SW
Sophia Watts
Jul 3, 2025
MAC Cosmetics, I am writing to express my concern about my customer service and shopping experience I received while visiting the MAC Cosmetics store located in the Shops at Legacy, 7601 Windrose Ave, Plano, TX, on June 21, 2025. As a long-time customer and an active MAC PRO Member, I have consistently supported your brand and regularly shop at this location. Unfortunately, my recent visit left me feeling disrespected, dismissed, and, most troublingly, discriminated against. Upon entering the store, I sought assistance. Assistant Manager, Ashley Westbrook approached me and passed me on to another makeup artist—(Anaya), if I recall correctly—who began helping me promptly. After approximately ten minutes of consultation and service, our session was abruptly interrupted.
Ms. Ashley Westbrook returned to me and boldly stated that Anaya had a 2:00 PM appointment and would no longer be able to continue assisting me. Without any prior notice or explanation, Anaya was instructed to stop mid-application and begin working on another customer. I was told another artist would take over soon. This sudden and unexplained handoff—while makeup was actively being applied—was shocking. The artist, who had just begun my service, was pulled away mid-session with no acknowledgment. This was not only unprofessional but also made me feel devalued and rushed as a customer. Interrupting a client's service in this manner demonstrates poor time management, a lack of respect for the customer's time, and a disregard for the personalized experience MAC is known for providing. Even more concerning was the apparent lack of being sanitary during this transition. As someone receiving direct facial service, I found this extremely troubling from a health and safety perspective. Being passed between artists without clear communication, consent, or adherence to hygiene standards.
When the second artist arrived, I inquired who the store manager was. Upon hearing her name, Ms. Ashley Westbrook immediately approached me again in a manner that felt abrupt and aggressive. I calmly expressed to her that I found her approach and communication to be inappropriate and unprofessional. Rather than acknowledging my concerns as a customer, she responded with defensiveness and a dismissive tone. Her confrontational demeanor—particularly in this store's public setting—only escalated the situation and made the experience even more uncomfortable and humiliating. As Ashley wanted to continue to debate the matter, I told her that I was not because of her tone as she was very loud and there was a store full of customer that were now gawking.
As a professional, and loyal MAC PRO Member, I understand the importance of delivering excellent customer service, clear communication, and professionalism, especially in customer-facing roles that should reflect inclusivity and cultural awareness. Unfortunately, the way I was treated fell extremely short of these expectations. I was defiantly treated differently because I am a woman of color, I am a black woman and based on the conduct and tone and interaction with Ms. Ashley —compared to the treatment of other white customers that were present in the store and her interaction with them — I know this to be the case.
My personal experience contradicts MAC's stated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The lack of leadership, discrimination, and poor judgment exhibited by your Assistant Manager represents the store's inability to provide equitable and respectful service to people of a diverse backgrounds as Ashley represents MAC Cosmetics, and she is one of many faces for your brand.
I urge MAC to take this matter seriously and evaluate whether Ms. Westbrook is equipped to lead in a manner that aligns with your values. I sincerely hope you will take appropriate steps to address this incident and ensure that all customers are treated fairly with the care, professionalism, and dignity your which your brand stands for. #MACcosmetics