Yvette Stumpf’s journey from director of operations in the restaurant industry to a thriving Pigtails & Crewcuts franchisee is a testament to her adaptability and dedication. After 22 years of managing teams and opening multiple restaurant locations, she stepped away to focus on family. During this time, she recognized a unique opportunity to combine her leadership skills with her passion for working with children — owning a kid-friendly salon.

In May 2021, she opened Pigtails & Crewcuts in Phoenix, determined to create a warm, welcoming space where kids could enjoy stress-free haircuts and parents could feel at ease. Her background in operations and customer service helped her build a business centered on people — both her team and the families she serves.

Now, four years later, Stumpf celebrates the impact her salon has made on the community. Having a child with sensory sensitivities herself, she understands the challenges many parents face and has made it a priority to provide a safe, comforting environment for every child. As she looks to the future, Stumpf remains committed to growing her business while upholding the values of family, flexibility, and inclusion.

Stumpf took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what she had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Yvette Stumpf: Before entering the world of franchising, I spent 22 years in the restaurant industry. I started as a server, worked my way up to becoming a trainer and eventually held the position of director of operations, overseeing 350 employees and helping open several restaurants. 

After that, I became a stay-at-home mom to raise my two boys. During this time, we moved to Louisiana, where I began substituting at my children’s school. This experience made me realize I wanted a career that offered both flexibility and the ability to balance family life.

In 2017, we discovered a local salon for sale. My husband — whose mom was a hairstylist — suggested we open a salon. Though I had no experience in the hair industry, we started researching different options and in early 2018, chose Pigtails & Crewcuts because of their family-oriented approach and the comprehensive support they offered, which aligned well with my management and training background. In 2019, we found the location of our salon in North Phoenix, and in 2021, after many delays due to COVID-19 and new construction challenges, we opened our Pigtails & Crewcuts location in Phoenix.

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?

Stumpf: Before becoming a franchisee, I worked for wealthy restaurant owners and was involved in turning businesses around. I always wanted to own my own business but didn’t want to start from scratch. I saw franchising as a way to leverage the tools and support offered by a franchise system while still running my own business. I was confident that with my management and training background, franchising would be a good fit for me.

Now that I’m a franchisee, I want people to know that franchising is not as easy as it may seem. While the franchise provides a framework, it still requires hard work, dedication and investment, especially when it comes to people. I believe that a positive work environment and a focus on strong core values are essential to success. Franchise systems give you structure, but it’s the human element — the team, the culture and the drive — that makes a business successful.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Stumpf: We chose Pigtails & Crewcuts primarily because of the experience it provides for children, and I’ve always loved working with kids. Unlike mainstream salons, where haircuts can be quick and impersonal, this brand focuses on making kids feel comfortable. Children often need extra patience and reassurance, and Pigtails & Crewcuts provides that.

This was also personal for me — my older son has sensory issues and struggles with haircuts. Even with Grandma as a stylist, it was always a challenge. I knew firsthand how difficult it can be for many families, and I loved that this franchise created a fun, stress-free environment for kids who might otherwise dread haircuts.

Another huge reason I chose franchising — and this brand in particular — was flexibility. Coming from the restaurant industry, where I worked every holiday, I wanted control over my schedule. With my own salon, I decide when we’re open. I can close on Christmas, on Mother’s Day — on days that matter to my family. That freedom was a game-changer for me.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Stumpf: My biggest goal is for the community to know that this is a safe, welcoming place for kids to get haircuts — no matter their needs. We are a family salon, and we also serve parents and grandparents, but our focus is on making the experience positive for kids.

We’ve designed our salon with kids in mind. We have a playroom with toys and a train table because we know that some children, especially those with sensory sensitivities, need time to acclimate before getting a haircut. We even have fidgets for them to hold during the cut. Sometimes, we’re literally following them around with scissors as they play! I like to think of us as the theme park of haircuts — we make it a fun, memorable experience.

Not only do we want a great experience for our customers, but also for our employees. We have an incredibly low turnover rate because our staff feels like part of the Pigtails family. I’m highly invested in them, and they enjoy coming to work. For me, my salon is a happy place. I love being there, creating a fun environment and helping kids feel comfortable.

As for growth, we are not actively pursuing another location, but we remain open to the possibility if the right opportunity arises. 

1851: What have the past four years been like for you?

Stumpf: I am incredibly proud of our store and its growth over the past four years since we opened. It’s doing well, and we have a fantastic team of employees and a wonderful, loyal clientele. Being the owner of this store is truly a blessing. Yes, it’s a lot of hard work, and I get plenty of phone calls, but I personally manage it — I’m not an absentee owner. I’m actively involved in the day-to-day operations, and honestly, I prefer it that way.

At the same time, one of the biggest advantages of franchising is flexibility. If I need to step away, I can. A perfect example of this was last summer when I broke my knee at a trampoline park (thinking I was still young enough for that!). I was out for three months but during that time, my team absolutely thrived and we even received more positive Google reviews than ever before. That made me so proud. It was proof that I had built a strong, capable team that could carry on even in my absence.

It’s moments like that that reinforce why I love what I do and why this business is so special to me

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Stumpf: Do your homework. Find the right company that aligns with your values and goals. If you’re not happy with the corporate world, don’t invest in a corporate-style franchise. There are smaller franchises that operate differently and offer more flexibility, especially when unexpected circumstances arise — like during COVID.

Pigtails & Crewcuts, for example, was very understanding during that time. It wasn’t just about the money for them; they cared about the brand and the people behind it. That made a big difference for me. A good franchise should set you up for success by providing the right tools and knowledge. There are a lot of moving parts to running a business, and having the right support system in place can make all the difference.

ABOUT PIGTAILS & CREWCUTS:

Pigtails & 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 & 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 & 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 & Crewcuts or to find a salon near you, please visit www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Pigtails & Crewcuts, please visit www.pigtailsandcrewcutsfranchise.com.