Photos by Steven Lane/The Columbian
Thomas Doerfler, 7, gets his hair cut by stylist Alli Bessette. This was Thomas' sixth haircut at the Lil' Snippers Hair Care 4 Kids and he always sits in the police car.Photo Gallery
Each week, The Columbian offers a brief snapshot of an interesting Clark County business. Send ideas to Mary Ricks: mary.ricks@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
Business name: Lil’ Snippers Haircare 4 Kids.
Owners: Rachel and Chris Horrocks, Nicholas and Dione Schubach and David and Betty Thompson.
Address: 3000 S.E. 164th Ave., Suite 103.
What the business does: Lil’ Snippers is a hair salon dedicated to serving children in the Vancouver area. The salon provides quality haircuts in an environment that is welcoming and fun, centered around children and their parents. All youngsters get to choose a styling chair to sit in and a movie to watch during their haircut. The goal is to provide an enjoyable atmosphere in order to make getting a haircut a positive experience.
Steps to build the business: Rachel Horrocks, one of the owners, said that when parents feel that their children are in the hands of a capable, energetic and skilled stylist, they become repeat clients and refer their friends.
Greatest challenge: Horrocks said it is a challenge to hire stylists who are right for the job. They need to be fast, but have a good deal of patience. Some stylists like children but don’t have what it takes to interact with children in a positive way while providing quality haircuts. Horrocks also said it has been a challenge to make parents and children aware there is a salon just for children in Vancouver.
What’s ahead in the next six to eight months: Summertime is a little slower at the salon. Horrocks said that in a few months, they will be preparing for back-to-school, which tends to be one of their busiest times of year. Horrocks said she doesn’t anticipate any changes in the near future.
Owner’s business history: Lil’ Snippers was started by two moms, Rachel Horrocks and Dione Schubach, both with young children. They could not find a children’s salon in the area. Although both women have careers in the medical field, they decided to open a salon devoted to children. Then they talked Horrocks’ grandparents into helping start the new business.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Each week, The Columbian offers a brief snapshot of an interesting Clark County business. Send ideas to Mary Ricks: mary.ricks@columbian.com; fax 360-735-4598; phone 360-735-4550.
Morning Briefing Newsletter
Get a rundown of the latest local and regional news every Mon-Fri morning.
