Where to start?
Working at Live True was like being in a toxic relationship, it breaks you down and only when you leave do you realise what it has done to you. I was spoken to like a child, patronised and berated on group chats where other employees could hear. Add a sprinkle of gaslighting, employment there was one of the worst years of my working life.
I wasn't believed when I spoke of problems with equipment and was made to feel like it was my incompetence that was the real issue. I shook with nerves every time management called me, because I was afraid I'd done something wrong. The operational systems in place as well as the lack of training and little regard for employees lead to a lot of mistakes. Blame would be passed along and that person responsible for the mistake was made to feel awful... when really it was a lack of training and consistency of operations over all 3 salons that was the real problem. The core issues were never dealt with so mistakes kept happening and all of us on reception were made to feel like it was our fault.
The level of responsibility placed on my shoulders for a measly £9 per hour was insane, not to mention the stress and pressure. It was a lot. I never felt like I was appreciated or respected and they just expected more and more and more. Opening after the pandemic was a joke! Understaffed, staff who were not trained and just one big mess. I was thrown in at the deep end with very little training and just expected to get on with it. Luckily I'm not a plank and had worked in a salon before, but even then it was the most stressful time in my life.... for what? Hair. And £9 an hour.
They liked to dangle a a management position as an incentive, but it's just an excuse to make you work harder for nothing.
They have no regard for clients because they care
.... they only care because it makes them money. And they certainly don't care for their employees. Self employed get a sweeter deal because they bring in a lot of good clients, but if you're employed.... Good luck hitting target and kiss your life goodbye.
If you are money driven, you can do well as a stylist. But if money doesn't incentivise you and you want a nice place to work, don't work here.
There is a reason the turnover of staff is so high....because it is a terrible place to work. They are lucky they had me for a year because I was ready to quit after my first shift. The pandemic made me stay, but leaving was the best decision I have ever made.
Unless you are truly desperate or are a terrible human yourself who thrives off a toxic management style.... don't work there.
