WEST FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A local small business is under fire after women came forward saying they haven’t received the products they paid for or refunds for months.
Curvy Divas, located at 1201 13th Street in West Fargo, specializes in plus-size clothing. What was once a business that empowered women now frustrates them to no end.
“I bought $350 worth of bras on July 15th. I gave it some time and then on September 1st I started thinking, ‘Hmm, what’s going on?’ I tried calling her multiple times, but no answer, and I couldn’t leave a voicemail. That lasted a while, but then I started calling her every day,” said Brandi Beaton of Park Rapids, Minn.
It’s now October, and she and several other women say they still haven’t heard anything.
“We found at least seven other women waiting to make their purchases without any communication. We have no idea what’s going on,” Beaton added.
Owner Rhonda Goulet says the problem lies with the company and supplier she receives the product from. She posted on Facebook explaining her position.
“Hello everyone.
I’ve noticed that some people are making headlines because they think I’m being scammed. This will definitely affect us even more. Unfortunately, some people love to gossip and focus on other people’s weaknesses. That would definitely portray us as dishonest. I understand the frustration, anger, and disbelief. Everything. I guarantee it. It’s not like we were taking orders ‘knowing’ there was a supply issue. Back to Covid, after Covid, the UK went through Covid after the US opened up, we literally lost tens of thousands of dollars to piracy, lost most of our warehouse staff, and the latest problem is cyber ransomware. did. We were attacked and once again we were forced back. This is all true and accurate information. I cut ties with that vendor. So was I. If things like this continue, we can’t run a business. All of this has had a huge impact on my business. In fact, it devastated me. This is why I’m closing my doors and going completely online. At this point, online may also close. This was a horrible experience. I have worked hard to build this community for the past eight years, but in the end I destroyed myself and the community I had built. The problem with this is that since I broke off the relationship, they have refused to send me the items I paid for. They are refunding the price I paid, but as you know, this is not the price my customer paid, nor is it sales tax. I have purchased several of the same products from another company, but they don’t have all of them in stock. We’ve refunded a lot of orders, but there’s still a lot of work to do. This means that a large refund will come out of my own pocket. that’s reality. I could be selfish and file for bankruptcy or discharge somehow, but I’m not going to do that. That’s not who I am. I have always been and will continue to be dedicated to our customers. All of this shattered me as a person. To be honest, I haven’t set foot in a store lately. I’m doing everything I can at home. So many people know me, have met me and know my integrity and dedication. I will never be dishonest and I will never intentionally try to hurt anyone. I have always been open, both personally and professionally. Today is no different. Recently, there have been reports of business owners fleeing the area, filing for dismissal, and doing everything they can to avoid serving customers. That won’t happen here. I have morals and an obligation to the people to see through to the end to make this all right, and I intend to do so. I couldn’t live with myself any other way. I’m going to tear out everything in the store, the shelves, the railings on the walls. Everything except pinky, pink sofa and counter will be on sale on Friday and Saturday. Leggings and tanks are still in stock to fill current orders. Once again, we are committed to refunding or supplying ordered items as quickly as possible. I’m being as transparent as possible, so if you feel the need to go to the press, ostracize us in public, attack us on social media, I will stop you. It is not possible. I’m doing the best I can given the circumstances.
With love and gratitude, Diva. ”
Without products, many women wonder where their money is.
Valley News Live visited Curvy Divas today, October 23rd, to speak with Rhonda, but it was closed for business. There’s a sign on the door that says “Closed.” Follow us on Facebook for the latest information.
We sent a message to Curvy Diva’s Facebook page and received a generic auto-response.
Other women online suggested that Rhonda contact Valley News Live and explain her side of the story, but Rhonda responded by appearing live in the Valley News Live studio for many years. “No, they have no morals and are not journalists,” he responded through his business page, despite continued promotion. her business.
We contacted the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and they also said they could not contact Rhonda.
On the BBB website, Curvy Divas has an “F” rating, the lowest grade a company can receive.
“It’s gone. Our money is gone. All we can do at this point is get the word out so other women don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars and have nothing to show for it.” That’s all,” Beaton said.
Meanwhile, several women on social media have commented on Curvy Diva’s posts, supporting the business and leaving various positive messages.
A GoFundMe was set up in August to help fund the business, and more than $5,000 has been raised.
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