AIO????? LOST A CLIENT due to coworker’s client’s screaming baby for 20+ minutes as I was doing a facial.

[u/slimeyditto]

For some context, these are screenshots from my work group chat. The little kid was screaming for around 20 minutes at this point when I finally texted because my client voiced her discomfort. it went on for a few more minutes after I texted, but there was no response until said coworker left the building. One of our other suite mates texted me, and told me that the client she was working on had black hair, which does not need to be put under a dryer. And that KJ had overbooked herself and had another client in her room that she was working on while the client with the child sat in the common area where the hairdryers are. I could tell that it was at the other end of the salon, but you could still very loud and clearly hear it consistently for the duration of her facial. This is a constant problem in the salon, not with this specific person, but just with kids in general. It is a Salon suites, and spa. It’s not marketed as a family salon whatsoever, but obviously kiddos are welcome. I just feel like she jumped down my throat and didn’t even read my message. I feel like I was super polite, especially since I lost out on future money and a client. Also, the person texting me back is always preaching in the group chat about how she prays for our small businesses to flourish, and that we gain clientele and that she loves us (? weird) like family. But when I lose a client due to her letting her client scream in the common area for 20+ minutes then this is her response/the way she approaches things. I’m super bothered about the whole thing. The first three screenshots are my work group chat, and the last screenshot is the owner’s response to the whole situation.

EDIT: owner has texted multiple times in group chat saying that if you have a client with a child that is upset or screaming, to close your door and turn up ambient music in the hallway to be courteous of others

[u/Aggravating_Baker557]

I would never go to a salon with screaming children. I have children and would never subject strangers to that. You stop what you’re doing and deal with your child. Sometimes you have to leave altogether. That’s what parenting is sometimes.

NOR

[u/melodypowers → u/Aggravating_Baker557]

I agree that I wouldn't go to a salon where there were kids present.

But the OP's salon does allow kids. And kids will make noise.

That means that some clients (like the OP's client) will go elsewhere.

[u/Aggravating_Baker557 → u/melodypowers]

Noise and screaming for extended periods of time aren’t the same thing. Parents need to know that sometimes they’re going to have to intervene. It’s the unspoken social contract.

I have never and would never expect people to be okay with my children being disruptive.

This is a reality of the arc of parenting. There are times I’ve had to decline invitations, step outside, or leave early. It reinforces to children that there are times and places for certain behaviors. It also acknowledges that they’re little people still learning how to manage their emotions, fatigue, hunger, and discomfort.

It’s respectful to the children to not force them into situations they can’t manage…and to other people for not forcing them to deal with children’s challenging behavior.

[u/melodypowers → u/Aggravating_Baker557]

If you are in the middle of a hair treatment, there is a limited amount that can be done.

Which is why kids don't belong in hair salons.