First Choice Haircutters offers the Guelph community more than just haircuts; it is a place where generations have come to feel at home. Owned by sisters Jennifer DiRaddo Jefferson and Stephanie DiRaddo Lakatos, this family-run business carries forward a legacy that started over 35 years ago when their parents, Pat and Tony DiRaddo, first ventured into the franchise world.
Jennifer and Stephanie, both University of Guelph alums, took the reins from their parents 10 years ago after successful careers in Toronto.
“We both wanted to return to Guelph, the town where we grew up,” says Jennifer, who has a background in Human Resources. With expertise in marketing and client management, Stephanie complements her sister perfectly, handling the financial and technological aspects of the business.
Today, First Choice Haircutters operates five salons across Guelph, having evolved with the city's shifting landscapes.
“We relocated our salons to other areas of development, ensuring we grow alongside the community,” Stephanie explains.
Their approach to business is hands-on, fostering a family atmosphere among the staff and their clientele, some of whom have been visiting the salons for over 30 years.
Both sisters emphasize their commitment to the community, integrating charity work, local sponsorships, and volunteerism into their business model. For example, Jennifer runs a group for female entrepreneurs in Guelph called the GLOW Collective.
“It’s about connecting women in business in a genuine and supportive way,” she adds.
At each of First Choice Haircutters’ locations, management structures include both Managers and Assistant Managers, ensuring the salons operate smoothly. Additionally, First Choice Haircutters offers two educators who are part of the wider Design Team—a network of experienced Educators spread across North America, trained by their Corporate Office, Regis International. These educators deliver quarterly training sessions to keep stylists adept with the latest skills and trends in hairdressing.
For more personalized growth, First Choice Haircutters provides one-on-one development and mentoring for stylists as needed. Additionally, First Choice Haircutters leverages an innovative online learning tool, the Education Playground, which allows all stylists to pursue ongoing certifications and stay current with evolving trends and techniques in the hair industry, ensuring they remain at the forefront of hair care service.
“Many of our employees have been with us for a long time, from five to 17 years,” Jennifer said. “We have a team of very loyal and talented stylists. This loyalty is built by fostering relationships, offering continuous learning and a dynamic team environment.”
The salons also serve as a nurturing ground for aspiring talent, maintaining strong relationships with local cosmetology and hairdressing programs. Jennifer and Stephanie actively visit these schools to advocate for careers in the hair industry and to offer expert career advice.
“We aim to spark an interest in the hair industry and equip students with transferable skills,” says Jennifer, whose passion for career development shines through her work.
Addressing misconceptions about salon services, Jennifer points out that First Choice Haircutters is a full-service salon offering colour, styling, facial waxing, and perms.
“People often assume we only do haircuts, but our services are comprehensive,” she notes.
They also stay abreast of trends like the popular teenage perm and innovative colouring techniques, ensuring their team is skilled through continuous professional development.
First Choice Haircutters has embraced technology, offering an online check-in system that complements their traditional walk-in service, catering to customer preferences in a digital age.
“Most guests really enjoy the online check-in option. It’s straightforward, and no account creation is necessary,” Stephanie says.
Reflecting on over three decades in Guelph, the DiRaddo sisters believe that treating their guests and employees well has been key to their long-standing success.
“We stay locally owned and operated while evolving with our community's needs,” says Jennifer.
For Jennifer and Stephanie, First Choice Haircutters is more than a business; it’s a part of their family’s story and a thriving community presence, ensuring each and every service is a cut above.
