Madison Mathews — Local services in Charleston

I'm not sure words can express how humbled and in awe I have been over the past few days regarding the owner of this store (Madison Mathews). My name is Lena Blakeney. My husband, Tony, and I were visiting Charleston celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. This was our first trip post COVID. Thirty years comes with challenges but the biggest would be the last year where we both work in a retirement community. To say we needed to get away was an understatement. Charleston was the perfect place to recharge after these challenging months. I wandered into Madison Mathews as I LOVED the colors and patterns of the clothes in the window. Immediately I was greeted by a lady who said I don't work here only helping my best friend the owner for the weekend. She lead me to some things that possibly would suit me. After trying on the beautiful clothes I was discouraged due to the weight I'd put on since COVID. When I came out I was greeted by another smiling face who cheerfully asked did the clothes work. I told her no that not much worked on me these days. I really just wanted to sneak out unnoticed. But this sweet person said I have a few things upstairs I think will make you change your mind. Since she was so kind I waited to see what she had but as the moments wore on I became more and more self conscious. She came back with a few items which I declined. I thanked her for her efforts but now was just not the time for me to shop. She looked me in the eyes and said "Several years ago I was shopping and walked out of a store with not much self esteem left as nothing fit right. That's why I opened this store. To make EVERY women know how pretty she can be!" She insisted I try on just one of the dresses. With tears in my eyes I went to the dressing room. When I came out she said it's perfect. She adjusted the sleeves so I would know exactly how it was to be worn and said "I'm giving this to you as a gift to know how beautiful you are!". I can't write this without crying. I was overwhelmed with her kindness. Hardly able to speak I told her I couldn't take if for free. She stopped by pointing to the tag in the dress and said "this is me and I can do this". She said the only payment she would take was for me wear the dress out for a fabulous dinner that night with my head held high knowing I looked great!! Unable to speak I simply said thank you and left the store. She didn't even know my name and it was her goal to make sure I felt beautiful!!! If that is not a servant I don't what would classify!! Ms. Mathews had no idea what I had been going through over the past year but her Godly heart made an impact on me which I will never forget. I will forevermore be grateful to Ms. Mathews for her generosity and loving spirit. I challenge all who read this to give this type kindness to someone you don't know. I certainly plan to!!! Not to mention I am Ms. Mathews customer for life!!!!! Lena...

You have a great social media presence and that’s what brought me into your store. What a big disappointment. As a business owner I would want to know if one of my customers had a negative experience and think this could be used as a training opportunity. There were three young associates all standing at the counter giggling incessantly and gossiping about the next party they were going to attend. I was not acknowledged at all, nor was my friend. I wanted to ask a question and finally waited for their giggling to stop and they answered curtly and went back to their inappropriate conversation. My friend actually tried some things and no one asked if she was okay or needed a different size. At this point we just left the store. We spent the day shopping and in every single store we were made to feel welcome and were given attention. Needless to say we spent our money elsewhere. It’s true what they say it’s all about how you make others feel! We will...

I wanted to love their store on King Street in Charleston, but the service was terrible. During my stay, I visited their store twice, both times I was met with no acknowledgment whatsoever. There were three sales associates each visit and my husband and I were the only people in the store. We didn't even get a hello, instead they continued to gossip with each other about who knows what. I really loved the look of their clothing, but I'm not about to support a brand if I can't even get a simple hello from one of the three sales associates. It was disappointing. If I could give zero...