After 26 years working in education, Marie DeFede and her husband were looking for a new opportunity — something fun, fulfilling and family-friendly. As longtime customers of Pigtails & Crewcuts, 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 Pigtails & Crewcuts 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. 

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 & 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 & 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 & 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.