Soak & Polish Nail Bar — Local services in Atlanta

Well, I guess I should update my review following a response from the company calling me a liar. I thought my initial review was a fair description of my experience. I readily admitted that I messed up the scheduling, and expressed appreciation towards the manager who worked to fit me in. I was never asked for my ID, and would have had no problem providing it with my CC. My issue was with being asked to PROVIDE A SELFIE on the new client form. I was in the salon for about 20 - 30 minutes and still wasn't sure I was going to be seen that day, which is why I hadn't signed the CC authorization. There was NEVER any conversation about my ID or refusal to provide it. I didn't receive any service that day, so there was no reason to charge my card again; they already had the deposit that I'd paid online. Again, my senses were overstimulated, and I felt like I was being asked for too much for a mani/pedi, so I left.

Original Review Ok, so first let me say: I never actually got my nails done, but let me tell you why. Some things were my fault, and some things I didn't like about the salon, but I feel like context is needed.

Short version: if you don't mind paying a deposit and submitting a selfie just to get your nails done in an overstimulating environment, then I'm sure it's great and the artists do beautiful work.

Long version: So, I was planning a few weeks in advance for my engagement photoshoot, and made mani/pedi appointments for me and my fiancé. I'd learned about this place a couple years ago, but never had reason enough to justify the deposit and the cost. So, I was excited. But, a few days later, I realized I'd double booked myself, and would need to reschedule. The photoshoot was on Saturday, so I needed to move the nail appointment from Friday to Thursday. I couldn't find anywhere on the website or confirmation email to reschedule or cancel an appointment, so I called. The person I spoke to verbally confirmed my reschedule, though I didn't get a confirmation email, but I thought: fine, if there's an issue between now and then, it'll get worked out.

Flash forward to the day before when I thought my appointment was, I got a couple of emails to confirm, and realized it still had the Friday date. And since there was nowhere to reschedule online, I had to call back on Thursday morning. The person I spoke to this time took my name to have a manager call me back, but I had to offer my phone number. When the manager called me back, she was trying to be helpful, which I appreciate. Since I'd already paid a non-refundable deposit, neither of us wanted me to lose my appointments, so she offered to fit me in an hour before my original time, and squeeze my fiancé in about 45 minutes later. This was inconvenient for reasons I won't go into, but I appreciated her getting us in since I felt somewhat responsible for not double checking that the reschedule was confirmed. Though I did find it odd that when I asked if we could change our services for something quicker, she said that she couldn't change it in her system.

So, I arrive a few hours later. Annoyed but excited. I get in, and the person who was checking me in said there was no record of me on the calendar, but that she would check with the manager I'd spoken to. I didn't want to sign the form authorizing them to charge my card until I was certain I was going to be seen. I sat down, and she emails me a new client form to complete. Again with the CC authorization, and also the form required a selfie. I asked why. She said it had something to do with security and something, and now I'm just fully weirded out. That was one step too many just for me to get my nails done. By that point, after a long day of work stuff and stressing about my nails, the very loud Chris Brown music and scent from the cleaning products were getting to me, and my fiancé hadn't arrived, so I left.

They did reach out after and offered a $50 credit on my next service, but I was over the whole set up by then. I didn't even care about the...

I was initially excited to visit this black-owned business, as I had heard great things about it. The esthetic was amazing, and the overall atmosphere was pleasant with great vibes and music. However, my experience quickly took a turn for the worse when I had to call and confirm my appointment or see if I could reschedule.

To my surprise, I was not informed beforehand that the nail technician I had scheduled with would not be available. Instead, I was given personal details about a staff situation that should have remained confidential. I found this unprofessional and unnecessary to share with a paying customer.

Upon learning that my nail technician had been fired for being difficult to work with, I tried to reschedule my appointment with her. However, the “manager,” Zay, whom I spoke to on the phone, was condescending and rude. Despite my repeated attempts to cancel my appointment, Zay continuously tried to convince me to reschedule with another technician, disregarding my preference. I repeatedly asked about the cancellation fee, but she never provided a clear answer, making me feel like she was trying to force me into getting services I did not want.

