Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Irwin.
Hi Virginia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Kennesaw began with a deep desire to create a legacy for my children and to open doors for them to embrace entrepreneurship at a young age. I set out to find a business opportunity that aligned with our family values—something meaningful, community-focused, and built to make a positive impact. That’s when I discovered Sharkey’s, a brand that stood out not only for its proven business model but for its mission to make children and families feel special, confident, and truly seen.
Opening Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Kennesaw was about more than just starting a business—it was about creating a joyful, inclusive space where families feel welcome and children leave with big smiles and lasting memories. From themed chairs and cartoons to sensory-friendly services and patient, caring staff, we’ve been intentional about designing an experience that celebrates each child in their own unique way.
We also understand how important it is for parents to feel comfortable and supported during their visit. That’s why we focus just as much on creating a stress-free, inviting atmosphere for families as we do on delivering quality haircuts. Whether it’s a child’s very first trim or a back-to-school visit, we’re here to make the moment special.
Today, I’m proud not only of how far we’ve come, but of the purpose that drives this journey. Sharkey’s has allowed me to combine business ownership with heart, impact, and family legacy—and we’re just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road—but every challenge has helped shape us into who we are today.
One of the earliest struggles was finding a licensed and trustworthy contractor. Unfortunately, I encountered several individuals who were either dishonest or lacked the proper credentials to complete the build-out of the salon. It was a stressful and discouraging time, but I refused to compromise on creating a safe, welcoming space for families.
Staffing has also been a challenge, especially in today’s workforce climate. Finding team members who not only have the technical skills but also share our passion for creating a positive, kid-friendly environment takes time and patience. That said, we are now on the right path. I’m thrilled to have Jessie Hill as our new Salon Operations Manager. She brings strong leadership, heart, and a vision that aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver an exceptional experience for every family that walks through our doors.
Through it all, what has kept me going is God. Leaning on my faith has given me strength, clarity, and purpose—even during the toughest moments. I believe that this business is more than just a salon; it’s a calling to serve, uplift, and bring joy to children and their families. And that’s what continues to inspire me every day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Kennesaw, we do so much more than haircuts—we create an experience that makes kids feel like stars and gives parents peace of mind.
We specialize in providing high-quality children’s haircuts in a fun, stress-free, and family-friendly environment. From our themed chairs and kid-friendly entertainment to our welcoming team and patient stylists, everything we do is centered around making each visit enjoyable and memorable.
We’re especially proud to offer sensory-friendly services specifically designed for children with autism and other sensory processing differences. Our staff is trained to understand and support the unique needs of children on the spectrum, creating a calm, compassionate space where every child feels safe, respected, and celebrated.
To better serve these families, we now host Sensory Day every Tuesday, featuring dimmed lighting, soothing music, calming visuals on TV (except at the station in use), and a gentle, unrushed approach by stylists trained in working with sensory-sensitive children. It’s a dedicated time where families can relax, knowing their child’s needs are truly understood.
What sets us apart is our commitment to care, consistency, and community. We’re not a cookie-cutter salon—we build relationships. We know our clients by name, we remember their stories, and we treat every visit like a special occasion. We believe every child deserves to feel confident, and every parent deserves a salon they can trust.
I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made in a short amount of time—from first haircuts and birthday trims to helping nervous little ones overcome their fears. Seeing families leave with smiles and a sense of relief makes everything worth it. That’s the heart behind what we do, and we’re honored to support our community every day.
Come experience the difference at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids – where every haircut is a happy memory in the making. We look forward to welcoming you, especially on Sensory Tuesdays!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I truly believe it takes a village—not just to raise children, but to build a business that serves them well. There are so many meaningful ways people can work with us, collaborate, or simply support what we’re doing at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Kennesaw.
The biggest way to support us is by bringing your family in and letting us care for your little ones. Every haircut, every smiling face, and every returning customer means the world to us. Sharing your positive experience with friends, leaving a kind review, or tagging us on social media may seem small, but it makes a big impact—and helps us reach more families who may be looking for a place just like this.
We also welcome partnerships with schools, pediatricians, therapy centers, and local organizations—especially those who work with children with sensory sensitivities. We love collaborating on events, awareness days, or anything that brings families together and helps children feel seen, celebrated, and cared for.
And if you’re someone who has a heart for kids and a passion for making people feel good, we’d love to have you join our team. We’re always looking for stylists and staff who lead with kindness and truly care.
Whether you’re a parent, professional, or neighbor—we invite you to be part of this journey. Together, we can keep building something beautiful for our community, one haircut at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharkeyscutsforkidskennesaw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharkeyskennesaw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharkeyskennesaw/#
