Woman leaves TikTok stunned after receiving 'worst email ever' from customer: 'Difficult to read'

Running a small business is hard enough. But throw in receiving emails criticising the way you look and why you shouldn't even be the face of your own brand? That would be enough to make some of us want to throw in the towel.

Leah, who runs the UK-based Ethereal Jewellery, was left in shock this week after receiving an email from a customer who offered her some cruel advice under the guise of being helpful. Taking to TikTok, Leah shared three images set to Hugh Grant's famous quote from Love Actually, "If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around".

TikToker receives 'the WORST email' from customer

She wrote, "Today I received the WORST email I've ever received EVER received in 4 years of having a small jewellery business."

A screenshot of the email read: "I've been following you on TikTok and I have to say, I love your jewellery! It's really beautiful. My Aunt runs a super successful clothing business on TikTok, so I figured I'd share a little advice that could help boost your sales.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but honestly, if you lost a bit of weight and put more effort into your appearance, I think it would seriously help your brand. Your jewellery is stunning, and I just feel like it would sell even better if the person behind it looked a bit more polished. Or, you could always hire someone more attractive to be the face of it."

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They added, "Just some honest feedback – I want to see you grow (your business, not you!)."

Leah sarcastically wrote, "Thanks Helen x."

'This comment section DID NOT pass the vibe check'

What is possibly most shocking is that while many people defended Leah, others agreed with the email.

"She might actually be right," one user said, while another added, "As harsh as the email was, it is somewhat correct. People are shallow and treat good or healthy-looking people better. It's a tactless way to say it, but it's good advice."

"She has a point," a third said.

One user added, "This comment section DID NOT pass the vibe check," and we very much agree.

"The fact that people are agreeing in the comments... wow... disappointing. I think you're stunning," another said.

"I have never once thought, 'Wait lemme check if the owner's pretty,' before buying from a small business," a third said.

"That's ridiculous, I'm so sorry!" someone else added, with Leah replying, "I'm still in shock."

"I'm so confused by these comments?" another said. "You're beautiful. The world is broken."

Many others begged Leah not to listen to the rude commenters, with some saying the people writing these people are likely insecure about themselves and taking it out on her.

"I see a beautiful, talented, artistic woman. Keep your head up. Don't change, you're amazing," one person wrote.

"I was absolutely in shock reading the email, but even more in shock seeing the comments now!" another said. "I'm sorry?! How are people so freaking cruel!? P.S. You're absolutely beautiful the way you are."

"You are so beautiful! These comments are disappointing. I hope you know your worth is more than surface level. But, even on the surface, you are BEAUTIFUL," someone else shared.

'Hard to ignore'

Leah spoke to Yahoo Lifestyle about the comments, sharing that "it can be hard to ignore the negative" messages, but adds she has an incredible support system around her.

"The TikTok comments have been both amazing and awful all at the same time. There have been thousands of loving comments, but it can be hard to ignore the negative ones," Leah tells us. "Lots of people have suggested the email is right, that I should change my appearance, lose weight or hire models, and they have been difficult to read.

"But, I am very lucky because I have a really lovely support system around me - from my boyfriend Hugh (who also does all of the small business emails!), to my mum (again, she helps with Ethereal and does a lot of the packaging), and my amazing dad and sister. They make me very proud to be me, regardless of my size – and for them, I am very grateful."

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Leah shares that she hasn't heard from Helen since she received the initial email, "I also didn't reply to her original email. I'm assuming she hasn't seen the TikTok."

The small business owner has shared that the email hasn't stopped her from posting content, "It has definitely made me more hesitant to post content with my face in, but at the same time, Ethereal is a brand for everyone - they are jewellery pieces anyone can wear, no matter their size, shape, age etc. and I feel like I'd be a hypocrite to stop posting and start using models or to hire someone more attractive."

Here's hoping Helen keeps her unkind words to herself next time!

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