It's time for spring fishing and they're definitely biting, Mother whose son donated organs reunites with recipient, Massive dust-storm crash shuts Interstate 55 for miles, Father McGivney's bullpen providing shutdown innings, Work on Glen Carbon's covered bridge roof will close road, 6 in Madison County charged with drug possession, 2 men charged with mob action in Madison County, Move by EPA boosts local ethanol industry, may reduce gas prices, Entrepreneurial students present products, services to the public. The company posted to its Facebook page Tuesday about the allegations. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Shining a spotlight on human trafficking in Texas. In response to the defendants alleged defamatory comments, Exo issued a statement on May 25 on its EXO Lounge Facebook page, which reads: It has come to our attention that EXO Lounge is currently under public scrutiny regarding specific damaging allegations. An Edwardsville nail salon is suing several individuals for accusing it of engaging in sex trafficking, money laundering and drugs in social media posts. Upon entering the lounge, one will notice the lighting and signature scents which cater to the senses. We empathize with those hurt, upset and disturbed by the allegations. These malicious rumors are incredibly detrimental to our business and community.. All bar one have been released on police bail until 23 June. The company currently consists of EXO Lounge, a unique cocktail lounge that serves organic, healthy cocktails and EXO Nail Bar, a full-service nail bar dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, quality organic products and furnishing an enjoyable atmosphere that appeals to the senses. From exquisite night life experiences, to elegant, 2019 EXO BRANDS. Enjoy! EXO Lounge & Nail Bar, located at 2 157 Center, Edwardsville. A NAIL bar was raided by police and immigration officers and a person was arrested as part of a crackdown on alleged human trafficking in York. The City of Edwardsville has been so supportive and loyal and I love my local community, it makes perfect sense that this is where our flagship location will reside.. The complaint is silent as to the facts plaintiffs assert to establish that Exo, its employees or one of its owners did not tell defendant Wasser that money was being laundered or that money was not being laundered through the business. The plaintiffs also filed a motion for default judgment on Sept. 14. EXO Nail Bar is the first and only location in Edwardsville to fit each station with a ventilation system which will reduce the impact of harsh chemicals and fumes from nail polish. By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobits Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent. Not only have these accusations severely impacted our business, but it has impacted our staff on both a personal and professional basis. She wants us to ask ourselves: "Is my discount worth the fact that someone might have lost all of their choice?". Tatiana Jardan, a project development coordinator at the Human Trafficking Foundation, whose primary aim is to raise awareness of human trafficking and help shape policy, said that nail bars are used as centres for human trafficking because they are closed communities that present work opportunities to those mainly from Asia who want to move to the UK. As far as sex trafficking is concerned, I dont know about that, but there is shady business going on there without a doubt., Further, EXO claims Weinreich made a Facebook post stating, Hey guys, they closed due to being investigated by the FBI regarding money laundering, trafficking of some sort, and uses truckers to do their dirty work. With the complexity of Human Trafficking, taking educational courses about human trafficking is important to help to identify and have a full understading of what human trafficking is. It is an offence to force people, by threats or coercion, to work unpaid or to pay off a debt. They want people to be able to spot the signs of modern slavery, as the number of potential victims is going up. We have included a statement provided by Chief of Police, Jay Keevan. But with proper awareness and education we can take steps to help save someone. All rights reserved. Photo credit Alex Petrou/Sharq Agency|For The Telegraph Show More Show Less 11 of 17. 2023 Modern Salon. The HHS-funded National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) operates a hotline 24 hours a day, every day. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. !, The plaintiff alleges Baker made a Facebook post stating, One of their own employees discreeted (sic) that indeed Sex Trafficking was going on by one of the male staff members ALSO working there. Ellie Nails Lounge. She's a stylist who travels the country as an ambassador for brands and as one of the MODERN SALON Artist Connective. It is a social setting and a lifestyle choice. We empathize with those hurt, upset, and disturbed by the allegations. We dont ask ourselves whether these people are working voluntarily, and if theyre getting any salary. This. The bust happened Wednesday inside a. nail bar. It has deeply effected (sic) our entire staff emotionally. The nail bar will offer manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions and waxing and an atmosphere built around service and fun. Get a 42-inch oscillating fan for 15% off with this deal. EDWARDSVILLE Unfounded rumors and disinformation fueled by social media began to swirl around the EXO Lounge on Route 157, just south of Center Grove Road, last week, according to law enforcement officials. Come down and see why the law, entertainers, and the like cant get enough of our wicked coffee game! the May 20 post read. The pain and mental anguish caused to innocent people, as a result, is unacceptable, Exo responded. Trump has issued two executive orders targeting human trafficking. We want to assure you, none of these allegations are true, and EXO Lounge is not under investigation for any type of criminal or unscrupulous activity. Additionally, some nail bars use chemicals which, while not