A young woman studying in a new city faced emotional distress when she was barred from a local pilates studio for leaving a four-star review that the owner perceived as detrimental to the studio’s image.
Caitlin, a student who recently relocated for her studies, sought out a nearby pilates and yoga studio to join. Upon purchasing an all-access pass and attending a reformer pilates session, she was prompted to provide feedback on the class through the booking app.
In her four-star review, Caitlin expressed enjoyment of the exercises but noted some challenges with transitions and visibility due to the room layout during the instructor’s demonstrations. She later shared her experience on social media, revealing that the studio owner, who also taught her class, reacted negatively to the review.
Feeling unsettled by the incident, Caitlin explained on TikTok that she had given constructive feedback in her review, highlighting both positive aspects and suggestions for improvement. She further disclosed that her reformer station was not properly set up, hindering her participation and interaction with the instructor.
Subsequently, Caitlin discovered that her classes had been unbooked and her all-access pass revoked. When she visited the studio seeking clarification, the owner informed her that the pass was rescinded due to her review, citing concerns about the studio’s reputation during its grand opening.
Despite receiving a refund, Caitlin expressed disappointment and frustration, describing the owner’s actions as unwelcoming and unprofessional. She recounted how the owner emphasized the impact of negative reviews on a small-town business and implied that her honesty was not valued.
Ultimately, Caitlin felt mistreated and excluded from the studio, leading her to question the owner’s handling of feedback and customer relations. The incident left her deeply upset, prompting her to label the owner’s behavior as reminiscent of a “mean girl” despite the studio’s offer of a refund.