1851

After 26 years working in education,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-defede-92b113347/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=marie-DeFede-pigtails-crewcuts-franchise-2728990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Marie DeFede</a> and her husband were looking for a new opportunity — something fun, fulfilling and family-friendly. As longtime customers of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pigtailsandcrewcutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=marie-DeFede-pigtails-crewcuts-franchise-2728990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts</a>, they had always loved the concept. So when the chance arose to purchase an existing franchise, they took the leap.Now, three years later, DeFede says she’s still having fun every day — and that’s what makes&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pigtails-and-crewcuts/info">Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts</a> the perfect fit for her and her family.1851 spoke with DeFede to learn more about her journey to franchising, how she has expanded her business and her plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Marie DeFede: I worked for a medical school and vocational college for 26 years, starting as an admissions director. Before I retired, my husband and I were talking about what we wanted to do next.We used to get our haircuts at Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts, and we always had such a great time there. It felt like Disneyland — so bright, colorful and fun! We really loved the concept and thought it was something we could enjoy.Then, during COVID, we found out that another franchisee was selling their location, and we thought, this is it! My husband has a construction background, so he was able to build out the salon, and we purchased an existing location in 2021.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?DeFede: We had never owned a business, so we were a little scared at first. But because everything was shut down during COVID, I had time to learn everything from scratch.For years, I had been reading about franchising and was fascinated by the idea that you could own a business with support from an experienced team. I wanted to have a tried-and-true system — something people had already tested and perfected. That gave me confidence.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?DeFede: When we went to Discovery Day in Georgia, we met the corporate team, and they were so supportive. They walked us through everything from A to Z, and I felt so prepared.When we first started, we knew nothing about running a salon, but after just a few days of training, I felt ready to go. That’s the level of comfort and security they provided.Three years later, they are still always there when I need help. That’s why I love this brand.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?DeFede: We have two salons now. The first salon we purchased was in February 2021, and it was crazy busy — kids hadn’t had a haircut in over a year! We had lines out the door the entire first week. That’s when I knew this was going to be a fun business.By the end of 2021, we purchased our second location, and three years later, we are still loving it.We want to continue being hands-on owners and make sure our salons remain strong and well-loved in the community.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?DeFede: My husband is a huge part of our success. At Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts, there are a lot of husband-and-wife teams, and I think that’s one of the reasons the brand does so well.Could I do this alone? Yes. But I’d rather have someone by my side — someone I can share responsibilities with. It makes a huge difference, and honestly, we have a great time working together.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?DeFede: Don’t be afraid. With a strong franchise system, you have people supporting you every step of the way. If you ever get stuck, there’s always someone ready to help.I’m also a minority woman, and I would love to see more women get involved in franchising. This is a fantastic business for women, moms, or anyone who loves working with kids.Even though we’ve only been doing this for three years, I already feel like a natural in this business. I enjoy spending time with my employees, and we truly feel like one big team.That’s the message I try to instill in my staff: This is your home — enjoy it and have fun with the families who come in. That’s exactly what we do every single day.About Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts:&nbsp;Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts is a kid’s hair salon franchise designed with family in mind. Franchising since 2005, it has become a premier destination for children’s hairstyling and a stress-free experience for parents. Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts provides a range of hair care services for boys and girls aged zero to 12, and offers a custom line of child-friendly hair products, hair accessories, toys, and gifts. Each salon is a fun, engaging space where children can feel comfortable and enjoy their haircuts, complete with activities, event areas and a family-friendly atmosphere. With over 80 locations across more than 20 states, Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts is continuously expanding and establishing itself as a leading franchise in the growing niche market of children’s hair care. To learn more about Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts or to find a salon near you, please visit www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Pigtails &amp; Crewcuts, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pigtailsandcrewcutsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=marie-DeFede-pigtails-crewcuts-franchise-2728990" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.pigtailsandcrewcutsfranchise.com</a>.&nbsp;

How This Franchisee Continues to Bring Fun and Family to Pigtails & Crewcuts in San Diego

Marie DeFede: Bringing Fun & Family to Pigtails & Crewcuts San Diego

1851 Franchise

Marie DeFede and her husband transitioned from careers in education to owning a kids' salon franchise, building a fun, family-focused and recession-resistant business with strong community ties.

marie-DeFede-pigtails-crewcuts-franchise

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Marks Major Milestones in Q3: 21,000 Pros, New Tech Innovations and a National Philanthropic Partnership

sola-salons-marks-major-milestones-in-q3-21000-pros-new-tech-innovations-and-a-national-philanthropic-partnership

Sparkle Squad Window Cleaning Services

Sparkle Squad Franchise - Happinest - Troy Oliphant - 1851 Franchise

How This Sparkle Squad Franchise Owner Builds Community Connections and Steady Revenue

sparkle-squadd-franchise-kansas-city-troy-oliphant

Woodhouse Spas

Woodhouse Spas Franchise Support - 1851 Franchise

How Woodhouse Spas Franchising Works: A Deep Dive Into Support and Success

woodhouse-spas-franchise-support

Express Employment Professionals

How This Veteran Helps Others Find Work Through Express Employment Professionals

how-this-veteran-helps-others-find-work-through-express-employment-professionals

SweatHouz

SweatHouz Franchise - SWTHZ - Brenna and Kevin Dorsey - North Bethesda, Maryland - 1851 Franchise

A Family Bet on Wellness: The Dorsey Duo’s Journey With SweatHouz in North Bethesda, Maryland

sweathouz-franchise-north-bethesda-dorsey

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

round-table-pizza-franchisees-take-fat-brands-to-court-over-marketing-fund-mismanagement

FAT Brands Nears Bankruptcy as Creditors Demand Repayment of $1.3 Billion Debt

fat-brands-nears-bankruptcy-as-creditors-demand-repayment-of-13-billion-debt

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

Keith Sizemore headshot, Radiance Holdings

Radiance Holdings Names Keith Sizemore Chief Development Officer

keith-sizemore-radiance-holdings-cdo

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Benefit

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Be Poised To Benefit

jobseekers-shift-boosts-home-service-franchises

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

eli-cohen-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

image of stephen westerman and matthew westerman, owners Fort Walton Beach Two men and a junk truck

Twin Brothers Move From Managers to Owners with New TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Franchise on the Gulf Coast

twin-brothers-two-men-and-a-junk-truck-fort-walton-beach

image of michael panos and michel panos, owners of mellow mushroom in Atlanta

The Panos Family’s Role in Preserving Mellow Mushroom’s Character — and Expanding in Atlanta

How This Franchisee Continues to Bring Fun and Family to Pigtails & Crewcuts in San Diego

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS