Meet Rachel Johnson | General Manager, Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids-Parker & Littleton

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The short answer? My kids.

As a mom, I remember how overwhelming haircut experiences could be, bright lights, loud noises, unfamiliar environments. We were searching for a place that felt welcoming instead of overstimulating, and when we found a children’s salon near us at the time, it completely changed the experience for our family.

I fell in love with the concept immediately. It wasn’t just about haircuts, it was about creating a space where my kids felt safe, confident, and even excited to come back. That experience sparked something in me. I started researching what it would take to open a kid’s salon of my own so I could bring that same sense of comfort and joy to families in our community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been drawn to creative, people-centered work. My background in esthetics gave me a deep appreciation for how personal care can impact confidence, and my experience in retail and customer service taught me how powerful a positive experience can be. When I became a mom, those worlds naturally came together. I saw firsthand how meaningful those small moments of care can be for families.

Pursuing my entrepreneurial dream of opening a small business has allowed me to blend artistry with connection, I love meeting people, serving them, and creating an experience that leaves them feeling better than when they walked in.

Part of our culture at Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids-Parker & Littleton is to create a cool and fun atmosphere for kids. Haircuts can be intimidating for little ones, and that experience can shape how they feel about self-care for years. Our mission is to turn something that could feel scary into something fun and empowering. We’re intentional about creating a space where kids feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Every child who walks through our doors gets the time and patience they need, no rushing, no pressure. We want them to leave not just with a fresh new style, but with confidence. The balloons, lollipops, and temporary tattoos are fun bonuses, but what truly matters is that they leave feeling proud of themselves. That small boost of confidence can carry into school, sports, and everyday life. For us, that’s real impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Colorado Springs for a week, I would make sure they got a perfect blend of nature, culture, great food, and local vibes.

We would kick things off exploring Old Colorado City, browsing unique shops and galleries, Next, we would spend time outdoors touring the stunning red rocks in Garden of the Gods, with a hike or just soaking in the views. Lunch would be a laid-back picnic in the park before heading to the Manitou Incline for an adventurous climb or the incline railway for something a little easier.

For a bit of family-friendly fun, I would take them to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to see amazing animals. Then we would explore the breathtaking Seven Falls, enjoying the waterfall hikes and tram rides.

I would make sure to dedicate a day to arts and culture, starting at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and then savoring French pastries and lunch at La Baguette. There are so many vibrant murals and artisan shops downtown for us to explore.

Another day would be spent full of adventure with a day trip up the Pikes Peak Highway and reaching the summit for spectacular mountain views is a must. We’d enjoy some snacks at the summit house and take in the nature before returning for dinner at The Famous Steak House, a local classic.

After all that, it would be time for a more relaxed day, with a peaceful afternoon at North Cheyenne Cañon Park with gentle hikes and waterfalls. In the evening, I’d take them to Mountain Shadows Winery for wine tasting or to Phantom Canyon Brewing if craft beer is more their style.

To close the trip, we would watch a stunning sunset at Red Rock Canyon Open Space to celebrate a fantastic visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to my family, Aaron, Nolan and Olivia.

It is with their love and support that I am able to focus on building an awesome business with Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids. I hope I’ve shown them what it looks like to chase your dreams, even when it feels scary. Starting a business takes risk, resilience, and a lot of hard work. I want my kids to see that firsthand. I want them to grow up believing, “If my mom can do it, so can I.” I want them to develop the confidence to trust themselves and the courage to pursue whatever path excites them. If they learn that they are capable of building something meaningful in this world, I’ll feel like I’ve done my job

Website: https://sharkeyscutsforkidsparker.com/