Got a gap? Hairdresser looks to fill last-minute appointments with new tech start-up

Pictured above: Aleisha Sanson.

At just 32, Aleisha Sanson has already navigated a career that spans continents, industries, and now, innovative entrepreneurship. The founder of Got A Gap, a brand-new online platform aimed at filling last-minute appointment gaps for small businesses, shares her vision for a helping businesses with limited marketing budget.

Aleisha’s professional journey began in hairdressing at the age of 15. She quickly advanced her skills before embarking on an eight-year career in the superyacht industry, climbing from hairdressing stewardess to Chief Stewardess and Purser on yachts as large as 95 meters. “It was an incredible experience, but COVID-19 made it clear that being offshore and unable to return home wasn’t an option for me,” she says. Returning to New Zealand, Aleisha built her own home and launched Miss Leish Hair, a boutique salon in Papamoa. But her entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there.

The idea for Got A Gap was born from frustration with last-minute cancellations and the struggle to fill appointment gaps. “As a sole trader, every cancellation means lost income,” Aleisha says. While she could advertise openings on social media, this only reached her existing followers – not the untapped market of potential new clients. The solution? A platform that connects small businesses with customers searching for last-minute services, expanding the reach of these businesses in a way traditional marketing couldn’t achieve.

“Got A Gap is essentially free marketing for smaller businesses,” Aleisha says.

“It levels the playing field, giving sole traders and small operators access to a wider audience without the need for big budgets.”

Cutting her teeth at tech

Turning the idea of Got A Gap into a reality was no small feat. Aleisha conceived the tech solution in May 2024 and spent the following months navigating the complexities of software development. With limited experience with tech development, first she had to find the right developer. The search led her to Dion Short, a seasoned professional known for working on platforms like Grab A Seat.

With Dion’s expertise and the help of a designer friend who created the logo and branding, Aleisha worked on the platform’s design and functionality. “I was clear from the beginning that I wanted to own the software. I needed to ensure no one could take it away from me,” she says. Despite her initial hope of launching in November, 2024 delays pushed the launch to February 9, 2025 – seven months after the initial concept.

The journey was not without its hurdles. Financing the project proved to be the biggest obstacle. “I applied for a business loan with my bank, but they turned me down because Got A Gap is an ‘invention,’ and I couldn’t provide accurate forecasting for repayment,” Aleisha says. Undeterred, she turned to MTF Finance, refinancing her car to secure funding.

“It was disheartening to hear no from the bank, but I was adamant about avoiding investors,” she explains. “I didn’t want the pressure of losing someone else’s money if things didn’t work out.” Ultimately, Aleisha self-funded the project, drawing from her savings and accumulating a total investment of over $80,000. “The developer has been understanding about the final payment, and I still have the option to bring on investors if needed.”

Other challenges included the technical complexities of software development and managing her own impatience. “I was ready to go months before the platform was complete, but coding takes time, and it’s not something I could speed up.” The uncertainty of how the market would respond also weighed.

“Some clients were excited about the idea, while others didn’t react at all, which made me question if I was making a huge mistake. But fortune favours the brave, right?”

The platform’s launch just days ago has already delivered both wins and challenges. Got A Gap operates on a 36-hour schedule, allowing businesses to post discounted last-minute appointments to fill unexpected gaps. Early adopters include local salons and small service providers.

Got A Gap offers significant benefits for small business owners, particularly those in the beauty, health, wellness, and pet service industries. By providing a platform to advertise last-minute availability to a broader audience, the platform helps businesses minimise lost income.

“Some income is better than no income, and because the discounts are targeted at new customers, loyal clients won’t feel alienated by the lower rates.”

Vendors can also choose to pass on the 7.5 percent commission fee to customers, ensuring they don’t lose out financially.

For customers, Got A Gap offers convenience and value. “It’s perfect for people who need an appointment now, whether it’s a haircut, a dog grooming session, or even property maintenance.”

Some early success

Aleisha says that the new online booking platform’s first success story came from a local salon listing a last-minute waxing appointment, which was booked almost immediately.

“I’ve also received bookings through the platform for my own salon, which allowed me to see firsthand how it works and identify areas for improvement.”

Despite these wins, Aleisha acknowledges the public’s hesitation to embrace something new. “People are generally unreliable with new concepts. They want to jump on what’s already trendy, which makes building a following more challenging.”

She’s looking to actively address this and ensure businesses feel confident using the platform. “I’ve noticed hesitation from vendors when it comes to entering their credit card details, for example.” To ease concerns, Aleisha says Got A Gap uses Stripe for secure payment processing, with vendors only charged monthly for successful bookings.

Looking ahead, Aleisha has big plans for Got A Gap. “My vision is to make it a household name, like Designer Wardrobe or Grab One,” she says. The platform’s revenue model is based on a 7.5 percent commission for successful bookings, with all profits reinvested into the business for development and marketing.

Scaling the platform will require a strategic marketing push. “I’ve invested everything into the software, so I don’t have much budget for marketing,” Aleisha admits. She’s already working with two marketing professionals to develop strategies for growth.

Juggling her full-time salon and the demands of running a start-up has left Aleisha with little time for rest. “I just don’t sleep right now,” she laughs. “The adrenaline of this project keeps me going.” Fortunately, her family’s support has been invaluable. “My mum brings me meals and helps around the house, and my stepdad, who’s experienced in business, offers advice that’s been a lifeline.”

In five years, Aleisha hopes Got A Gap will be fully established, with a dedicated team managing operations and marketing. “I want to focus on developing an app and refining the platform’s user experience,” she says. Eventually, she envisions stepping back from her salon to travel again, enjoying the freedom that comes with running a successful business.