Hairdresses need to look at what they sign before they sign it as their contracts often contain non-compete clauses. Exhibit A: Watercolor Salon
The upscale salon sued Deondre Patterson in Madison County Chancery Court in July 2023 for breaching her non-compete clause.
Watercolor hired Patterson in 2018. Patterson signed an agreement (posted below) that stated:
The contract repeatedly stated that information such as client lists was confidential and proprietary.
Patterson opened her own salon, Chateau Beaute Salon in Ridgeland, less than three miles from Watercolor's Maywood Mart location. Watercolor promptly informed Patterson she violated the contract:
The letter fell on deaf ears as Patterson opened another salon in Flora, less than 15 miles from Watercolor's Ridgeland location on Jackson Street. The plaintiff alleged Patterson "bragged on social media" she was soliciting clients from Watercolor.
Watercolor sent a cease and desist letter to Patterson who in turn claimed she was outside the 15-mile radius. However, her now-former employer replied she was within ten miles of the Ridgeland salon.
The complaint charged Patterson with breach of contract and unfair competition, Watercolor asked the Court to enjoin Patterson and award $30,000 in liquidated damages.
The case was assigned to Madison County Chancellor Cynthia Brewer.
Judge Brewer pondered it all and denied an injunction against Patterson in August 2025. The Court held the injunction was not necessary to prevent "irreperable harm" and the "threatened injury to the plaintiff did not outweigh the harm to the defendant. However, Judge Brewer held the contract was binding and enforceable.
The Court decreed Patterson breached the non-compete clause and ordered her to pay liquidated damages of $30,000 as well as attorney's fees to Watercolor.
Judge Brewer denied Patterson's motion for reconsideration in December.
Attorneys Michael Anderson and Roy Lidell of Wells, Marble, & Hurst fame represented the plaintiff. Aisha Sanders, Esq. represented the defendant.
Kingfish note: Some may find the non-compete clause distasteful but a contract is a contract. Barbers, hairdressers, and stylists need to read what they sign before they sign it.
3 comments:
Anybody taking bets on whether she actually has $30k?
However, many noncompetes are not equitable and thus not enforceable under law.
Women are the most toxic creatures on the planet.
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