CD's Art Studio — Local services in San Jose

I had posted a review on Yelp and It was deleted by the owner. Here it is summarized again:

We booked a summer camp through activity hero this past summer. We show up, along with other parents to find out that there was no class, very inconvenient. We then try to contact the owner, and we finally got a response saying that it’s Activity Hero’s fault and we will be issued our money back but we have to wait til the month’s end because the money will be issued via check. After waiting the month we contact the owner to get an update in all forms of contact. Even using different phones so she can at least pick up. The owner finally does and she then tells us that check are going out and we should get it in less than a week. We wait and nothing. Contact her again by email, phone, text, no answer. I finally get a text from the owner saying that we have to wait four months because we signed a contract...what contract?! She then proceeds to screenshot me a waiver that is clicked at checkout on Activity Hero stating language along the lines of “in case of an emergency such as COVID, natural disasters, etc, owner has the right to reimburse you within or up to 4 months”. This is where I have a problem: 1) times up...it’s November lady; 2) there wasn’t an emergency, natural disaster preventing you from conducting business and you are STILL opened during the pandemic; 3) How do you know that my family isn’t suffering and need that money back? 4) How dare you delete my comment that exposes this unprofessional and fraudulent business activity. We all have empathy towards small businesses during these times but the lying, stealing, avoiding and just shadiness is not okay. I have a feeling we aren’t getting our money back so let me have this moment to provide readers what a experience we had and never support this...

My family had an unfortunate experience here last year during a week long summer camp. I was reluctant to leave this review, but given how impactful of an experience it was, I’m leaving it now. My now 9 yr old son’s (then 8 year old son) experience was disappointing and quite traumatic. Fortunately, he continues to love art, was awarded a district wide Award of Excellence last month, and was voted as being one of the most kind children in his school. His confidence is unscathed, despite his experience with the owner. He now attends many other summer camps, including a specialized art camp, where he is valued, appreciated and nurtured. I do not recommend this establishment.

As far as you not remembering us, I have record and a screenshot of your very reactive response that you left us about 2 hours ago, that you deleted and replaced with your response below. You were pretty clear in saying that you indeed remember us. I’m happy to share it if that is needed as well as with GoogleReview if you feel that is needed. We wish not to play games, and a refund or ever returning to the studio was never in question or the issue. I also wish not to argue with you, so I will not be responding any further. It takes a LOT for me to leave a negative review. Take a look at my history. However, I find it highly important that folks know of our child’s negative experience. We’re happy and thankful that some families had a positive experience at the studio, but that certainly wasn’t our experience and it’s important that families know, so that they can make a more informed decision than I...

Due to some last-minute changes completely out of our control, we had to find a camp very quickly — and by last-minute, I mean we enrolled on a Friday evening for a camp that started Monday morning! I’m so glad we landed at CD’s Art Studio. From the very first moment, I felt like we had stumbled into something truly special. The studio is full of warmth, creativity, and that kind of magic you just can’t fake. This place radiates real artistic energy. The teachers are absolutely wonderful — kind, patient, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Our son, who’s usually all about computers and coding, ended up absolutely loving it. Every day, he came home with beautiful artwork and a proud smile. Seeing him so inspired by something outside his usual interests was just amazing. We’ll definitely be coming back...