Cutting EdgeHer child's bad experience inspires one woman's booming business.

Saundra Shapiro started Calgary, Alberta, Beaners Fun Cuts For Kids in 1987 after her daughter Erica had a bad experience getting a haircut at an adult salon. Today, with a half dozen franchises in Western Canada and the corporate store pulling in more than $250,000 last year, Beaners Fun Cuts For Kids has solidified its niche in the Canadian market.

At 40, president Shapiro has big plans for her children's specialty haircutting concept. Hoping to sell a master franchisee license next year, she exclaims, "we'd like to expand across Canada . . . and we'd love to go to the States!"