So I have hesitated to write this review because I have seen how the owner responds to reviews that he is not pleased with, but I didn't want for fear and intimidation to be a reason to not share my feedback about this business.
I should say right up front that I have ptsd and social anxiety. It does not cripple me in my life, I am extremely successful in my career and other parts of my life, but new situations and certain experiences really trigger me. So I have several coping mechanisms that I utilise to ensure that my ptsd and anxiety do not get triggered and create a miserable experience for myself and others, including, getting there early, researching and bringing a beverage. So with Freyja, I looked online. Looked over the jewelry ahead of my visit. Completed my paperwork online, spoke with someone ahead of time (a gentleman who was very nice) and booked my initial appointment.
Cameron, who was conducting my appt opened the door for me, Informed me that I needed a mask and that I wasn't allowed to bring in my drink. I told him that I may be extra anxious. He said he'd help me, and indeed, he was very kind.
The store had several people who were apparently accompanying others sitting on the seats in the lobby area when I walked in.
This appointment went very well. Cameron was great and put me at ease. On the way out, I wanted to just look at the earrings in the case, because, while you can view them online, it's hard to figure out the scale. Once I was home, I realized that I wished that I had gotten a matching stud for the other ear. So I called the next day to ask if I could just stop in to get one. That wasn't allowed so I made ann appointment for a jewelry change for the next day. The next day I went early and took my husband because I wanted his opinion on some jewelry I had seen there (my birthday is coming up- I was hoping he would buy me something). I called to get in (I was 20 mins early) the lady answered. She said I wasn't allowed to come in until the appointment before me left. Then she did call me back earlier than my appointment and told me I could come in. I told her I was bringing my husband. She said he wasn't allowed only the person having the appointment. I, admittedly, was spun up at that point.... My anxiety had fully kicked in. I was so frustrated with rules that are frankly way more restrictive than any of my Doctors offices. I said that I had just seen someone leave with their child, but okay, and I hung up and walked to the door. She said that I had hung up on her. I didn't realize that I had, and said so. She started explaining about the child being a minor. I understand the difference. But I told her I had just been there on Friday, and there had been people sitting in the lobby, and that all I wanted was for my husband to see the jewelry.
This big guy (the owner) stood up and said "that's it, you're done". "Get her out of here" as he dramatically marched out of the room yelling over and over about how I had to leave. It was like the soup nazi come to life, but in no way funny. Just a bully. Ptsd and anxiety fully engaged.
To be fair, yes, I was a little frenzied in my speaking. My anxiety had gotten the best of me and I recognized it, and i was desperately trying to calm down and to explain my intent to the woman, (and I did call her back and apologize for that after I had left). I still do not believe that what I was asking for was unreasonable. The rules there are so unbelievably stringent. I don't know how many people go and spend over $500 on jewelry and don't get a second opinion. I know in my marriage, we consult one another for large purchases.
The guy I worked with on Friday did a great job of understanding, adapting and helping me. Sunday was a different story. And my understanding is that on Sunday, the people I was dealing with were the owners. Not that I expect people to adjust to me, but maybe have some understanding. I never cursed, I was never abusive. I just was trying to explain. After he said I had to leave, I said to the lady that I wanted my husband to see because my birthday was coming up. She said "you didn't say that". I said "I didn't have a chance" but really, should it matter? I want my husband to see the jewelry because I value his opinion should be enough.
A big man yelling at a woman is not appropriate anywhere, especially not in a business.
This was something that I was so excited about, and it was literally turned into my worst nightmare. I do not even have aftercare for the piercing they did do. I spent the afternoon Sunday shaking and sobbing. Not the way I was expecting to spend my day.
I anticipate a lengthy rebuttal to this review. It is his M.O. read more