U.S. Navy Reservist Brings Pigtails & Crewcuts to Clarksville, Filling a Community Need

After returning from an overseas deployment in 2022, Navy veteran Alda Bryant sought a new direction in her life, focusing on creating a better work-life balance to spend more time with her two young children. This led her to franchise ownership with Pigtails & Crewcuts, the children’s salon franchise. Now, she’s gearing up to open her business at 2720 Madison St. Suite H, Clarksville, Tennessee, on October 16th, 2024.

With plans to serve the military community in Clarksville, Bryant’s Pigtails & Crewcuts is poised to offer more than just haircuts — it’s set to become a local staple. Her military background, commitment to family and passion for community service are driving her efforts to create a space where families feel at home.

1851 spoke with Bryant to learn more about her background, her journey to franchising 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?

Alda Bryant: I’m a supply officer in the Navy, and I also work for the Department of Energy. In 2022, I was reactivated and sent to Djibouti for almost a year and a half. When I got back, I wanted a better work-life balance to spend more time with my kids, who are six and eight. That’s really what started it — finding a new direction that would let me have those moments with my 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?

Bryant: I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I like being able to control my own destiny and create something. I considered going back into the commercial or private sector, but I wanted a job with flexibility. I used to run a veterans program and could make my own schedule, so I wanted something that would allow me to be there for my kids’ events.

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

Bryant: I stumbled upon Pigtails & Crewcuts, and it struck a chord with me. I knew from personal experience how hard it is for moms to find a place to get their kids’ haircuts. The concept filled a void in our community, and it just felt right. That’s big for me — things need to feel right.

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

Bryant: I want Pigtails & Crewcuts to become a staple in the community. It’s not just a business; we’re giving back. With my military background and my husband being a veteran in this military town, we’ll be very involved with the military community. We’re even making one of our salon chairs an Army Jeep! In the future, I hope to open another location.

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

Bryant: This is something I’m building with my children. It’s not just for me, but for my family. They’ve been part of the whole process, visiting the salon under construction and getting excited. My daughter wants to sweep floors and learn to cut hair, and my son wants to help promote the business. It’s a family business, and one day, I’d love for them to take over.

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

Bryant: Stop second-guessing yourself. Sometimes the best move is to just move forward. I took longer than I should have because I kept putting it off. Eventually, it became a now-or-never situation. If you know it’s what you want to do, go for it.

Learn more about franchising with Pigtails & Crewcuts, here: https://1851franchise.com/pigtails-and-crewcuts/info.

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.