BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us a little about Beaners Fun Cuts For Kids?
Debbie Bertie: Beaners is a hair salon that appeals to kids of all ages. We offer a full range of services, a private label line of hair care products and a full line of retail items. The atmosphere is fun, friendly, and a guilt-free noise environment for the parents. We have flat screens TV with current movies playing at all the stations, and older kids can play PS3. There’s also a ball pit!
BTB: How did you become involved with Beaners Fun Cuts For Kids?
DB: I first became involved with Beaners in 1997, when I became a franchisee. I had taken my son there for a haircut and was so impressed, and I thought it would be a great business. I called the owner to see if she would be interested in selling and to my surprise she wanted to sell and focus on franchising the brand. I was a franchisee for about a year and a half and then went into partnership with her for about a year. In 2001, I bought her out and have been running the business with my cousin, Celeste, ever since.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining Beaners Fun Cuts For Kids?
DB: My background was in banking. I had no previous experience in the hair industry.
BTB: What are the advantages of this franchise opportunity?
DB: Some of the advantages for me personally was that this business offered flexibility for my family. I could drive my kids to and from school everyday and attend special concerts or school functions. It’s a fun and recession proof business that provided a good income for me.
BTB: How would you describe the ideal Beaners franchisee?
DB: An ideal franchisee is someone who partners with us to grow and expand the business by providing great quality cuts, great customer service and an atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone. Someone who is self motivated, a team players, and shares their knowledge with other franchisees to help raise up a strong brand.
BTB: Tell us a little about the hair salon market.
DB: The hair industry is exploding and generates over $40 billion dollars annually, $5 billion of that revenue is just in kids hair. This industry is also recession proof and new customers are being born everyday. It’s an exciting and ever changing industry.
BTB: What have you learned while franchising your business?
DB: That everyone has something to offer… we all have strengths and weaknesses. Working together as a team will ensure that goals are met in a more timely manner with greater effectiveness.
BTB: Did you have any mentors?
DB: I had a mentor – Mark Blumes until he died several years ago. He was the founder of Mark’s Work Warehouse. He taught me that you cannot do everything yourself –so surround yourself with people that are smarter than you.
BTB: What advice do you have for potential franchisees?
DB: Make sure the business you are looking at is a good fit for your and do your homework. Franchise or not …it takes hard work. There are no short cuts to success.
