I've been to Yuna Nail on five separate occasions. Out of all of my visits, I have been truly happy TWICE and I have been extremely disappointed TWICE. I've had one neutral appointment. Why did I keep coming back? They have a lot of trendy design options!
However, I am afraid they are likely involved in some discriminatory practices.
Let me start by saying that I am an extremely polite/people-pleaser type. I am kind to a fault. Never rude, argumentative, or loud. Very friendly.
I initially thought something was off after I left a review (which was mostly positive, but I was honest about my experience). Shortly after, I was blocked from booking appointments through Vagaro. I assumed it was a glitch with their site, but now it is clear it was done on purpose for simply stating I was disappointed.
Fast forward to February, I had an appointment with May Wen that went well. I tipped 10% (not including designs, I had already paid a $10 dollar up charge to have a heart drawn on 2 fingers). After checking out, Cynthia (the manager), asked me to tip more. I was a little shocked, as tips are "never expected, but always appreciated," which clearly isn't the case anymore. Cynthia proceeded to tell me that customers are expected to tip 15%-20%, so I obliged, and sent additional money through Venmo, although I thought it was slightly rude. I would understand if I hadn't tipped at all. I did let her know that it would be more beneficial to increase the price of their services, apply a mandatory service charge, or display a visible sign stating that tips are mandatory. She stated that she agreed, but it's her boss, and she would share my comments with her boss.
At my next appointment, I also tipped the nail tech, Cici, 15% using Venmo.
Speaking of Venmo, it is NOT my preferred payment method and I rarely use it, so it's not always easily accessible. I got out of my way to at least tip with Venmo, because they really pressure you to use Venmo or pay in cash - to the point it is kind of uncomfortable. Everyone knows pushing cash payments is essentially a way for employers to avoid paying employees, and for employees to evade paying taxes.
Fast forward to April 3rd when I called to schedule an appointment. Cynthia scheduled me for 1:30pm. After I had gotten in my car and started driving, she calls me back to say I cannot come at 1:30pm, because they keep notes on all customers, and it will take too long to do my nails because I'm difficult. This surprised me, as I am as I described myself to be above....I've never been described as difficult in my life. I told Cynthia that it was strange she wouldn't let me book an appointment for "being difficult," when I have only ever complained once in a review that it appeared May Wen selected the wrong color. Then Cynthia tells me that I make a lot of demands, so it takes longer. Demands?! The only things I ever comment on/ask to be fixed are: uneven nails, lint/hair in polish, and the color (when it has been painted on ONE nail/uncured). These are pretty basic expectations that I shouldn't even have to ask for. It shouldn't make a customer a diva for asking for a good job. I decided not to reschedule that day, because I felt extremely uncomfortable.
Well, today took the cake. I called to reschedule for Monday. Cynthia picks up the phone and tells me that they are fully booked on Monday. I was staring at their availability on the app, and they weren't booked at all. So then Cynthia says, "Well, to be honest, my manager told me to ban you." I was shocked!! I politely inquired about why I was BANNED. Cynthia proceeds to tell me that I don't tip enough! Remember....I increased my tips to 15% like she already [rudely] asked. This time she says, "Well, most customers tip above 20%, and we have actually banned other customers who don't tip as much. Our nail techs would rather sit and do nothing than service someone who isn't tipping more than 20%.
Excuse me...since when did tipping more than 20% become a mandatory for service when tipping is VOLUNTARY. They are essentially enforcing a service charge without listing it as a service charge. You know why? You have to pay taxes on service charges....
Honestly, it feels like they are using this as an excuse to discriminate against certain people. The manger, Cynthia, said her boss will call me back to address my concerns. We will see...
What I will add, notice how they only post fair-skinned hands on their IG page as well. Seems like they are trying to market themselves to a specific audience only.
Go somewhere that values you as a person, is interested in building a relationship with their clients, and doesn't see you as a $$$ sign ONLY. It baffles me that they are more upset with tipping clients for not tipping enough, rather than being upset with their employer for not paying them fair wages.... read more