For many, a visit to a nail salon is a moment consisting of relaxation and harmony. Where you are looked after and feel good.
For Jennifer, from Laguna Niguel, California, the visit was something else entirely. It ended with her leaving the salon in anger.
Jennifer Dreyer Brown experienced heartbreak and humiliation when she visited a nail salon. Jennifer Dreyer Brown says that the staff at Happy Nails in Laguna Niguel mistreated her because she had lupus.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. The disorder causes rashes and skin irritation. Contrary to popular belief, lupus is not contagious, even if it manifests itself as visible skin signs. Jennifer suffers from discoid lupus, a skin ailment that worsens in the sun and causes excruciating rashes.
It so happened that Jennifer picked one of the hottest days of the year to visit the salon. Because it was so hot outside, Jennifer was wearing a sundress. When she arrived at the salon, the staff accommodated her request to get both a manicure and a pedicure. At first, she was unaware that she was being seen and talked about. She had assumed she would be receiving a standard, relaxing spa treatment.
She didn’t aware the crew was talking about her until she was having her pedicure. When Jennifer’s manicure finally arrived, she was shocked to see that the staff had barely enough time to do the task quickly. They rationalized to her that they had little time.
After some time, certain staff members revealed to Jennifer the real reason behind the problem—her skin condition. Even after Jennifer countered that she didn’t even have scars, she was still refused service.
Because Jennifer was so embarrassed and humiliated of her public humiliation, she shared a video summary of the incident on Facebook to warn others about the severe treatment she got at the manicure parlor.
“When I decide to wear a sundress outside in 110 degree weather, people make fun of me because I have lupus and break out easily.” In Orange County, I never felt more condemned and like a leper. All I’m trying to say is that you should treat people with respect. You have no idea what someone is going through, either inside or outside.
The lawyer representing the salon defended the employees, saying in a statement that they had continued to adhere to the rules set out by the California Board of Cosmetology:
“We at Happy Nails are sorry for the client who disclosed having lupus. Happy Nails is a discrimination-free place. The client perceived our incapacity to do her nails as prejudice. The laborers are immigrants that work really hard and only want to deliver the service. Nonetheless, they have to abide with the legal requirements.
Though she used to frequent the salon, Jennifer has already said she had no intention of going back. Additionally, Jennifer hopes that her time at the salon will help spread the word about lupus as an illness and stop prejudice against people with the condition in the future.
