Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in various industries, including franchising. Pigtails & Crewcuts, a leading kids’ hair salon franchise, has built a strong network of female franchisees who are not only successful business owners but also leaders in their communities.
From career transitions and balancing family life to overcoming challenges and creating opportunities for others, these franchisees exemplify resilience and dedication. In this spotlight, seven Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise owners, along with Vice President of Franchise Development Michelle Holliman, share their experiences, challenges and advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Many women who own Pigtails & Crewcuts franchises started in different careers but found franchising as the ideal path to flexibility, fulfillment and financial independence.
For Marie DeFede, the transition from a 26-year career in admissions to business ownership was driven by her love for Pigtails & Crewcuts. “We used to get our haircuts at Pigtails & Crewcuts, and we always had such a great time there,” she said. “It felt like Disneyland — so bright, colorful and fun! We really loved the concept and thought it was something we could enjoy.”
Similarly, Deean Ferrone wasn’t actively looking to start a business when she took her sons for a haircut, but a chance encounter with the franchise led her down the path of entrepreneurship. “What started with a haircut turned into a career shift that has given me control over my time and future,” she said.
Marylou Gonzalez saw firsthand how challenging haircuts could be for children with sensory challenges, which inspired her to create a welcoming space for all families. “Our son had sensory sensitivities, and haircuts were always a struggle,” she said. “The fun, child-focused atmosphere of Pigtails & Crewcuts made a huge difference for him. That’s when we decided to bring one to our own community.”
These stories highlight how franchising provides an accessible path for women from all walks of life to become business owners and make a difference in their communities.
While franchising offers incredible opportunities, women in leadership roles still encounter challenges.
Heather Arnold recounts an experience where an interviewee repeatedly directed his answers to a male technician instead of her. “I set up the interview, I greeted him, I was the one asking the questions,” she said, “and yet he kept looking at the male franchise representative in the room as if I wasn’t in charge.”
Caroline Dover faced similar difficulties securing contractors who would take her seriously.
"Finding a contractor who truly took me seriously was a real challenge," she shared. "I also had to work even harder to earn the respect of lawyers and commercial brokers."
For Ferrone, self-doubt was her biggest obstacle. “I struggled with imposter syndrome, thinking, ‘I don’t have a business degree — how can I run a business?’” she said. “But so many women, especially moms, already have the multitasking and leadership skills needed to succeed.”
Despite these challenges, these franchisees have persevered, proving that determination and a strong support system can overcome any hurdle.
A key appeal of franchising for many women is the flexibility it offers. For Yvette Stumpf, running a business doesn’t mean sacrificing family time, it means integrating the two together. “I don’t think of it as juggling — I integrate everything,” she said. “I’m involved in my kids’ schools, and we participate in community events that align with our business.”
Similarly, Dover found that hiring a strong team helped her balance business ownership with personal responsibilities. “I have a staff I can count on, and my team is all female,” she said. “Having that level of support makes all the difference.”
For Arnold, organization is key. “My calendar is stacked from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep,” she said. “I allot time for everything — driving to the salon, being with my kids, personal development — it’s all planned out.”
This ability to build careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives is what makes franchising such a powerful opportunity for women.
Beyond running successful businesses, these women are passionate about uplifting their employees and communities.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is seeing the difference I can make in my staff’s lives,” Dover said. “Providing opportunities for women to build their self-esteem and support their families is incredibly fulfilling.”
Stumpf echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fostering a strong work culture. “We have an incredibly low turnover rate because our team truly feels like part of the Pigtails & Crewcuts family,” she said. “I’m deeply invested in them, and they love coming to work.”
For Ferrone, the best part has been seeing the impact of her leadership. “I’ve built a team that thrives because of my belief in them,” she said. “The ripple effect of leadership is incredible — when you empower others, they grow and so does the business.”
These Pigtails & Crewcuts owners all agree that franchising is an excellent path for women who want to build something meaningful while maintaining flexibility.
“Don’t be afraid,” DeFede said. “With a strong franchise system, you have people supporting you every step of the way.”
Similarly, Dover advises women not to sell themselves short. “Stay-at-home moms, career changers — anyone can do this,” she said. “Learn everything you can, ask for help and go for it.”
For Gonzalez, it’s about choosing a franchise that aligns with your values. “The biggest reward is seeing the impact we have on families,” she said. “Every small win feels personal, and that’s what makes this so special.”
Holliman has seen firsthand how women are shaping the franchise industry. “Franchising offers a unique opportunity for women to own businesses with strong support systems,” she said. “Our goal is to continue providing exceptional franchisee support and customer service while expanding our network of female entrepreneurs.”
With more women stepping into leadership roles and proving that business ownership is within reach, Pigtails & Crewcuts continues to be a brand where female franchisees can thrive. As these women demonstrate, success in franchising isn’t just about financial growth — it’s about building something lasting, making a difference in communities and empowering others along the way.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
Pigtails & Crewcuts
SPONSORED
This Women's History Month, Pigtails & Crewcuts honors the women who navigate business ownership, overcome challenges and create lasting community impact.
