes during the week.
She realized she and her husband needed another source of income to continue to support their family.
After seeing how much her daughter enjoyed receiving a haircut and exceptional service at a salon in Disney World, Jessica decided to research children’s hair salon franchises.
“When I found Pigtails & Crewcuts, a lightbulb went off,” Jessica said. It was kid-friendly and had the feel of a small, local store.
In 2007, Jessica opened her first Pigtails & Crewcuts in Virginia Beach, VA. In 2015, she opened a second location in Chesapeake. Since then, Jessica hasn’t stopped finding ways to use her business ownership to support her community.
Giving Back Through Business
Jessica takes an active role in her community, from donating money to hosting events in her Pigtails & Crewcuts locations. Giving back to her community is something Jessica is passionate about and believes can go a long way.
“I really believe in the idea of ‘it takes a village’ to raise your children,” Jessica said. “I think if we all give back and help out the communities we live in, our whole society could be better.”
Jessica certainly walks the walk and does so through Pigtails & Crewcuts. For example, she has partnered with organizations battling teen homelessness in Virginia.
“Seeing the faces of homelessness is very enlightening,” Jessica said.
But Jessica doesn’t give back alone. Her rock star team of employees share her enthusiasm for being active in the community. For example, they often come in before opening to provide special, private haircuts to children with special needs.
Life Lessons for this Children’s Haircut Franchise Owner
Using her Pigtails & Crewcuts ownership to give back to her community has been one of Jessica’s favorite parts of being a franchisee.
“It’s taught me everyone’s different,” Jessica said. “I’ve met so many people with different stories, and it’s really grounded me. It’s taught me to be more patient with people and made me a better person.”
What began as an additional revenue stream for her family has developed into a much larger part of her life than Jessica ever thought it would. Not only does being a Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisee give her another way to support her family, but it also gives her a platform to support her community.
“I came in wanting to bring in a little bit of extra money and be with my children, but I got so much more out of it,” Jessica said. “It makes me feel good. I love working with the children, and we get great support from corporate. It’s just been so much more than I thought.”
