All Over Albany

Snipits: cuts for kids

Who:
Denise Deitz-Morgan

Project:
A party room at Snipits, a hair salon for kids.

My name is Denise Deitz-Morgan, I live in Guilderland NY, I am married and have 3 children, A daughter 22, and two sons 18 and 7 years of age.  I have worked for the Albany City School District for 14 years as Administrative Support.
 
I have owned two businesses in the past, The Lighter side vending at the NYS Campus, and Morgan Home Builders Inc.  Both businesses were successful but due to certain circumstances I had to make the decision to close.  My Vending business was closed due to a divorce, I had to make the painful decision to close because I needed something more secure for my two young children i.e. insurance, and a 12 month position.  The decision to close Morgan Home Builders Inc. was due to the economy, we had 2-3 clients every year but they could not get financed due to the banking changes.  My husband and I decided we needed to keep our secure jobs and move on.  That was another painful decision but I have not given up on owning my own business and being successful, I have had an entrepreneurial itch since I was very young.
 
The thing that has led me to my new project would be my 7 year old son Brandyn.  Brandyn was born with down syndrome and although he is disabled,  we were blessed that he has had no medical issues and is very mildly effected by his disability.  Brandyn did however hate getting his haircut and was very sensitive to anyone touching his head or the sound of the clippers.  Most children with Autism and Down Syndrome are very sensitive to touch.  Going to the salon was very traumatic for both Brandyn and I.  We had many awful experiences with different salons that really didn't understand my sons disability or his sensitivity to touch.
I had heard about the Snip Its Children Hair Care Salon in Clifton Park and decided to take him there, although it was still somewhat traumatic, the stylist was very patient and was not effected by his constant movement and crying.  She was very compassionate and understanding, for the most part it was a nice change and a much more pleasant experience.
For the past three years I have been driving by a small strip mall by my house that had a daycare, an after-school care program and an Ice cream shop, I always thought that this would be a great place for a Snip Its Salon, and that is how my Ideal came about.
 
I have invested in the franchise and am in the process of leasing a location in Guilderland, I am hoping to open my Snip Its Salon in July 2011.  Snip its is a "fun place" for kids to be kids, my stylists will be trained and certified to deal with children with Autism and Down Syndrome, we will be the only children's salon in the capital region area and my plan is to welcome all children with or without disabilities to enjoy a safe and fun place to be pampered weather it be a mini manicure, a pedicure, an updo for a special occasion or just a haircut. 
 
The funding would help me add a party room to my salon, originally I was only opening a express salon without doing parties but since my space is large enough to accommodate a party room I would like to add this service. I did not add these extra items in my business plan or in my start up costs.  I would need to purchase party dresses, party tables, chairs and other party items needed to offer this service.  This $1,500 would help purchase these items.  This service will add 10-12% of revenue to my business and I believe this service will help make the Snip Its Salon more successful.