Pigtails & Crewcuts Franchisees Bring Fun, Kid-Friendly Haircuts to Asheville

Adelaide Aiken has spent her entire career working with children, but when her husband Tyler first suggested franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts, she was hesitant as she did not have a background in business ownership nor in cutting hair. However, the more she thought about it, the more it seemed like the perfect opportunity for her family. Aiken is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked with children in a variety of capacities and settings ranging from hospice care and grief counseling to helping families experiencing homelessness. Franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts not only allowed her to continue her passion of working with children, but it also was a brand she and her family had loved for years.

Aiken’s three daughters loved having their hair cut at Pigtails & Crewcuts. However, when they moved to Asheville about four years ago, with no Pigtails & Crewcuts locations in their community, Aiken struggled to find a similar experience.

“Finding a place to take my children for a haircut was one of the biggest challenges when we moved here because I needed a place where I felt comfortable taking my children with all their wiggles and big emotions,” she said.

Now Aiken and her husband look forward to bringing the family-friendly, kid-focused brand to their Asheville, North Carolina, community and building positive relationships with their customers.

1851 Franchise spoke with Aiken about her journey into franchising and her plans for the future.

FEATURE QUESTIONS

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

Aiken: I am a licensed clinical social worker. I spent my whole career working with kids. I did hospice care and grief counseling. And then I worked with kids and families experiencing homelessness to help find them housing and get them back on their feet.

I did counseling for 8 years with kids struggling with anxiety, depression and all sorts of things. A lot of the kids were in foster care or group care and I was supporting them through those changes.

My husband, Tyler, is a financial advisor. I am a mom of three daughters. We wanted to support our family and be there for our kids. My husband brought up the idea of franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts, and at first I was hesitant because I don’t cut hair! But then I started to see the parallels; we love people, we love kids. There is a big need for it here in Asheville. My husband is from here originally, but we moved here as a family about four years ago. Finding a place to take my children for a haircut was one of the biggest challenges when we moved here because I needed a place where I felt comfortable taking my children with all their wiggles and big emotions. Bringing the brand we love to Asheville felt like the right move for our family.

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?

Aiken: Franchising sounded great, but I always thought it was for someone else. I don’t have a business background, but the support has been incredible. With the right franchise and the right people, you certainly have to work hard, but it feels like a family. 

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

Aiken: We picked Pigtails & Crewcuts because we have been long time customers. Our children love Pigtails & Crewcuts; they would get their haircut every day if we would let them!  I love the family oriented feeling. Everyone is so kind and it’s just such a fun place.

On top of that, the support for franchisees has been great; it’s unmatched.

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

Aiken: We have been to probably four or five locations, just as customers. One of the things that I’ve loved about other locations is that they are staples in their community. Everyone knows about them, loves them and feels welcome there. We want to be that welcoming place where kids can be kids. I am so excited to meet kids from their first haircut and watch them grow up to be amazing people; I am excited about the relationships that will come from this.

Growth is something we have considered but we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves. We want to focus on making our first store successful. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Aiken: Don’t count yourself out. As an adult, I never dreamed of opening a children’s hair salon. If people from other industries are questioning if they can do this, they can. It’s never too late to start over to create the life you want and the community you want. Anyone with the right attitude and drive can do it. 

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

Aiken: Asking questions and taking the time you need is important because it is a big commitment. Don’t feel pressured. We took a year to make up our minds. And remember that the franchisor wants you to succeed, too. 

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.