Hey ya'll,

I didn't think I would ever come to this point, but I find myself at the end of my rope so to speak so here goes. I am in dire need of a little financial help. I have recently found myself unemployed and financially sinking quickly. My former employer hired me to help her open and run a second location here in Louisville as an Executive Chef. I fell in love with her concept because she caters to a community that is well underserved all over Louisville. Those of you that know me well know that I have big heart, that being said I wanted to be a part of what I still think is an important campaign. At the time of her trying to retain my services she couldn't meet my salary expectation, so I agreed to take a smaller hourly wage at a max 28-30 hrs. a week considering I had other obligations outside of her business, until the opening of the new venue, upon which time she would switch my pay grade to my asking salary rate. Through the months of August and September I put in more than the agreed upon hours and worked off the clock from home to ensure her deadlines were met. Being that she had zero experience opening a restaurant style concept I was expected to start essentially from scratch, anyone who has opened an eatery knows that is a large-scale task for one person. While I have 20+ years in the industry two months was just not enough time, especially considering we had agreed upon not only a reduced temporary wage but part time hours to not supersede my other endeavors. But I was able to make the opening happen successfully for her on the agreed upon deadline. The opening was televised, the mayor was present along with multiple philanthropists, and I streamed for her on social media. It was without a doubt a success for her and her family. That was the end of September on a Friday. We opened fully the following Monday. The following Thursday, October 3rd would be the last time I ever hear a word from her.

My full salary that we had agreed upon before I signed on, should have kicked in after the opened, which would have been Saturday, it did not. Not knowing anything was wrong, I gave her the benefit of the doubt considering it had been a not only hectic few days, but chaotic month. Monday rolls around and there still is no change to my pay grade. I was busy most of the day with service and did not have time to check in with her. Tuesday was business as usual until she asked to speak with me in private. We sat down, and she proceeds to tell me that she "is going to speak with her recruiter about transitioning me out." She mentioned there being cultural differences and that she just didn't think I was a good fit anymore. Little did I know she already had a woman hired to replace me, at a rate half of my agreed upon salary. Mind you that woman, also no longer is employed due to the same actions perpetrated against myself. Long story short for that day, I returned to counting inventory and finished the rest of my day.

When finished I waited to speak with her further about what "transitioning out" meant considering she did not make any of her intentions clear. She was on a call with payroll trying to set everyone up and I was within ear shot finishing inventory. I overhear the gentleman on the phone say, " and finally the infamous Alissa Ulery". Of course, hearing my name in that unexpected context, I perked up to pay attention, and she asked the man to wait a mount. She then got up with her laptop and phone and made her way towards the office, naturally I stepped in and reminded her that I was waiting to speak with her, to which she responded with pointing to her phone and rushed past me shutting the door. I proceeded to leave. I have not heard a word from anyone since Oct. 3rd but was kept active on her pay roll for almost 2 weeks after. I found out about my discharge via the payroll site.

I know, this has been a long read, and I greatly appreciate the time you've taken to read this far. I also know that times right now are hard for everyone, and this is a big ask, but I have exhausted all other options while I wait to hear from current opportunities. I'll end this by saying thank you, and if you can't lend a hand, please send some much positivity, I appreciate you all, truly.

Much love,

Alissa