It started with the job interview where I was asked what my salary indication was. Later it turned out they pay everyone the same regardless of your experience etc. The salary is pretty much minimum wage. Manager was two faced: Kind and polite to costumers yet nasty behind the scenes. Beyond snarky remarks even commenting how she would like to beat up the person/people responsible for things that were not in order… I was appalled. The cultural appropriation did not sit well with me. Distasteful to use superficial understanding of cultural traditions as a marketing ploy. Take for example the ad with the feel of a humanitarian organisation complete with sad music, teary eyes and token-people from every possible skincolor using cliché oneliners almost as a seems a parody of itself and in contrast with the predominantly white staff. Another example is the product inspired by Indian Holi celebration: Gheelicious. Everyone who knows what ghee is would understand it’s a smell you wouldn’t necessarily want to rub into your skin… As you wouldn’t do with garlic butter. Likewise the laundry detergent-like fragrance of Ayurveda has nothing to do with the herbs and spices used in this ancient tradition. Instead of stealing random names from the Eastern world the company may consider donating a considering amount of its profit to this poor part of the world. The company claims to care about sustainability yet throws away all the packaging, the heater is on full blast despite the current crisis and the work clothing is made from polyester. I could go on…
