Anna the owner first cut my hair when she was still a stylist at K.Charkes and company. She did a great job and her talent was apparent even then. She also cut it again in 2010 when she remedied a self inflected hair cut. She won me over then and so I revisited her at her own salon on San Pedro. She got me blonde and did numerous touch ups that summer. I recall spending a ton of money that summer.
Once fall began approaching I explained to her how I wanted to slowly but surely go darker. I basically didn't want to lose all the money and time we incurred getting it so light. I explained I wanted to go strawberry blonde, I imagined a light reddish pink, but instead my hair was colored violet. She could tell I wasn't happy, but offered no remedy. I basically paid the cost and left. When I called her to cut my hair, she basically told me that she couldn't bc of my attitude of not liking what she did. This struck me as odd, because I though I was the client and had a right to share my thoughts and concerns, it in this case just be disappointed. She never made an attempt to fix it or offer some sort of compensation. Nope, instead she turned this around on me, and me feel like she was holding her services and talent hostage.
Because I struggle with OCD, and Anna gives great cuts, I felt I had to do whatevever it took to make her willing to cut my hair. So I went by salon, gifteda bottle of wine, and pretty much begged her to give me...me a second chance- yet all the while thinking to myself, "have I really sunk this low that I have to beg someone to do business with me?" After groveling, her response to me was, "I'll think about it and let you know!"
After a few days, she called and left a vm stating she would take me again. To be honest, this made me feel relieved, yet questioning my judgement. I mean who makes you jump through hoops like this for a non relational relationship. Needles to say my Grandfather passed the day before and I became engulfed in planning his funeral and consoling my Mother. I too, fell into a dark place as he practically raised me.
I honestly forget to make calling her back a priority, and when I remembered a week later, I was too fearful to call knowing I'd probably be subject to another strip down of my dignity. So I let it go and sought services somewhere else.
Fast forward 6 years later: I recently went short, and wanted to revisit her and her talent(which I've always stated she has lots of). Honestly, I was a bit weary reaching out but figured it had been 6 years, and she could not be still harboring a grudge Again, one in which I will always question it's (the grudge) validity. Called up and spoke with Jennifer, who was an angel. Her empathy and kindness resonated through the phone. I explained my haircut situation and she scheduled me. I was nervous, but still excited to move on and get a great haircut.
But that excitement was shortlived. The night before I was to get my haircut, Jennifer called and regretfully told me Ana could not take me. I told Jennifer this saddened me because I thought that after 6 years she could move on from whatever it is (which I'm still trying to figure out) I did to her.
I understand terminating a toxic business relationship, but this unfortunately isn't that. This appears to be an ego trip gone terribly wrong. "I'm the one in power with all the talent and accolades, so therefore don't you dare question my magic!" This attitude does not reflect what she states are the Salon's core values, with the most important being Love.
Love does not treat people this way. Love forgives. Love moves on. Love does not make people feel like that are less. Again, if someone is treating you in a way that is unhealthy that's one thing, but this is just so unfathomable.
If we are truly embedded in Love, then we do not keep records of wrong in this manner. She is very successful right now, and that is great...very well earned I'm sure. But what good is it to gain the whole world and lose your empathy.
Plato said it best. Be kind for everyone is fighting a hard battle. I wish you all God's best and hope you can see things in a more round about perspective moving forward. #LoveOneAnother
I think the most ironic part of all of this was Anna's reply via Yelp to other unhappy clients welcoming them back after they smashed her and her salon. Yet, I'm banned for no apparent reason. Too funny. #JustKeepinItRaw read more