Synergy & Serenity — Local services in Washington

"I'm here..it looks sketch, but come upstairs"...that was the message I received from my friend right before arriving at Synergy and Serenity. We had purchased tickets for Candles, and Cocktails at nearly $60 dollars a person, and was hoping it would be a fun activity on a rainy Saturday. Upon arrival, the coordinator "Queen", insisted on saging us, although none of us really wanted it done, but agreed politely, as long as it wasn't directly over us. We then were asked to remove our shoes, which none of us were aware of prior to coming. My sister who has a disability with chronic nerve pain, does not wear socks, as the compression causes her pain. Although we tried to explain that, the instructor did not care to offer an accommodation, and suggested we buy socks at a near by Walgreens. I was flabbergasted, not only at the request, but also because both the owner and organizer were walking among the space with their shoes on. Although I was starting to feel uncomfortable, we still tried to give the event a chance, and my friend left to buy a pair of socks. We were then asked if we wanted our complimentary drink that came with the candle package. We asked if there were any restrictions on drinks as one of us would not be drinking. Queen then said "I feel bad energy, and I am cancelling the event." After speaking with the owner and explaining the question, she tried to speak with Queen, however she was set on not facilitating the event. We did not argue and said ok, and proceeded to another spot and enjoyed our afternoon. However, needless to say we are pursing refunds, as the organizer 1. cancelled the event without reason. 2. was unprofessional and unaccommodating, and 3. discriminatory. Do not waste your money, as the the event space had a small folding table, 4 plastic cups, and was only servicing my 2 friends and I for activity. I have never experienced so much negative energy at a place that "claims" to be Zen. While the owner of the shop was very nice, and attempted a solution, her sublet organizer was far from what I'd call professional, and will inevitably tarnish the name Synergy...

Went here for a Candles and Cocktails class. My group didn't see that you had to take off your shoes (even though both organizers had shoes on in the no shoes area). The venue nor the organizer had them for guests who may have forgotten or just didn't read that part, not even for purchase. There's a Walgreens nearby so I bought some. By the time I get back, I'm told that the organizer was refusing to conduct the class because of bad energy or vibes..or something. Nothing can be done about that. We're not going to argue. However, they refused to conduct the class and refused to refund our money...almost $60 each. I received a small candle...probably less than 5 Oz. That is all.

A business can choose who they service, but to refuse service and refuse a refund because of what you deem as bad energy or vibes really is horrible business and I would say unethical.

It's an interesting place, but the customer service needs improvement.

Update: There is a canned response from the owner. I didn't mention anything regarding smudging or alcohol in my review. Also, I mentioned that I did buy socks in an effort to comply with the policy despite shoes being worn by those who required no shoes. Part of being a great entrepreneur is thinking ahead and not aligning your business with those who have unethical business practices. As stated previously, it's the business owner's perogative to refuse service. However, to refuse service and keep the money paid for the service...

Buyer Beware!

We purchased tickets for a candle making class at Synergy and Serenity, and our experience fell far short of the name of the venue. The tickets were $56 each and when we arrived, there was a folding table, folding chairs, and plastic cups as well as what appeared to be less than pristinely clean carpet. We were also told about a requirement for no shoes, even though the employees were wearing shoes in the same area. We expressed not feeling comfortable with removing our shoes and were told to go to the Walgreens and buy socks. As a person with a disability, going up and down the stairs two additional times was not feasible. A friend offered to go get the socks, but once I asked if there were any restrictions with the included drinks (since I cannot consume alcohol), she stated that she was refusing to serve us because of our "negative energy", which I guess was code for our questions about the hypocrisy of the supposed immutable shoe policy that we watched the two employees violate right in front of us, especially since our three person party were the only customers.

The "instructor" Queen, who insisted on saging us upon arrival, was very unprofessional and ridden with negative energy at our valid questions.

In short, think twice before spending any money on this candle making class. If you desire serenity, I suggest you...