In a moment of feeling pressured and coerced, I reluctantly agreed to reschedule my appointment with the recommended nail technician. Despite my reservations, I thought it might be the easiest way to resolve the situation and avoid further confrontation. However, it is important to note that this decision was made under duress and not out of genuine satisfaction or trust in the business. The fact that I felt compelled to compromise my preferences speaks volumes about the lack of professionalism and respect I encountered during my interaction with the staff.

Later in the day, a staff member named Paris called to confirm my appointment, even though I had already informed Zay that I would not be coming. When I asked about being charged for a service I did not receive, Paris confirmed that I would be charged the full price. Frustrated, I requested to speak with the manager, and as I was being transferred to Zay, I overheard them mocking me and laughing.

Furthermore, I would like to mention that during my conversation with Zay, she went as far as lying to me about things I supposedly said. It was clear that she was trying to manipulate the situation and make it seem like I had made certain remarks that I had not. This dishonesty only added to the already unprofessional and disrespectful treatment I received from the staff. It is disheartening to encounter such behavior in a business that I had initially hoped to support and enjoy.

About an hour later, the owner, Taj, reached out to me. However, instead of addressing the issue at hand, Taj proceeded to argue with me about the professionalism of putting down a former employee. Despite her eventual apology, Taj continuously interrupted me while I tried to express my dissatisfaction with the terrible customer service I had received from her employees. Additionally, Taj repeatedly boasted about being in business for six years, which felt irrelevant and dismissive of my concerns.

Overall, my experience at this black-owned business was extremely disappointing. The lack of communication, unprofessional behavior, and disregard for customer satisfaction left a lasting negative impression. I hope that the management takes these issues seriously and works towards improving their customer service and professionalism...

I hate that I’m going to do a bad review on this location; first, I always go to a nail salon that is literally up the street, yes they do an incredible job! But I wanted to support this nail salon and I am sad to say that I was disappointed in the service; the customer service!! And for the record I spent for my nails and my feet about $210 and that is not including the $30 tip that I left!!!

I’m a black owner as well, Wedding planner and I know that it is hard; and we have to work harder at what we do!

The owner would’ve been the reason For me coming back to this shop,

But as for the people that is the face of her company! that is a hard no!

I stand up 15 hours, sometimes longer, I’m tired when I get off and when I come to have a service done; it would be nice to be greeted nicely and to be treated well; and I have to say that this was not the case when I tried to reschedule to get my nails done.

let me be clear; when I called; to make my nail appointment; I was greeted with a rude person over the phone; some young lady that was not Aware of how to speak to a customer, and left me on hold until I had to call back; and what was told to me, the person that you want to do your nails is booked for the day, I asked 😬can you schedule me for another time; she told me; let me see and that’s when she left me on hold!!

I did get the owner she was very nice and scheduled me an appointment.

This appointment was on a Wednesday at 12:45 in Atlanta and if you know Atlanta the traffic is horrible; unfortunately there was an incident that had me running 20 minutes late. I did call to let the technician know that I was running late and was told that it was OK.

When I got to the salon I was told unfortunately because you’re 30 minutes late we would not be able to take care of you today 😡 Now I understand that there’s someone else that is going to be scheduled before me; I was willing to wait because it took me 45 minutes from where I live to come to the salon; to be told that you can do absolutely nothing for me!!

Not only that; the way it was said to me basically in a manner of; oh well!!, we’re sorry! Oh did I forget that I gave a $25 deposit!

I was going to reschedule; then I changed my mind when I said why would I come back in this energy! you can keep the $25!

What I would say to the owner, I understand that you have a policy; but sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture and listen to the reason why things happen!

I was able to go to the salon that I originally was going to go to; walk in there! were, about maybe, seven people we’re getting their nails done,

once again this was on a Wednesday ,not even 1:30 to get my nails and my feet done with no problem and no...