Georgia hair stylist Za’Meko Smith is under fire after he turned away Stephanie Dotson, a mother who was awaiting service with her six kids. The incident was captured on camera and has since gone viral. The stylist explained that his home salon has a strict “no kids, no extra guests” policy.” The mother alleges she wasn’t informed and believes the footage was used to embarrass her.
Who’s in the wrong, and what’s the balance between at-home businesses, childcare, and single parenthood?
The Shade Room’s Justin Carter is looking into it all on ‘TSR Investigates.’
More On Stephanie Dotson, The Mom Of 7, Who Was Turned Away By Hair Stylist Za’Meko Smith
It was Za’Meko Smith’s second time doing Stephanie Dotson’s hair when she arrived with six of her kids. Ultimately, Smith explained to the mother that her being seated for her appointment was a “hard no.”
“I looked at liabilities. I looked at, who’s gonna watch them while you’re in the chair?” Smith explained to Carter.
Additionally, Smith explained that he would have made an exception with one child. However, six children would have been too much for his styling space to hold, and they would have had to be “spread apart,” potentially unsupervised throughout his home.
Was The “No Kids” Policy Enforcement Too Much?
After the footage of Stephanie Dotson arriving at Smith’s home with her six kids went viral, she explained that the stylist allegedly claimed the “no kids” policy after the incident — not before.
“You think I would’ve showed up at this man’s house with all them babies if he had that policy up there?” she told viewers on a livestream.
Scroll above to watch as Za’Meko Smith explains his side of the story, alleging that he gave Dotson time to find someone to watch her kids. Additionally, he explains that he was still able to do the mother’s hair. Lastly, he also shares his thoughts on those criticizing his actions. This, while Dotson doubles down on her stance of feeling disrespected.
For those interested in donating to Stephanie Dotson’s GoFundMe to help with childcare and transportation, housing and groceries, school supplies, and basic needs.
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