There’s a moment every small business owner dreads — when your hard work, your reputation, and your team are targeted not by a competitor, but by someone who once stood behind your counter.

A few weeks ago, a former employee of Wicked Voodoo Espresso began posting false accusations online — claiming roach infestations, bad business practices, and more. Her review was removed. But then others showed up, clearly written by people who had never set foot in our shop. Fake names. Copy-pasted lies. A coordinated attempt to destroy what we’ve built.

It hurt. Not because it was true — it wasn’t — but because it threatened to undo years of work in seconds.

But then something powerful happened: you showed up.

What Cancel Culture Really Does to Real People

It’s easy to think cancel culture only happens to celebrities or big corporations. But in reality, it hits local businesses hardest. A single false review can cause real damage: lost customers, shaken team morale, and the fear that one person’s anger could jeopardize your future.

Behind every business is a family — a barista paying rent, a manager supporting her kids, a team trying their best every day.

When cancel culture weaponizes lies, it doesn’t hold anyone accountable — it tries to erase them.

How We Responded: Facts, Not Fire

We didn’t retaliate. We didn’t clap back. We did what any of you would do:

• We gathered the facts.

• We documented the harassment.

• We filed a police report.

• We sent a certified cease and desist letter.

• We alerted Google and Yelp.

No drama. Just action.

We reminded ourselves: truth doesn’t need a megaphone. It needs consistency.

What You Did Gave Us Courage

That same week, eight of you left 5-star reviews. More of you messaged us with support. Some of you just smiled and said, “We know who you really are.”

Your reviews drowned out the noise. Your kindness overwhelmed the hate.

One customer even said, “I’ve never seen a business handle something with such class.” That meant more than you know.

To Anyone Facing This: You're Not Alone

If you're a small business owner, a teacher, a volunteer — anyone who’s ever been unfairly targeted — hear this:

You can stand your ground. You don’t have to be perfect to be worth protecting. And silence isn’t strength — clarity is.

It takes courage to speak up. But courage is contagious. Your truth, told calmly and consistently, is more powerful than noise.

We’re Still Brewing

We’re here. We’re caffeinated. And we’re deeply grateful.

To everyone who spoke up for us: you reminded us that this community isn’t built on reviews — it’s built on relationships.

Thank you for giving us courage. Let us give it back.

With grit and gratitude,

Laurel Winslow

CEO, Wicked Voodoo Espresso