I'm writing this exactly one year after my and the director's final correspondence, focusing strictly on the contractual and financial process I experienced.
It came to my awareness that prior to my experience, this business appeared to introduce terms in person to some people that seemed heavily one-sided, one of which bars writing about negative experiences.
2025 background (text messages): I participated at the studio and disclosed my financial struggles starting in February. In April, I tried to step away for financial reasons while the balance was smaller. Instead, I was invited back to attend class and told let's talk soon to see how he could help me.
I returned thinking we'll talk sometime, (but don't remember having a proper conversation about genuine financial help.)
In late June, to the best of my memory, the director and I had a conversation where I was navigating it with a clouded mind and remembered there was some balance. Sometime later, using a calculator, he added up the $1,860 balance he claimed I owed, asking when I could start paying. By the end, after he mentioned a possible discount (no number yet), I attempted to leave temporarily and on good terms, despite how I truly felt about him. But in the days that followed, as I reflected on everything and my knowledge of the past, I accepted how things actually were. Then, I decided to leave permanently. Shortly after, on July 4th, I decided it was best to speak out and be okay with the risk of consequences.
On July 8th, he sent a "check-in" email that, at the end, raised the balance. On July 10th, his handling of the balance and conflict stood out: I could "be considered" for a "partial reduction" as a "gesture of good faith," but only by signing a formal agreement in person by a July 20th deadline, or else if no agreement is made by then, he reserved the right to take "appropriate next steps if necessary."
After my response on July 12th, he said July 14th that "the deadline" is July 20th. "However, I will be unavailable starting Friday, July 18th, so I encourage scheduling your visit before Thursday, July 17th to ensure everything can be finalized smoothly." We went back and forth for days. On July 17th, my 9-page email challenged his process while also pressing him to provide the 'formal agreement' digitally so I could review it with legal counsel. It went mostly unanswered. He responded July 18th that there was "never anything to discuss or negotiate," that the offer had expired, and that any further communication would be considered "harassment."
It then came to my awareness a few days later that the director authorized introducing a "liability waiver" to their members by the door of their studio.
And after having the proper space and time to review texts and records he personally sent me, it turned out I never actually owed the entire $1,860. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that it's an oversight error in his end.
One year later, I still haven't gotten any legal communication. I'm not a legal expert, so talk to a qualified professional if you ever face issues anywhere. Here's what my experience taught me in case you ever face actual issues:
1) Get copies of every document and test if the process is genuinely fair. I also needed my original 2024 agreement, validation of the $1,860, and answers to questions in case I needed to bring everything for legal review.
2) Use strong discernment. Think like a journalist and a lawyer during high stakes. Read between the lines of how words are framed and pay attention to what a business leaves unanswered.
3) Never sign under a deadline just to "get it over with." You need a real chance to consult an advisor.
4) Think critically. If it appears you can't get the 'formal agreement' digitally to see it ahead of time, while the other side vaguely justifies why it can only be viewed in person, ask yourself why.
5) Always remember the importance of informed consent.
Whether you're a current or prospective student, this is what you need to know in case there are ever actual conflicts. read more