Small business owner in tears after 'Karen' customer slams complimentary lolly

This article was first published in August 2021.

The founder of an Australian skincare company has shared a tearful response to a scathing email sent by a customer displeased with the complimentary lolly included in her order. 

Queensland woman Carissa Collins, founder of TLC Body, has been adding lollies to orders she's been packaging trying to brighten people's days amid COVID-19 lockdowns. 

But this week she received an email from a customer saying they won't be "be buying from [Collins] again" as they "no longer trust" the business owner. 

The vegan customer wrote they "don't even eat lollies, vegan or not". 

"What do you think you are gaining by sending someone a bit of sugary junk in the first place?" they demanded. 

"I'd rather pay less for my product than get something I never asked for or wanted."

The customer added that if the lollies were vegan, they "could have at least appreciated the thought".

Instead they'd be shopping elsewhere in future. 

In her tearful TikTok video, Collins asked "when did it become okay to speak to people like this?"

"Honestly how this email was worded, it was almost as if I had stabbed them or something," she added. 

"What the hell? I am trying to do a nice thing by giving free gifts with orders. If you don't like a lolly, don't eat it."

TikTok users rushed to her defence, praising Collins for her "lovely gesture" and telling her not to listen to the "Karen". 

"This is their stuff. Don't take it on," one person advised. 

"You don't want customers like that - it's a blessing in disguise," wrote another.

"It's a reflection of her, not you - it's embarrassing she feels the need to speak like this," wrote another. 

In a follow-up video, Collins thanked her customers and followers for their support.