illegal in the UK, are not considered best practice. Truth is coming out!! 290 $$ Moderate Nail Salons. As four accused Dallas-area pimps are behind bars, a lawsuit filed by the city of Dallas shows what life is like for some victims of human sex trafficking. Obermark allegedly replied to responses to her post, saying the plaintiff is suspected of engaging in sex trafficking, money laundering, and drugs. This is a carousel. In 2016, more beauty and grooming salons opened in the UK than any other independent business. A former employee accused of making defamatory statements against Edwardsville-based Exo Lounge and Nail Bar argues that the salon failed to prove that his statements are false, which he claims are based on opinions and other statements made to him. The 2023 NFL Draft runs April 2729 live from Kansas City, Missouri. Oct 13, 2021 A former employee accused of making defamatory statements against Edwardsville-based Exo Lounge and Nail Bar argues that the salon failed to prove that his statements are false, which he claims are based on opinions and other statements made to him. !, Exo claims in its lawsuit that the statements published by the defendants were unequivocally false, unprivileged, and were defamatory . Top 10 Edwardsville restaurants ranked: But do you agree? People who continue to make these posts are the reason that these rumors spread like wild fire (sic). British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. More than 150 police officers have carried out a number of raids across the country, including at six nail bars, as part of an operation to tackle human trafficking. They argue that defendants Hannah Weinreich and Ashley Garrison have failed to respond to the complaint. The lawsuit was filed through attorneys Russell Watters and John Cunningham of Brown & James PC in Belleville. We try to make sure that people who may be victims of exploitation are aware of their rights and that there are agencies out there who are able to help. Initially, trafficking of women and girls for forced sex work and, to a lesser extent, domestic servitude, were the sole focus of advocacy and assistance. . She argues that the complaint fails to include separate allegations and should be dismissed. Does the client have bruising in various stages of healing along the scalp and/or neck. We hope instances like this raid will happen more often, especially with the new modern slavery bill.. Boys are usually sent to work in cannabis farms, locked inside converted houses and forced to tend the plants day and night, while the girls and young women are dispatched to work in nail bars.. Announcing the Making Waves Semifinalists, The Mini-Kiss Technique: A Quick, Face-Framing Refresh, MAKEOVER: Lived-In Balayage and Long Chop For the Young Client, The Amazing Makeovers of @studio_marteena, 13 Fun Looks Completed with Trendy Hair Clips, 15 Looks from Alfaparf to Spark Some Inspiration, 5 Habits to Break That Can Help Your Lash Career, Service Spotlight: CBD Skincare and Nail Services Go National, How to Help Clients with Hair Pulling Disorder, Natural Hair Loss Ingredients That Doctors Actually Recommend, Extending Your Services: Modern's Guide to Hair Extensions, written about human trafficking for MODERN SALON. Acrylic Nail Bar. Rachel Harper, from the modern slavery charity Unseen, says they "see a lot of cases" in the. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? Mike Shannon, legendary Cardinals broadcaster, dead at 83, Pedestrian dies after running into path of Edwardsville man's car, New drive-in coming to Edwardsville, slated to open this summer. Cocaine and fentanyl were among the drugs allegedly involved in some of six cases filed against An attack on a man that caused facial fractures led to allegations of aggravated battery and mob Fuel stations can sell gasoline blended with 15% ethanol during the summer under an emergency I wanted to have a business that Im truly passionate about and I want to help people but also 2023 Edwardsville Publishing Company, LLC. Cheaper than traditional beauty salons, with no appointment required, they appeal to our insatiable desire for a bargain, need for instant gratification and the modern necessity to feel good about ourselves. There's a warning that workers in your local nail bar could be victims of human trafficking. Keeping both of you safe is a priority. Two other businesses in Lewisville, Texas, and Commerce, Texas, were also raided. The . If you think you have seen nail bars which may be exploiting victims of modern slavery, call the police. (modern), Our purchasing decisions hold power. If more of us are using nail bars, we need to understand the implications of what we are potentially participating in., first successful prosecution of modern slavery, Familiarise yourself with the warning signs. As a business, we have supported and donated more than $20,000 to the local community of Edwardsville. What are my reporting responsibilities if I am a government official? Should you need further clarification or information about the situation, we encourage you to reach out to us personally. EXO Nail Bar's European . Is climate change killing Australian wine? Exo also claims that in addition to several now deleted statements on its Facebook page, Garrison wrote, Wonder why my comment about the drug smuggling, prostitution, and human trafficking was deleted?!?!?! June 22, 2022. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Does the atmosphere seem off? I am not one of those women, but my terrible nails are a good talking point when I go into nail bars to spot signs of slavery and exploitation. Money laundering and child sex trafficking are severe allegations and are not to be taken lightly. This is extremely distasteful and if you look on their other page, they make a joke out of it. "At the request of EXO Lounge and Nail Bar ownership, we can confirm that there are no investigations of any kind involving EXO," Keeven said. At the request of EXO Lounge and Nail Bar ownership, we can confirm that there are no investigations of any kind involving EXO, Keeven said. However, Keevan denied making the statement Exo claims he made. She demands strict proof that the statements were defamatory. Here are some common signs that we can be aware of: This is only a brief list of signs that we may see in our workplace. 