Kim N

Pathetic service from drama queen

Hi I am a new bride who is still in shock after going to Radiant Image for a make-up trial. Let me start by saying Kathija, the owner, has been really unprofessional. I had booked my trial with Kathija in August 2017. She had convinced me telephonically that I had to pay the fee in full, even though she did not do the trial as yet. When I enquired about what would happen if I were not happy with the trial, I was told I would get a full refund, but she “is so great that will never happen”. So I booked the trial in January 2018. The first time, Kathija cancelled 5 minutes before the appointment due to a family emergency; the second time, Kathija cancelled the appointment 5 minutes before us reaching the studio because she had to attend a family braai. We rescheduled but on the day of the appointment she did not have transport to reach her studio. My fiancé and I fetched her from her home. At the studio, she told me about a class she was doing. Little did I realise that her class and my trial would be dividing her attention: Kathija would apply some make up on me, excuse herself, go and teach her class for ten to fifteen minutes, and then come back to apply more make-up on my face. This continued throughout my trial. Apart from that, her grandchild came to visit and Kathija was gone for a while, while I sat there waiting. Finally, my trial was done but all I could do was stare at my reflection in horror!!! I was plastered like a newly built house in layers of “white” foundation (it was not even my skin tone), orange lipstick (even though I specifically requested maroon). A student saw my shock and horror and told me not to worry, “you look like a ghost now, but you will settle and you will look better”, but it never settled. Kathija asked if I were happy, and reluctantly I said “yes, but I hope it settles”. She assured me that on my wedding day it will be “blended” properly. She repeated this a few times, like a mantra. However, I am the bride and I have spent a lot of time, money and effort towards making my day memorable, and I could not take the chance that she would spoil my look on one of the biggest days of my life!! So, the next day, I called and explained that I was not happy with the end product and requested a refund. To be fair, I asked that she deduct the cost of the trial from the total amount and pay me the balance. After much deliberation, she finally agreed. I waited three months but Kathija did not contact me or make payment. Now, Kathija refuses to refund the money she owes. Beware of such drama queens who only want to rip you off by not delivering the much glamourized, expected services. This was a nightmare to say the least and has spoilt my exciting wedding vibes highly disappointing. Thank you to Bella Sue for coming to my rescue and doing such an amazing job on such short notice.