When people talk about Pigtails & Crewcuts, the children’s hair salon franchise, they usually start with the colorful environment or the kid-friendly experience. But behind the brand is something deeper — a culture built on kindness, service and genuine connection. For franchise owners like North Carolina-based Angel Putnam, that culture isn’t an add-on. It’s the heart of the business.
"I donate close to 10 percent of my sales back into our community, with a special focus on supporting foster children and families," Putnam said. "Having grown up in foster care myself, I understand firsthand the challenges these children face, and giving back to them is deeply personal to me. My goal is to make their lives a little easier through school supply donations, clothing and food drives, toy collections, and other efforts that provide comfort, dignity and joy."
Putnam says the salon gave her a platform to channel her own childhood experiences into something powerful and uplifting. "It’s my way of turning my story into purpose and using my business as a bridge for kindness and community support," she said.
The results of that purpose show up in dozens of small but meaningful moments — the handwritten letters from families, the hugs at community events, the gratitude expressed by foster parents who feel seen and supported.
"Each one reminds me that what we do goes far beyond haircuts. It’s about the ripple of kindness and connection we get to be a part of," she said.
For Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development, franchisees like Putnam represent the very best of what Pigtails & Crewcuts is meant to be.
"Being a part of and giving back to your community is one of our core values," she said. "We believe that owning a business isn't just about providing a service for your community. It's really being a part of your community. And that’s what we want our franchisees to embrace."
Holliman says the brand tends to draw owners who want to do more than run a business. They see their salons as safe, welcoming spaces for every child, including those with sensory challenges or special needs. In her view, Putnam’s story is a clear example of that mindset in action.
"She gives back to her community because she understands what foster care children have to go through and the importance of feeling wanted and needed and finding a safe space," Holliman said.
Holliman says that Pigtails & Crewcuts encourages community involvement but doesn’t prescribe how franchisees should serve. As a result, owners often go above and beyond in creative and heartfelt ways. She pointed to examples like franchisee Adelaide Aiken in Asheville, North Carolina, who turned her salon into a drop-off center after a hurricane left the city struggling for clean water.
“They weren’t trying to provide haircuts,” Holliman said. “They were trying to provide supplies and comfort in their community. And because of that, the community supported them right back.”
Putnam believes that weaving purpose into her business isn’t just meaningful — it’s smart, sustainable entrepreneurship.
"When I opened Pigtails & Crewcuts, profit wasn’t my motivation — purpose was," she said. "Of course, understanding your numbers and budgeting wisely are essential parts of running a business, but true success goes far deeper than profit margins. When you pour into your community, your community pours back into you."
That philosophy mirrors Holliman’s perspective on long-term success across the brand.
"It's something bigger than making money," Holliman said. "It's being a part of something. People want to leave a little bit of legacy whether it is showing kindness to the community or showing kindness to a specific family. Being compassionate about that family that has a child with special needs, being compassionate about somebody that can't afford a haircut, just understanding the needs and giving back."
Putnam hopes her approach shows future franchisees that Pigtails & Crewcuts is more than a business model. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting, meaningful impact.
"I know I can’t change the entire world, but within my three feet of space, I can create a ripple of love, kindness and inclusion that reaches far beyond me. Using my business as a platform for good allows me to lead by example — for my children, my team, and my community — and to always love the way we’d want to be loved," she said.
For Putnam — and for many Pigtails & Crewcuts owners — the work goes far beyond haircuts. Their businesses have become a natural place to show up for their neighbors and care for the families who walk through the door.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
Pigtails & Crewcuts
SPONSORED
Pigtails & Crewcuts owners are known for more than great haircuts — they are community anchors who lead with compassion, purpose and service.
When people talk about Pigtails & Crewcuts, the children’s hair salon franchise, they usually start with the colorful environment or the kid-friendly experience. But behind the brand is something deeper — a culture built on kindness, service and genuine connection. For franchise owners like North Carolina-based Angel Putnam, that culture isn’t an add-on. It’s the heart of the business.
"I donate close to 10 percent of my sales back into our community, with a special focus on supporting foster children and families," Putnam said. "Having grown up in foster care myself, I understand firsthand the challenges these children face, and giving back to them is deeply personal to me. My goal is to make their lives a little easier through school supply donations, clothing and food drives, toy collections, and other efforts that provide comfort, dignity and joy."
Putnam says the salon gave her a platform to channel her own childhood experiences into something powerful and uplifting. "It’s my way of turning my story into purpose and using my business as a bridge for kindness and community support," she said.
The results of that purpose show up in dozens of small but meaningful moments — the handwritten letters from families, the hugs at community events, the gratitude expressed by foster parents who feel seen and supported.
"Each one reminds me that what we do goes far beyond haircuts. It’s about the ripple of kindness and connection we get to be a part of," she said.
For Michelle Holliman, Vice President of Franchise Development, franchisees like Putnam represent the very best of what Pigtails & Crewcuts is meant to be.
"Being a part of and giving back to your community is one of our core values," she said. "We believe that owning a business isn't just about providing a service for your community. It's really being a part of your community. And that’s what we want our franchisees to embrace."
Holliman says the brand tends to draw owners who want to do more than run a business. They see their salons as safe, welcoming spaces for every child, including those with sensory challenges or special needs. In her view, Putnam’s story is a clear example of that mindset in action.
"She gives back to her community because she understands what foster care children have to go through and the importance of feeling wanted and needed and finding a safe space," Holliman said.
Holliman says that Pigtails & Crewcuts encourages community involvement but doesn’t prescribe how franchisees should serve. As a result, owners often go above and beyond in creative and heartfelt ways. She pointed to examples like franchisee Adelaide Aiken in Asheville, North Carolina, who turned her salon into a drop-off center after a hurricane left the city struggling for clean water.
“They weren’t trying to provide haircuts,” Holliman said. “They were trying to provide supplies and comfort in their community. And because of that, the community supported them right back.”
Putnam believes that weaving purpose into her business isn’t just meaningful — it’s smart, sustainable entrepreneurship.
"When I opened Pigtails & Crewcuts, profit wasn’t my motivation — purpose was," she said. "Of course, understanding your numbers and budgeting wisely are essential parts of running a business, but true success goes far deeper than profit margins. When you pour into your community, your community pours back into you."
That philosophy mirrors Holliman’s perspective on long-term success across the brand.
"It's something bigger than making money," Holliman said. "It's being a part of something. People want to leave a little bit of legacy whether it is showing kindness to the community or showing kindness to a specific family. Being compassionate about that family that has a child with special needs, being compassionate about somebody that can't afford a haircut, just understanding the needs and giving back."
Putnam hopes her approach shows future franchisees that Pigtails & Crewcuts is more than a business model. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting, meaningful impact.
"I know I can’t change the entire world, but within my three feet of space, I can create a ripple of love, kindness and inclusion that reaches far beyond me. Using my business as a platform for good allows me to lead by example — for my children, my team, and my community — and to always love the way we’d want to be loved," she said.
For Putnam — and for many Pigtails & Crewcuts owners — the work goes far beyond haircuts. Their businesses have become a natural place to show up for their neighbors and care for the families who walk through the door.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit 1851franchise.com/pigtailsandcrewcuts.
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