For Kathy Vergotis, the journey with Just Cuts has been one of passion, growth, and building something truly lasting. Beginning in the late 1990s, Kathy opened her very first salon in Orange, NSW alongside her brother Peter and their partners. More than two and a half decades later, she remains a proud and successful franchise owner, currently operating Just Cuts Marion and Just Cuts Tea Tree Plaza in South Australia.
Over the years, Kathy’s journey expanded far beyond a single location. Together with her brother, she owned multiple salons across Australia and New Zealand, including Orange, Bathurst, Townsville, Adelaide, Broadway, Fig Tree, and two locations in New Zealand. She also opened salons in Sydney City and Rundle Mall, building an impressive multi-site portfolio across regions.
Why Kathy Chose Just Cuts
When Kathy first explored Just Cuts, the brand was still growing, with around 45 salons. What stood out was the systemised and scalable business model, offering the opportunity to expand across multiple locations, even interstate, which she successfully achieved.
As a qualified hairdresser, Kathy understood the industry, but she also wanted to create something bigger than working behind the chair. Just Cuts gave her the opportunity to step into a true business model, focused on long-term growth rather than relying on a single operator.
Achievements and Defining Moments
Kathy’s journey is filled with milestones she’s incredibly proud of:
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Expanding across multiple regions and managing larger teams
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Stepping outside her comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally
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Building salons in new states at a time when this wasn’t common
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Being recognised as Franchisee of the Year
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Supporting and mentoring team members to grow within themselves
One of her proudest achievements remains the journey she shared with her brother in the early years—building a successful network of salons together and embracing every challenge along the way.
What Kathy Loves About Being a Franchise Owner
For Kathy, it’s all about people and connection. From her salon teams to the wider Just Cuts network, she values the strong sense of community and support.
The strength of the franchise lies in its proven systems—allowing owners to focus less on reinventing processes and more on building their teams and business.
“I didn’t just want to work in a salon, I wanted to build something that could exist beyond me.”
Lifestyle and Balance
Over the years, Kathy’s work/life balance has evolved. In the early days, managing multiple salons meant extensive travel and long hours, but also excitement and opportunity.
What made it sustainable was the structure of the franchise model, providing clarity, consistency, and breathing space over time.
As a woman in business and a mother, that flexibility has been invaluable. Her son, Teheke—an emerging musician, is a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of why she has worked so hard: to create opportunities not just for herself, but for her family.
The Power of the Franchise Model
Having owned both an independent salon and a franchise, Kathy has experienced the difference firsthand. While both have their rewards, the Just Cuts model offers greater freedom and scalability.
Because the business is built on proven systems rather than relying on one individual, it allows owners to grow, step back when needed, and focus on the bigger picture. With support across design, setup, and operations, everything is tried and tested, making the journey smoother and more rewarding.