The owner of a jewelry brand revealed that a stranger urged her to “hire someone more attractive” to be the face of her company, or “lose some weight,” while sharing “the worst email she’s ever received” in the four years she’s been running her small business.
Leah, who just graduated from Lincoln University last year but has her UK-based boutique, Ethereal Jewellery, established since 2020, spoke out about the hurtful message she received from a stranger in TikTok.
“Love isn’t actually everywhere,” she wrote, sharing a screenshot of the stranger’s comments, which were sent to her store for “honest feedback.”
“Hi! I’ve been following you on TikTok and I have to say that I love your jewelry,” she began. “My aunt has a very successful clothing business on TikTok so I thought I’d share a little tip that might help you increase your sales.”
The email continued: “Don’t take this the wrong way, but honestly, if you lost a little weight and put more effort into your appearance, I think it would help your brand a lot.”
Leah, who just graduated from Lincoln University last year but has had her UK-based boutique, Ethereal Jewellery, established since 2020, spoke out about the hurtful message she received from a stranger on TikTok.
The post went on to say that Leah’s jewelry is “stunning” but “would sell even better if the person behind it looked a little more polished.”
“Just a sincere comment,” he concluded. “I want to see you grow (your business, not you).”
Thousands of people have rallied in support of Leah in the comments, slamming the “ridiculous” and “appalling” email from the person known simply as Helen.
“You are absolutely beautiful and worthy of being the face of your brand,” said one supportive fan.
“Excuse me!” added another. “I see a beautiful, talented and artistic woman. Keep your head up! Don’t change, you’re amazing!”
A third wrote: “Shocking. I can’t believe people think it’s okay to comment on people’s weight. You’re beautiful and so is your jewellery.”
One commenter questioned: “What the hell was going through that person’s mind to make them think it was okay to say that? What was their thought process?”
Elsewhere, someone said: “What the hell was going through that person’s mind to make them think it was okay to say that? What was their thought process?”
The post went on to say that Leah’s jewelry is “stunning” but would “sell even better if the person behind it looked a little more polished.”
Thousands of people have rallied in support of Leah in the comments, slamming the “ridiculous” and “horrendous” email from the person known only as Helen.
The video has racked up 1.2 million views and has seen Leah’s new fans excited to discover her designs on her page.
Leah started her brand when she was just 18, “out of a love of nature, crystals, and honestly, a desperate need for more affordable jewelry.”
Their pieces cost between £3.75 and £35, with the sole exception of a hoodie which costs £48.50.
The entire family also helps the business owner with her brand: her mother prepares orders, Leah’s boyfriend Hugh helps with emails, and her father and sister are also on hand to provide support.
In another shorten Released since sharing the hurtful email, Leah said that “the least important thing about her and her business is her weight.”
Leah started her brand when she was just 18, “out of a love of nature, crystals, and honestly, a desperate need for more affordable jewelry.”
Earlier this summer, Leah told her followers that she refused to sell her small business to a company for £150,000.
The entire family also helps the business owner with her brand: her mother prepares orders, Leah’s boyfriend Hugh (pictured with Leah) helps with emails, and her father and sister are also on hand to provide support.
Today, Leah also made another TikTok promoting your brand, stating that ‘instead of crying all day about this email you got yesterday, you’ll make the most of the fact that your small business is reaching so many new people.’
Earlier this summer, Leah told her followers that she refused to sell her small business to a company for £150,000.
She has also been updating her TikTok followers (who number 195,700) on how she is trying to raise money to buy her £1.5million dream home in Nottinghamshire through her small jewellery business, which is sadly no longer on the market.
However, she has since updated her loyal fans on a new cabin she and Hugh have their eye on.
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