Plenty of people get into franchising for the financial benefits and the opportunity to be their own boss. But for Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisees, the motivation often comes from a more personal place.
“Sometimes, there is an emotional component to picking the right franchise,” said Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development at Pigtails & Crewcuts. “A lot of our franchise owners have experienced the hardship of trying to find the right salon to cut their child’s hair. At Pigtails & Crewcuts, our mission statement is to provide a haircutting experience that is fun and memorable for both the kids and the parents alike.”
Pigtails & Crewcuts offers an experience centered around children, one that franchisees often connect with personally. Holliman says many owners come from careers where they were successful but unfulfilled. They’re looking for more balance, more purpose and a chance to pour back into their community.
“We’ve had corporate executives, doctors, teachers and stay-at-home moms,” she said. “What we want to do is take their strengths and transition that over to our business.”
After building a career at Georgia Pacific, Maura Parks started feeling the pull toward something different and more connected to her values. She found that in Pigtails & Crewcuts, opening two locations in Tennessee to create a space for kids and families in her community.
“To me, it means waking up every day knowing I’m doing something that truly matters,” Parks said. “It’s not just about haircuts — it’s about creating a space where kids feel safe, happy and celebrated, and where parents feel supported and seen.”
As a mom to her son and two daughters, Parks brings a deeply personal understanding to her business. She’s led her salons with intention, prioritizing patience and empathy — especially for children with sensory challenges. “I make sure my team knows that we’re not just providing a service,” she said. “We’re creating memories.”
Holliman calls Parks “a true ambassador for our brand” because of how she treats her customers like family and her staff with genuine care. “Her staff love her, which is why she’s had great retention,” Holliman said. “She understands the need for not just a haircut, but the experience overall.”
That personal touch is what keeps families coming back and what keeps franchisees like Parks grounded in their purpose. Parks remembers one moment in particular that affirmed she had made the right choice. A child with sensory sensitivities came in for a cut, and the mother braced for a difficult time. But her team took their time and showed unmatched patience.
“By the end, the little boy was smiling — and so was his mom, with tears in her eyes. She thanked us like we’d given her the world,” Parks said. “That moment stuck with me. It was this powerful reminder that we’re not just cutting hair — we’re making lives a little brighter. That was the moment I knew: This is exactly where I’m supposed to be. It always hits home with me due to the fact I have a special needs child.”
While the emotional rewards are profound, the business model is built for success. The unit economics make sense, and corporate support is there to fill in operational gaps for franchisees from all backgrounds. “We’ll hold your hand and we’ll spoon-feed you whatever is needed to run a well-rounded, successful business,” Holliman said.
For those feeling unfulfilled in their careers, Parks offers this advice: “Don’t ignore the tug on your heart. Fear is normal — it means you care. But staying stuck in something that drains you isn’t the answer.”
Ultimately, the measure of success for many Pigtails & Crewcuts owners has shifted. “Success used to look like titles, promotions and performance reviews,” Parks said. “Now, it looks like smiling kids, proud team members and heartfelt thank-yous from parents.”
In this franchise, heart and hustle go hand-in-hand. As Holliman puts it, “If you’re passionate about something and you like what you do, then you’ll do the hustle, no problem.” And for many franchisees, it’s that passion that turns a simple haircut into something unforgettable.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
Pigtails & Crewcuts
SPONSORED
From corporate escapees to passionate caregivers, franchisees like Maura Parks are finding purpose and joy through ownership, with strong revenue potential and a daily dose of meaning.
Plenty of people get into franchising for the financial benefits and the opportunity to be their own boss. But for Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisees, the motivation often comes from a more personal place.
“Sometimes, there is an emotional component to picking the right franchise,” said Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development at Pigtails & Crewcuts. “A lot of our franchise owners have experienced the hardship of trying to find the right salon to cut their child’s hair. At Pigtails & Crewcuts, our mission statement is to provide a haircutting experience that is fun and memorable for both the kids and the parents alike.”
Pigtails & Crewcuts offers an experience centered around children, one that franchisees often connect with personally. Holliman says many owners come from careers where they were successful but unfulfilled. They’re looking for more balance, more purpose and a chance to pour back into their community.
“We’ve had corporate executives, doctors, teachers and stay-at-home moms,” she said. “What we want to do is take their strengths and transition that over to our business.”
After building a career at Georgia Pacific, Maura Parks started feeling the pull toward something different and more connected to her values. She found that in Pigtails & Crewcuts, opening two locations in Tennessee to create a space for kids and families in her community.
“To me, it means waking up every day knowing I’m doing something that truly matters,” Parks said. “It’s not just about haircuts — it’s about creating a space where kids feel safe, happy and celebrated, and where parents feel supported and seen.”
As a mom to her son and two daughters, Parks brings a deeply personal understanding to her business. She’s led her salons with intention, prioritizing patience and empathy — especially for children with sensory challenges. “I make sure my team knows that we’re not just providing a service,” she said. “We’re creating memories.”
Holliman calls Parks “a true ambassador for our brand” because of how she treats her customers like family and her staff with genuine care. “Her staff love her, which is why she’s had great retention,” Holliman said. “She understands the need for not just a haircut, but the experience overall.”
That personal touch is what keeps families coming back and what keeps franchisees like Parks grounded in their purpose. Parks remembers one moment in particular that affirmed she had made the right choice. A child with sensory sensitivities came in for a cut, and the mother braced for a difficult time. But her team took their time and showed unmatched patience.
“By the end, the little boy was smiling — and so was his mom, with tears in her eyes. She thanked us like we’d given her the world,” Parks said. “That moment stuck with me. It was this powerful reminder that we’re not just cutting hair — we’re making lives a little brighter. That was the moment I knew: This is exactly where I’m supposed to be. It always hits home with me due to the fact I have a special needs child.”
While the emotional rewards are profound, the business model is built for success. The unit economics make sense, and corporate support is there to fill in operational gaps for franchisees from all backgrounds. “We’ll hold your hand and we’ll spoon-feed you whatever is needed to run a well-rounded, successful business,” Holliman said.
For those feeling unfulfilled in their careers, Parks offers this advice: “Don’t ignore the tug on your heart. Fear is normal — it means you care. But staying stuck in something that drains you isn’t the answer.”
Ultimately, the measure of success for many Pigtails & Crewcuts owners has shifted. “Success used to look like titles, promotions and performance reviews,” Parks said. “Now, it looks like smiling kids, proud team members and heartfelt thank-yous from parents.”
In this franchise, heart and hustle go hand-in-hand. As Holliman puts it, “If you’re passionate about something and you like what you do, then you’ll do the hustle, no problem.” And for many franchisees, it’s that passion that turns a simple haircut into something unforgettable.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
Sign up for the 1851 Franchise newsletter to get our biggest stories before everyone else
By signing up, you agree to our user agreement (including class action waiver and arbitration provisions), and acknowledge our privacy policy.
No related articles found