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in various industries, including franchising. Pigtails & Crewcuts, a leading kids’ hair salon franchise, has built a strong network of female franchisees who are not only successful business owners but also leaders in their communities.
From career transitions and balancing family life to overcoming challenges and creating opportunities for others, these franchisees exemplify resilience and dedication. In this spotlight, seven Pigtails & Crewcuts franchise owners, along with Vice President of Franchise Development Michelle Holliman, share their experiences, challenges and advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
Many women who own Pigtails & Crewcuts franchises started in different careers but found franchising as the ideal path to flexibility, fulfillment and financial independence.
For Marie DeFede, the transition from a 26-year career in admissions to business ownership was driven by her love for Pigtails & Crewcuts. “We used to get our haircuts at Pigtails & Crewcuts, and we always had such a great time there,” she said. “It felt like Disneyland — so bright, colorful and fun! We really loved the concept and thought it was something we could enjoy.”
Similarly, Deean Ferrone wasn’t actively looking to start a business when she took her sons for a haircut, but a chance encounter with the franchise led her down the path of entrepreneurship. “What started with a haircut turned into a career shift that has given me control over my time and future,” she said.
Marylou Gonzalez saw firsthand how challenging haircuts could be for children with sensory challenges, which inspired her to create a welcoming space for all families. “Our son had sensory sensitivities, and haircuts were always a struggle,” she said. “The fun, child-focused atmosphere of Pigtails & Crewcuts made a huge difference for him. That’s when we decided to bring one to our own community.”
These stories highlight how franchising provides an accessible path for women from all walks of life to become business owners and make a difference in their communities.
While franchising offers incredible opportunities, women in leadership roles still encounter challenges.
Heather Arnold recounts an experience where an interviewee repeatedly directed his answers to a male technician instead of her. “I set up the interview, I greeted him, I was the one asking the questions,” she said, “and yet he kept looking at the male franchise representative in the room as if I wasn’t in charge.”
Caroline Dover faced similar difficulties securing contractors who would take her seriously.
"Finding a contractor who truly took me seriously was a real challenge," she shared. "I also had to work even harder to earn the respect of lawyers and commercial brokers."
For Ferrone, self-doubt was her biggest obstacle. “I struggled with imposter syndrome, thinking, ‘I don’t have a business degree — how can I run a business?’” she said. “But so many women, especially moms, already have the multitasking and leadership skills needed to succeed.”
Despite these challenges, these franchisees have persevered, proving that determination and a strong support system can overcome any hurdle.
A key appeal of franchising for many women is the flexibility it offers. For Yvette Stumpf, running a business doesn’t mean sacrificing family time, it means integrating the two together. “I don’t think of it as juggling — I integrate everything,” she said. “I’m involved in my kids’ schools, and we participate in community events that align with our business.”
Similarly, Dover found that hiring a strong team helped her balance business ownership with personal responsibilities. “I have a staff I can count on, and my team is all female,” she said. “Having that level of support makes all the difference.”
For Arnold, organization is key. “My calendar is stacked from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep,” she said. “I allot time for everything — driving to the salon, being with my kids, personal development — it’s all planned out.”
This ability to build careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives is what makes franchising such a powerful opportunity for women.
Beyond running successful businesses, these women are passionate about uplifting their employees and communities.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my journey is seeing the difference I can make in my staff’s lives,” Dover said. “Providing opportunities for women to build their self-esteem and support their families is incredibly fulfilling.”
Stumpf echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fostering a strong work culture. “We have an incredibly low turnover rate because our team truly feels like part of the Pigtails & Crewcuts family,” she said. “I’m deeply invested in them, and they love coming to work.”
For Ferrone, the best part has been seeing the impact of her leadership. “I’ve built a team that thrives because of my belief in them,” she said. “The ripple effect of leadership is incredible — when you empower others, they grow and so does the business.”
These Pigtails & Crewcuts owners all agree that franchising is an excellent path for women who want to build something meaningful while maintaining flexibility.
“Don’t be afraid,” DeFede said. “With a strong franchise system, you have people supporting you every step of the way.”
Similarly, Dover advises women not to sell themselves short. “Stay-at-home moms, career changers — anyone can do this,” she said. “Learn everything you can, ask for help and go for it.”
For Gonzalez, it’s about choosing a franchise that aligns with your values. “The biggest reward is seeing the impact we have on families,” she said. “Every small win feels personal, and that’s what makes this so special.”
Holliman has seen firsthand how women are shaping the franchise industry. “Franchising offers a unique opportunity for women to own businesses with strong support systems,” she said. “Our goal is to continue providing exceptional franchisee support and customer service while expanding our network of female entrepreneurs.”
With more women stepping into leadership roles and proving that business ownership is within reach, Pigtails & Crewcuts continues to be a brand where female franchisees can thrive. As these women demonstrate, success in franchising isn’t just about financial growth — it’s about building something lasting, making a difference in communities and empowering others along the way.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
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