Anthony and Emelie Cambeiro opened Cookie Cutters in the Plymouth Meeting Mall in November 2024.
Anthony, a semi-retired financial consultant and a father of three boys, says their idea to franchise came from a positive experience at a Cookie Cutters.
“I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurship, as has Emelie. When our three-year-old went to get his first haircut, we found a Cookie Cutters in West Chester. It was a great experience, but it was a 50-minute drive for us,” he said. “During the trip home, we talked about getting something closer to us. I had just left a position in finance, so I called up the Plymouth Meeting Mall to see what could happen.”
After some back-and-forth, the Cambeiros found a former salon space in the mall’s first floor.
“We thought it was the perfect location. The mall is a family-oriented environment, which is exactly what we were looking for,” he said.
The Cambeiros’ franchise caters to children 0-12 (though they take teenagers as well) and currently employes five stylists and three receptionists. With 112 Google reviews and a 4.9 average rating, Anthony says that business has been growing every month: In June, roughly 600 customers passed through their doors.
Though they don’t cut hair, Anthony and Emelie are highly involved in the day-to-day operations.
“I’m in the salon at least once a week and I stop by on weekends when I need to. I monitor all customer-related issues and correspond with the customer to resolve whatever issue they might have,” Anthony said. “We try to really focus on the customer experience, both the child and the parent. If we can delight them, everything works itself out. Parents seem to really appreciate the environment and the experience. It’s a bright, fun, positive atmosphere. Our stylists love being around children. They’re calm and patient and they meet the child wherever they are. There’s no judgment here.”
Hours:
- 10a-7p weekdays
- 9a-7p Saturdays
- 9a-6p Sundays
You can find them in the mall’s first floor next to Bath & Body Works. For more on Cookie Cutters Plymouth Meeting, you can check out their website and Facebook page.
Photos: Anthony and Emelie Cambeiro