Last week I prepaid for a service with Kayla. I never prepay for services, but gave her the benefit of the doubt. I overslept through the start of my appointment. I called her seven minutes into (10:07am) my appointment to see if she wanted me ...to still come, or reschedule. She opted for rescheduling the very next day, late afternoon. The next day I received a text from the young lady stating that she overbooked, asking if I could be moved to the following Tuesday (today). Despite it being several days away, I agreed. This morning I received yet another text with the same request to reschedule for Thursday. No greeting, no apology, and no empathy. I suggested three resolutions at that point; a full refund, accommodating me by rescheduling someone else, or being scheduled under her co-stylist (her sister). Her responses were few and far in between, with no regard to my schedule and time. As I do work and have other things going on outside of a hair appointment. At one point she said that she would only be refunding me partially. I told her that I would much rather be styled. Furthermore, as a so-called professional, Kayla should have been accountable and refunded me 100%, considering she has already attempted to reschedule me an additional two times outside of having to reschedule as a result of me not getting there on time (as I take full responsibility with no issue for the first rescheduling). Here I am, hours into the day, and just two hours before my appointment still trying to get a response and resolution from Kayla. She is just now Cash Apping me 50% of my payment.
I had been to Kayla once before and the experience was fine. Though I will not be returning for a few reasons, I will give credit where it is warranted. She is a very talented young lady, but lacks professionalism. I would blame it on her age, but that would be unfair to all the other young stylists around Columbus who are handling their business.
Because this is a black owned establishment, I say please support the salon. I do not suggest prepaying for any service there. I also suggest having a plan b if you book with Kayla.
I am just disappointed because of how she failed to resolve the so-called overbooking, and then blaming it on COVID. As professionals, we sometimes have to sacrifice, especially if our brand's reputation can be tarnished. Hopefully Kayla will see this as constructive criticism and see what she should and could have done differently. Again, please continue to support this black business. I just can't, black owned or not, because she had too many chances to make this right.
Note, as a professional myself and one who takes pride in her professional and personal brand, I feel it is important to critique each other, as well as give second chances (within reason). We are not always correct in matters, and with growth comes accountability. Yes, I expect a rebuttal from the salon and I have receipts and documented conversations that I could have attached. I chose not to do so, and I am choosing to not go back and forth on such a platform. Wishing them well.