Beyond the Scissors: How Sit Still Kids Salon Creates 10-Year Customer Relationships Artwork

What's Your F'ing Business?®

What's Your F'ing Business?® is a podcast about franchising. These are candid interviews with the CEOs, founders and leaders of the best, sustainable brands and the service providers that support them. Whether you are contemplating being a franchisor or are running and growing your brand, there is a lot to learn from these seasoned franchise veterans. Do you want to know what the latest is in franchising, then this is the podcast for you. If you are interested in more information about ethical and sustainable franchising and the folks at FranWise® and O'Connell & Company, Inc., visit https://www.franwise.net.

All Episodes

What's Your F'ing Business?®

Beyond the Scissors: How Sit Still Kids Salon Creates 10-Year Customer Relationships

September 10, 2025 • Mary Ann OConnell, CFE - Franchise Consultant and CEO of FranWise® Franchise Consultants

What happens when a children's haircut becomes more than just a trim? Stephanie Knepp, CEO of Sit Still Kids Salon, reveals the magic behind transforming what's traditionally a tear-filled ordeal into an experience children actually look forward to.

The concept is brilliantly simple yet revolutionary: create a salon specifically designed for children from their first haircut through their tween years, where every aspect of the experience caters to their comfort and enjoyment. "You come in for the haircuts, but you actually stay a client with us because of the relationship you develop," Knepp explains, highlighting their impressive business model that retains customers for up to a decade.

What truly sets Sit Still apart is their psychological approach to children's comfort. Their stylists don't just cut hair, they're trained in child engagement techniques, offering options like car-shaped chairs with iPads, letting kids choose their cape colors, and explaining every step of the process. Beyond basic cuts, they offer special treatments like chlorine treatments for swimmers, sparkle strands, temporary hair colors, and mohawks that turn a mundane necessity into something magical. Meanwhile, parents enjoy complimentary beverages and can browse their retail boutique.

From a franchise perspective, Sit Still represents a fascinating case study in scaling passion. Currently at 30 locations, Knepp—who joined as CEO rather than being the founder—walks a delicate line between preserving the founder's vision while implementing business systems necessary for national and eventually international growth. Her approach includes weekly communications with franchisees, always explaining the "why" behind business decisions to maintain that crucial balance of passion and profitability.

Ready to discover more about the business that's redefining children's salon experiences? Listen now and learn how creating joyful moments for children translates into exceptional customer retention and business success.

We don't just talk about operations, we help you refine them. Check out how FranWise can help your business!