Used a photo from my small business on…
By That Grl used a photo from my small business on their website and added their own branding to show products coming soon with no intention of actually stocking my products.
When asked about the coming soon stock, By That Grl replied with an Amazon link (which seemed to be an affiliate link) for a different product so it seemed they were happy to make money by redirecting to another brand and of course to not support the original maker.
I emailed and was ignored. Eventually I managed to comment in their Instagram group for them to notice (and of course delete my comment presumably as that was more important for their reputation) and remove my photo but there was no apology at the time. The only apology that came later was a sorry if you were upset and continued deflection with no real accountability. Despite my photo being on their website apparently there was “never any intent to use or profit from [my] photo”.
When I talked about this experience online, By That Grl decided it was appropriate to threaten me with legal action for defamation. It’s not defamation if it is what happened.
It seems Vale and Juli consider using my photo for their business and then threatening legal action was them acting politely, with “ethical behaviour” and with “moral integrity”. I’m not sure stealing a photo from a small business could ever be considered ethical or moral and I’d hate to know what they consider rude if this is apparently what they consider polite!
Seems Vale and Juli are all about well being apart from the well being of those they steal from. This could have been a chance for them to show the kind of personal growth they claim to support. Their message of uplifting and inspiring each other is clearly as hollow as their morals.