Leslie Leyland (11.08.2017 16:12)
I started working as an independent contractor for Julie 3 weeks ago-- Hired to promote her business and events. I have run two successful business and decided to work with Julie to do something fun and different. Well-- it was anything but fun! Julie treats her staff and contractors with zero respect. She is a bully and very emotionally abusive.
I have watched her lie to customers- i.e. Yvette Simpson-- I brought Julie an opportunity for a fund raising event. She told my contact that she would cater food to their other fundraisers at Julie's cost. After the client left, I asked Julie if she donated food often. NO she told me--she just uses cheaper food and marks it up so she makes the same amount of money!
I have never seen so much food waste. All food is disposed of in the kitchen. You can work 6-8 hours and Julie would not think of letting you eat something that is about to be thrown away. Instead she suggests that you bring a snack to work!!
Julie also encourages customers to give a gratuity on parties. The gratuity goes 100% to Julie. The staff is given nothing.
I was meeting with Julie one day in the main area of the restaurant. She was busy yelling at me because one of my business associates stated that she did not like Julie's website. Instead of wanting to know why -- Julie indicated that this was hurtful and speaking negatively about my associate. During her shouting episode, another contractor walked in asking Julie to please pay him. She yelled at him stating "I am in a meeting" 5 times in a row. -- Doing her best to humiliate him. She said nothing about paying him and instead told me that she obviously needs to find another contractor-- I am assuming she is looking for someone who does not want to be paid.
The experience was difficult at best but I never dreamed I would have to fight and negotiate to be paid. When I told Julie I could not continue working if I was not paid, she called this a threat! I have been paid nothing for my services to date. Whenever I ask her when she is going to honor our agreement and actually pay me, she changes the topic. In her reply to me she states that people are responsible for what happens in their life. Yes, perhaps I should have never worked with her as my gut told me there was something wrong from the beginning. However, the rest of the story is on her.
Since posting my review Julie has sent me several emails requesting and pleading for me to take my review down. She has stated that my review could close her business and end careers of her staff...wow, I never knew one person could be so powerful. She takes 0 responsibility for anything and has yet to apologize to me. Once again, she is unwilling to honor our agreement. My advice to Julie and any other business owners, pay your staff, contractors and bills. If your business is hurting and you cannot afford additional help, DON'T HIRE THEM! In 20 years of owning businesses I have never missed a pay period with my staff. I would have no motivation to lie and write about my negative experience unless it was accurate. In reply to owners response, Yelp reviews are used to rate the business and it's business practices. This is what I have done.
Tonia Z. Kincaid (08.08.2017 22:43)
My 13 year old daughter had a blast and learned a ton. Well ran week long camp. Hoping they add additional camps in the future. Well worth the money!
Patrick Bruneel (03.08.2017 22:13)
Had so much fun, but the event could have been more prepared. Top notch food though and awesome help from the "consulants"
Jessica Ettelson (09.07.2017 21:39)
Hosted our rehearsal dinner here and it was wonderful! Fun, cozy space and the staff was easy to plan and work with.
