Lupus and Unfair Treatment

Sometimes, we all deserve a little pampering. It could mean going for a relaxing massage, indulging in some much-needed retail therapy, or getting our nails done. However, not every trip to the nail salon is a happy one. In fact, some experiences can leave us feeling hurt and ashamed.

Jennifer Dreyer Brown recently had one such experience at a nail salon in California. Happy Nails, located in Laguna Niguel, treated her unfairly due to her lupus condition. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes rashes and skin inflammation. Jennifer suffers from discoid lupus, which affects her skin, resulting in severe rashes that worsen when exposed to sunlight.

A Hot Day Turned Unpleasant

On one of the hottest days of the year, Jennifer walked into Happy Nails wearing a sundress. She was looking forward to getting both a manicure and a pedicure. The staff agreed to provide the services, but little did Jennifer know that she was being observed and talked about.

As Jennifer enjoyed her pedicure, she suddenly realized that the workers were gossiping about her. Then, when it was time for her manicure, she was told that the staff only had time for a quick polish. They blamed it on lack of time, but eventually, some staff members confessed that her skin condition was the issue. Despite Jennifer’s explanation that she didn’t even have scars, she was denied the service.

Public Humiliation and Reaction

Feeling distressed and embarrassed, Jennifer took to Facebook and shared a video narrating her experience to warn others about the unfair treatment she received at the nail salon. She expressed her disappointment in being judged for her lupus and emphasized the importance of being kind to others, as we never know what someone might be going through.

Sad and hurtful as it was, Jennifer’s story didn’t end there. The salon’s attorney defended the workers, stating that they had followed the guidelines set by the California Board of Cosmetology. The attorney clarified that there was no intention to discriminate against Jennifer but rather a need to comply with the law.

The Aftermath and Raising Awareness

Despite having been a regular customer, Jennifer has decided never to return to the salon after this painful experience. She hopes that sharing her story will raise awareness about lupus as a disease and prevent further discrimination in the future.