If I could give zero stars I would...I am not here to bash anyone or their business - I have my own, it's unprofessional, & it's not in my nature. I am simply here to let other potential clients of this establishment know how disappointing my experience was with Mimi - more so after my service than during.
My regular braid stylist could not fit me in before a business trip on 1/20/22, so I booked an appointment with Mimi for extension braiding. This was my 1st time using Mimi or her salon for any service. Her initial customer service was ok; no issues. Even during my service, everything was fine. Although I was not particularly impressed with her actual braiding technique (the braids were a bit thicker & tighter that I am used to), it was my 1st time with her & like I said, she was not my regular stylist. I paid in full & left. Mind you, I'm not new to getting extension braiding. I have been getting braids for 10+ years. I understand, acknowledge, and expect that the braids can feel "tight" the 1st few days. However, what I experienced was not normal. After just a few hours, the pain was UNBEARABLE. My scalp was throbbing & a full on migraine ensued and i was concerned for extreme breakage around my hairline. I waited a little longer - but the pain was so severe I had no choice but to remove the braids immediately. Although it's still very, very sore the relief was instant. I sent Mimi a text the same night to let her know my experience in detail. I was not rude, I was not confrontational - I simple explained. I asked for a refund of the service, minus the cost of the hair. Her immediate response was more or less, "it's not my problem, I provided a service" etc. I tried again to explain in more detail my dissatisfaction & that I was not discrediting that her time is money, hence my more than generous offer to even let her keep some for product cost. After her response, I asked her what resolution she can offer, considering my request was clearly not acceptable to her. If not a refund, at the least I would accept her to offer to redo my braids at no charge. As I said, I leave for a business trip tomorrow so could not have rescheduled for today, but an offer would have been acceptable to me - at the time. Instead of offering any compromise or resolution she called me & began SCREMAING at me (my sister was in the car and could not believe it) that I was wrong, she was not giving me any refund, etc. I could barely understand her and I could not even get a word in.. I ended the conversation by yelling over her and I said, "You clearly need the money more than I do, but please remember that most businesses rely on word of mouth & reviews. Have a nice day."
Let me just say that I am a stylist/colorist with my own salon. I am very familiar with this industry & I pride myself on providing exceptional customer service to all my clients. I also understand how to accommodate a dissatisfied customer with professionalism & grace. I was very disappointed & surprised to learn firsthand that Mimi lacked both. I'm sure she has just enough satisfied customers to obviously keep her in business - for now. But I also believe if she treats all dissatisfied customers the way she treated me today, she will not be in business long.
Mimi - professionalism, integrity, word of mouth, & positive reviews keep you in business. I hope you can learn to treat ALL customers, not just those satisfied, with respect & professionalism. Your response to my dissatisfaction was unacceptable. If you'd like some guidance on how to properly run a successful business with exceptional customer service, let me know. I charge by the hour.
Do better, my fellow "stylist". DO BETTER.