Flakey artist types

I used to have this cute little art-type co-op where people rented space out by the hour. It’s geared towards artists, although its really the esoteric artists who have found me. Fine by me, I don’t mind taking yoga, pilates, and having reiki shares…its kinda cool. I have a very laid-back attitude about it. I use the back space for my work and apartment, and I just like having people up front for the energy, and also, it helps with the rent.



However, many times, people would just flake on me.  I remember a woman contacted me, desperate to find space for her “punk fitness” class. It’s a workout class with local punk music, a cool concept, and I happened to have the night free, so I said, “sure.”



The night of class, she showed up, along with her entourage, and while I had planned to participate in the class, I hadn’t been feeling well, so I just hung out in my back office.



After the class was through, I went to collect payment, and she told me that she left her checkbook at home. At that moment, I had a feeling that I would not be receiving payment from this woman. She told me that she’d drop it in my mail slot “tomorrow.” Well, of course, tomorrow came and went, and still no payment.



I wasn’t completely convinced that she’d screw me over, because she reserved the space for the next week, and I figured that I would just collect both fees then.



I emailed her to let her know my thoughts…no response. I tried ringing her, but her mailbox was “full” I emailed her again, and got this email:


“Hi! Things crazy this week, all kinds of unexpected hassels. I will drop payment in your box thru the door this evening. Thanks so much for having us. You were right, the space is a bit small for us but I will still spread the word about your place as well as a link on my website. Talk w/ you soon, gots to rush to the accountant…Ugh!!!! peace, jules”



What is funny about this email is that it was sent on the day she was supposed to reserve the space again. So, not only did she screw me out of payment for the first class, she didn’t tell me she was canceling class this week, and I lost payment on that as well.



It took her over two weeks to get the payment to me. While it doesn’t totally surprise me, I am a little intrigued. Considering my business dealing with local artists and musicians, I’m just surprised as to why she’d be so blatant about being flakey.  I had a fairly active community, and it was only $15.  If she wanted to tarnish her reputation because of it…well, so be it.



In my daily meditation, one of my mantras is: “I attract people who help me grow.” And this woman truly helped me. I learned that I needed to have contracts and payments in place before any rentals took place.  Especially with new people.