I am saddened to be writing this review after witnessing the horrible treatment the management of Salon Square One (South Fourth St location) gave to Cindy Lopez Olaya on her wedding day (08/19/23, between 11 AM and 3:45 PM, to be specific).
I will preface by saying that it was only management we had an issue with, who seemed to be uncomfortable around our party from the start. All the stylists were absolutely fantastic and kind and I would hate to see them affected by this.
As one of her bridesmaids, I showed up to this salon and went to the suite we had reserved for the bridesmaids, maids of honor, mothers, and the bride. We had a fantastic time, shared some drinks and snacks but were mindful as to not make a mess, be loud, etc. We were polite to the staff at all times, and I was a little weirded out by the ladies at the reception desk who would come in and out of the room, sometimes to let us know our stylist was ready for us, but other times, for no apparent reason. I thought maybe they would ask if we needed anything, but that didn't happen, or at the very least, I did not hear them ask. So it very much felt that they were just checking on what we were doing or were not trusting of our party. Two bridesmaids asked them for water and apparently they seemed annoyed they did.
After our hair appointments (again- all stylists were WONDERFUL, professional, polite and kind, please know this does not go towards them), the photographers showed up. As we were all trying to get a picture together, we decided to sit down at one of their sofas, which unfortunately, and to OUR SURPRISE, broke down. We were shocked and worried, but luckily, no one was hurt. When management showed up, none of us was asked personally if we were ok. As someone who has been working in the service industry for several years, I completely understand how aggravating it can be that a guest has broken down a piece of furniture, but this was an unfortunate ACCIDENT. We weren't jumping on it, we weren't being disrespectful or not being careful. We SAT DOWN, and the sofa gave away. When the lady who seemed to be the assistant manager entered the room, she didn't really seem worried about anyone's status but just focused on the sofa. I saw her exchange a few words with the photographer, but didn't really hear the conversation.
Later on, she came back to the room as we were ready to leave, and the bride was trying to gather her belongings. She tried to talk to her, to which the bride replied that because she was on the way to her own ceremony, she couldn't have a conversation at the moment with her about the sofa, but that she would gladly have a phone conversation with her another time. Since the salon had her contact information, card number on file, etc (something she also reminded the manager of) that was a conversation that could happen at a different time. The manager replied "I guess", to which the bride replied "Is there a problem?", and then the manager said "No, there's not a problem". At that moment I stepped away (I was standing close to them), because the tone of this woman just made me uncomfortable as she was visibly more upset about a sofa than everyone in that room and now was giving my friend a hard time.
After that exchange I finished gathering my things and exited the salon. Upon arriving to the wedding venue, I was shocked to hear the managers of the salon had called the bride to immediately yell at her and not even ask what happened, and proceeded to say we had been "zoo animals from the beginning", which is not only false and outrageous, but a pretty well known racist remark, especially considering the multicultural nature of our group.
What a horrible comment and way to mistreat someone on her wedding day, and way to disrespect the entire bridal party.
Lastly, I would like to say that beyond the shock and anger this incident caused, I must say I'm confused. How exactly were we "zoo animals"? Every single one of these women was polite and respectful to the room and the staff. And even if we hadn't been (and again, we WERE), there is literally no behavior that justifies making such a remark. Do you think it's a reasonable and professional move to call the bride as she is making her way to the venue and open your statement by yelling a racial slur? Shame on you.
Also, what were your expectations? What was it that made it unbearable for the two ladies at the front desk to interact with our party? Were you expecting us to sit down and stare at the ceiling for 4 hours?
I understand you're upset about a sofa, but you were lucky no one was hurt because that would have been on you. A sofa doesn't break down like that unless it's in poor condition.
So besides that, what was so wrong that we did? In which way or form were we "zoo animals from the start"? Explain yourselves.
I'm just perplexed at the behavior of management, feeling outraged by their comments, and sad for those who have to work with them. read more