Wisconsin BBB Issues Nationwide Alert on On-Location Makeup Appl

The Wisconsin BBB is warning brides-to-be and consumers in general about a firm, “My Queen of Diamonds” also known as “Bombshell” and its principal, Jessica A. Vlasseman. 

The BBB has received eighteen complaints from thirteen states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia against My Queen of Diamonds, also known as “Bombshell, LLC.” 

The company has an “F” report, the BBB’s lowest grade, for failure to respond to complaints. 

My Queen of Diamonds and its principal, Jessica Vlasseman (“Jessica V”) advertised through wedding websites as well as its own website, as a “premiere, award winning on location hair and makeup company”, stating it services all 50 states “for your bridal, commercial, film, and TV beauty needs.” 

“Our file on My Queen of Diamonds opened in November, and we’ve been closely monitoring complaints since that time,” says Ran Hoth, CEO/president. “We have been trying to locate the current whereabouts of Jessica Vlasseman. Our office has sent her numerous e-mails in an attempt to obtain responses and resolutions for these brides.” 

All Complainants are brides-to-be who report they paid, in advance, initial fees ranging from roughly $350-$500 for trial makeup applications prior to their upcoming wedding. In some instances, brides that filled out complaint forms stated that several of their bridesmaids and other family members also paid separate, various amounts of money to My Queen of Diamonds as well. All of the complainants claim the company never showed up for the scheduled appointment.  

Mail sent to Wisconsin addresses supplied by complainants have been returned by the Post Office. An additional Texas address listed on the company’s contract is reported to be vacant. Complaints sent to the company via email have gone unanswered. In addition, the BBB has not received responses to Business Questionnaires and an Advertising Review Challenge. 

The company is a registered corporation in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI), “Bombshell, LLC.” was incorporated on August, 12, 2011. 

Mercedes K. of Maryland paid $450 in advance and says, “Once I paid in full, she (Jessica V.) was very difficult to get hold of.  The day I was supposed to have my hair and makeup trial, no one showed up.  I finally got hold of her and she claimed it was put on the calendar for the wrong year. I rescheduled. On the day of the rescheduled appointment, nobody showed. I called and left a message saying how unprofessional she was, she had 7 other girls besides myself counting on her.” 

Victoria P. of Georgia paid $365 and nobody showed up to do her pre-trial wedding hair and makeup. She informed the BBB that “Jessica V” told her she had a “scheduling problem” and claimed to have been at the White House working an event in January. Jessica wrote in an email to Victoria in February, “It went really great.  I didn’t get to do the ball but everything leading up to it. Such an amazing experience…I’ve worked with them before. Unfortunately, my high end work is booked through my agent.” 

The Better Business Bureau reminds consumers to use caution when dealing with a company over the internet. Be sure to get the business address and the phone number as well as the owner’s name. Check reviews for the company, and get all contracts in writing. Never pay in full for services until rendered, and always pay with a credit card. Check companies and charities at bbb.org.