Building a career in the salon industry often means starting behind the chair, but for some, it leads to salon ownership. Many franchise owners begin as stylists, gaining firsthand experience in day-to-day operations before making the leap to running their own location. This was the path for Kimora, who started as a stylist at Snip-its children’s hair salon franchise and, through hard work and experience, transitioned into ownership of the Snip-its in West Seattle. Her journey highlights the children’s franchise opportunities for stylists who want to grow with the Snip-its brand.
Kimora’s Start as a Snip-its Stylist and Transition into Management
To be honest working in a children’s hair salon was not something I thought about doing until I had my first child. As a new mom I wanted to know where parents take their kids for basic needs, service and entertainment. Thats when I thought, where would kids get their haircut? So, I researched and found Snip-its! They happen to be hiring, and I immediately applied for a job. Extra secure hourly pay why not? I had all the credentials and stylist experience to cut kids hair. The first day I came in and saw the tablets, goldfish and all the surprises the kids received while getting a haircut seemed genius! I thought “Oh I would kill it here” This would help me meet other parents, gain income and help me grow child patients, clipper cutting skills.
As I mastered my timing and having one to ones with my Manager / Previous Owner, I realized why we did certain things as it pertained to the franchise business. Like our timing on haircuts, retention keeping the customers happy and coming back, why we sold retail and the importance of maintaining a clean and inviting salon. My manager soon became my mentor. He was molding me into a managerial role! He even let me work at the salon even though I had my own salon suite because it was more than 30 miles away and I didn’t take children there. What an advantage and value I saw in that since my previous job didn’t allow it.
I say that to mention; I was able to compare the two businesses models. Doing adult hair required working late nights, longer services and I had to be at the salon to generate income. With the Snip-its franchise model, I could leave at a decent time every day, didn’t have to do any preparation for the next day outside of the salon, I was networking with parents and families organically that in return helped with retention. When I wanted to travel or got sick there was some else available to work the hours. The pros of this children’s hair salon franchise model started to outweigh what I was doing, even though what I had was profitable, the Snip-its franchise model worked best for my lifestyle.
Needless to say when the previous owner offered me the salon! I was a bit scared at first not understanding the Franchise portion of things, but I then jumped right to it. I saw an opportunity to organize my life through Snip-its.
What Makes Snip-its Standout from Other Hair Salons and Franchises
- The Snip-its kid’s salon franchise was already established in the community, and I saw its potential.
- People loved the Snip-its brand and fun characters.
- As a parent of two, it was easy to fall behind with admin and marketing tasks, but the Snip-its team helped me to be well organized for the year in advance.
- When the opportunity to become franchise owner came, I already had a structure I could follow which made things easier for me.
- With Snip-its, I have a team within the franchise I feel that I can ask questions to and advisory I didn’t have with my previous model of business.
Valuable Resources from Snip-its
- The previous owner helped me to get into the new owner role with all his experience and guidance with the franchise was the #1 resource.
- The Marketing resources provided. Understanding the marketing behind Snip-its, how monthly promos and graphics help boost sales. Being able to have zoom meeting “Owner” and “Manager” calls help to keep me in order with goals and focus
- When business challenges pop up, as they do in any salon business, I don’t feel like I am tackling them alone – I have some guidance and a wonderful support system with Snip-its and other franchisees.
- Calls with the Corporate Team led by CEO Jason Bakker, Jason Blom, Marsha Cole, Mariah Whurr, and Craig Voss are helpful to understanding my business and find ways to make it stronger. We also have an amazing and honest advisory council that helps others. I am happy to be active as a member!
- Outside of that the local business support organization that helps small businesses such as the West Seattle Chamber, West Seattle Junction (Business Improvement area) Non-profit. Business acceleration programs such as Tabor 100, Seattle Urban Impact and Bipoc business support groups
How Owning a Snip-its Positively Impacts the Local Community
We are a growing community with a lot of families coming in. Running a Snip-its children’s hair salon franchise simply adds value to the community because we are investing in our kids to look their best. We want to spend time with these kids and grow our community.
Our community always seeks us out for all local festivals. We have opportunities to sponsor to have a presence at many community events. Participating in kid-focused events is huge for us! Whether we are handing out treats or coupons, or adding flare to kids’ hair, we’re adding a special touch to our relationship with this community. Repeat customers we can watch grow and maintain relationships with because we are local.
We also attract customers who live far away because of our training and experience servicing sensory children with special needs. This is a skill I credit to Snip-its because they really set the standards for serving children with sensory sensitivities.
What are one or two skills and/or traits a new Snip-its franchisee should have to be successful?
I personally feel like knowing how to create relationships with your local market has been a way for me to gain customers and create the best experiences for families! Being good at networking and staying well connected with the schools and community events helps grow your salon franchise.
Then, being able to make time to hire the right stylist and then once you have them continue education to make them better stylists. So, you need to be a good recruiter and team leader.
Adapt to change! Those looking to open a franchise with Snip-its should be open to trying new things. Snip-its is a franchise brand with a model that works but is open to evolving.
What motivates you to be at your best running a Snip-its business?
After 6 years of owning Snip-its West Seattle I still see its potential. I see a growing community of not only franchisees but stylists and customers.
As the previous owner mentored me, I feel like I am in the shoes now to mentor others. As I master my skills and continue to grow my business, it’s motivation to see it getting more organized with help. I don’t feel alone in the business.
What does it mean to you to be part of a brand that is celebrating 30 years in children’s haircare?
Snip-its important value really boils down to who we are in the community. Why not be a part of something that has worked for 30 years? We even have stylists that have been working with Snip-its that long! This says a lot about our work and security running a small business.
Learn More About Children’s Hair Salon Franchise Opportunities Today
Transitioning from stylist to franchise owner is a journey that comes with challenges, but it also offers a great opportunity. With the right support system, a strong brand, and a passion for the hair industry, success becomes achievable. Kimora’s story is a testament to how experience as a stylist can translate into business ownership, providing both stability and growth opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more about owning a Snip-it hair salon franchise request more information here.