9 talking about this. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. We dont think that these people could be victims of trafficking when we go these nails bars. Two women and a man have been sentenced for enforced labour and exploitation offences . EXO Industries is a brand of lifestyle services. EXO Industries has been a project in the works for the past 24 months. He has reported that the rumors have no basis and that they were the product of an active cyber smear campaign. Warnings of allergic reactions and permanent damage to nails are concerning and that is before we consider the potential issues of slavery, trafficking and exploitation among the workforce delivering the treatments. One version of the tale claims a connection to Randy Goris murder last year. Wasser also joins defendant Rebecca Obermarks previously filed motion, adopting her arguments for dismissal. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, EDWARDSVILLE I want to create an escape, somewhere people can go and be pampered in an environment built around the senses. The raids took place after an 18-month investigation, Operation Rehoboam, and were supported by the National Crime Agency, the Metropolitan police and North Yorkshire police, who provided tactical advice and personnel. A display of EXO Nail Bar's extensive selection of polishes. Do they always wear the same clothes or have personal hygiene issues? Do they allow their manager to speak for them when addressed directly? (modern). Beverages on offer will include seasonal organic cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine and coffee. (WDBJ) - News that singer R. Kelly was convicted on nine counts in a sex trafficking trial is shining a light once again on the problem. National Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, https://www.facebook.com/HairdressersAtHeart/. Does someone else accompany them, make decisions for them about the services they are receiving, and pay cash? In a motion to dismiss the complaint filed on behalf of defendant Drake Wasser, attorney Heather Mueller-Jones of Heyl Royster Voelker & Allen wrote that the defendants statements are opinions based on what he had been told as an employee of Exo and based on his experience and observations of Exos business practices to customers as well as to his employment. The post reads, in part: It has come to our attention that EXO Lounge Nail Bar is currently under public scrutiny regarding specific damaging allegations. Investing in research to understand the social and public health implications of human trafficking can help us to better target ways to fundamentally disrupt the dynamics that enable human trafficking to flourish. Exo seeks actual damages and punitive damages in excess of $50,000 against each defendant. This is the place where men and women can meet, relax and leave feeling like theyve been to a special place.. It has deeply effected (sic) our entire staff emotionally. All rights reserved. Our establishment is a 2-year vision in the making a dream to bring a remarkable and different type of venue to Edwardsville. Rachel Harper, from the modern slavery charity Unseen, says they "see a lot of cases" in the nail salon industry. The NHTRC will help callers identify and coordinate with local organizations that protect and serve victims of trafficking. Yep - The FBI has been tracking this for a while. Whether youre shopping Way Day 2023 or Walmart, theres an al fresco set for you. We are here to assuage your concerns and, once again, there are NO such activities taking place in our establishment. EXO really is about keeping life interesting and providing a place where men and women can meet, have an organic beverage, be pampered, relax and ultimately, leave feeling happier than what they were when they entered, Gamblin explains. It is more prevalent in our daily lives than ever before with 10,949 cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. A public health lens informs how we intervene. The Newsletter Bringing the Legal System to Light. (Many migrants dont speak English but as this makes people more vulnerable, it is a huge plus for slave owners.). As beauty professionals we have opportunities to change peoples lives every day and this issue is no different. Haley has written about human trafficking for MODERN SALON, before, and she shares an update on actions that interested stylists can take to help to identify and report trafficking victims. It seems every time we open social media we see the words sex trafficking and human trafficking show up in our feeds. EXO Lounge and EXO Nail Bar, A Must-Visit, Sexy and Sophisticated Atmosphere with Innovative Cocktails, Bites, Elite Manicure and Pedicure Treatments and More, Opening December 2019! A report by the Sunday Times in 2013 revealed that many nail salons across the country were staffed by victims of trafficking, particularly from Vietnam. It is the beginning of every conversation that EXO founder Gina Gamblin inevitably has with people asking her, Whats going on with that building? Due to launch in November, EXO is a cocktail lounge and nail bar in one building but there is nothing ordinary about it. Menu. Exo also claims that in addition to several now deleted statements on its Facebook page, Garrison wrote, Wonder why my comment about the drug smuggling, prostitution, and human trafficking was deleted?!?!?! To those who have supported us, we would like to say thank you as we navigate this difficult situation, and we trust that we may count on your help and support in stopping the spread of these terrible and impactful allegations.. We are deeply saddened to see the misinformation and rumors spreading on social media.. At EXO Lounge, we are committed to high-standard business practices that have been our building blocks since the very beginning. 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