2018 Projects

Docuseries

This year was phenomenal. And my hope is that 2018 will continue in that direction. In addition to producing videos for some of Oakland's rawest talent, I also work full-time as a barista. I work seven days a week - at least 12 hours per day. That's what it takes. Because unfortunately, a lot of my clients can't afford to pay my full rate. So to supplement that, I have to maintain a steady income outside of videography. In all, it wears on me. And yesterday, I was almost fired from my job at as a barista because of numerous customer complaints about my lack of customer service. Luckily, the owners are incredibly supportive of my talents. And instead of cutting my hours or terminating me altogether, their response was to shift my position to avoid as much customer interaction as possible. I appreciate them dearly for that. Without that job, this project would not be possible. But even with that said, I'd like to highlight how laughable these customer complaints were:

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me introduce Jaz D. from Fremont: 

"The place is nice. It's got a different vibe. Coffee is decent. My first time visiting with business clients in the area. What ruined the experience was the African American lady serving us. Right from the get go - eye rolling, glaring and throwing a major attitude as if we interrupted HER day. By the way we were the only customers in there between 4pm-5.20pm. As I sat down with my clients, 5 min's later she walks to the music booth and turns up the music LOUD where we can barely hear each other. It's ghetto rap music. Are you serious now? Then 30 min's later she proceeds to march into the restroom non-chalantly and gave us a partial head nod toward the register with a finger pointing gesture " to watch the register ". SERIOUS? As we left the building, she glared at us with an attitude as if we had ruined her day. This gal needs the boot. Service sux horse balls!"

Please notice the language he chose to use highlighted in blue. But wait, they'll say I'm playing the race care.

Moving on, we have Reese from Los Angeles.

"i wanted to like this place cause of the reviews but the customer service sucks so bad on a sunday morning. i asked the girl taking my order how are you and she just stared at me and gave me the tiniest nod no smile or anything. and as i was waiting for my coffee i was hoping she wouldn't make mine cause she looked so blah making everyone elses. i would like some TLC when my coffee is made lol luckily she didn't some other guy with a cool hat with a cat on it did. he was really nice that's the only reason i bumped my review to 3 stars. maybe the other girl was having a shit day already."

You want TLC when someone's making your coffee, Reese? I'm from Oakland.

Lastly, we have M.J...

"dear owner/operator:
if you're employees don't enjoy (even slightly) working with the public, do not hire them for serving the public!

hopefully the queen barista behind the counter on saturday mornings is a volunteer because her attitude today ain't worth a dime.... 
and ambience is poop. why should we return?

no hello, barely a nod as she set water cup & said, "there's a faucet over there"... where? behind the counter she was working!
i ordered water, burrito & a coffee came with it, my out-of-town companion had a yogurt. employee took my credit card, swiped it down at the end of the counter, left it there & went off to do something else ... (SMARTPHONE PRIORITIES !)... she assumed i would go looking for it?! is that tip worthy $$?? too cool….." 

Hey M.J! I'm working on some really, really important stuff. And I'm sorry I didn't make you feel like the center of the universe after I FINALIZED your transaction.

*sigh* I can't.

Fucking ridiculous… 

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