February 25th 2024.
A San Diego-based Black-owned bakery, The Giving Pies, recently found themselves at the center of a controversy involving Tesla. The company had placed a large order for a Black History Month event, but then abruptly canceled without making any payment, leaving the bakery in a difficult situation. Some people have speculated that this incident may be connected to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's previous comments on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The owner of the bakery, Voahangy Rasetarinera, told NBC Bay Area that they had to make significant changes to their work schedule and spend $2,000 in preparation for the order, only to be informed via text message that it had been canceled just two days later. Rasetarinera shared that the experience left her feeling disrespected and like her company didn't matter. "It felt like we were insignificant," she said. "It was like, 'Oh well, it's just a business transaction that didn't work out.' But it's more than that. I had to tell my staff to change their plans."
After the incident gained attention, Musk tweeted that he would "make things good" with the bakery owner. However, Rasetarinera stated that this experience has made her reconsider how she does business with large corporations in the future.
The owner of The Giving Pies, who also goes by the name Chass, shared her frustration on social media, where her post went viral and garnered support for her business. She explained to ABC 7 that she became concerned when the invoice for the order didn't come through on the same day, even though she had received approval for payment. The next day, a Tesla representative asked to double the initial order, causing Rasetarinera to trust that it would be a legitimate and timely transaction. However, the order was ultimately canceled, leaving the bakery with additional expenses and lost revenue from other canceled orders.
Rasetarinera hopes that her story will serve as a warning to big corporations to respect the time and effort of small businesses. She doesn't want them to think they can do whatever they want without considering the impact on people's lives. Customers like Bruce Felperin expressed their support for small businesses like The Giving Pies, emphasizing the importance of supporting and helping the merchants in their community.
This incident highlights the struggle that many small, Black-owned businesses face in the business world. It also brings attention to Musk's controversial comments on diversity and inclusion, which have been criticized by many. Despite the challenges and setbacks, The Giving Pies continues to thrive and serve their community, with the support of loyal customers.
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