Salon Spa W faces social media backlash over Ivanka Trump Facebook post

A popular hair salon and spa in the East Village of Des Moines is facing online criticism after the business got a visit from first daughter and presidential adviser Ivanka Trump.

Salon Spa W, located at 400 E. Locust St., Suite 2, said on its official Facebook page that the business styled Trump's hair before her public event Monday. Trump, who serves as assistant to her father, President Donald Trump, on Monday toured the Waukee school district's Aspiring Professional Experience program with Gov. Kim Reynolds.

"Our Monday kicked off with styling Ivanka Trump for her visit to Iowa! We ❤️ supporting women in politics," Salon Spa W's Facebook post read.

MORE: Ivanka Trump's Iowa visit emphasizes workforce development

The post, however, generated hundreds of comments and dozens of shares from customers threatening to take their business elsewhere.

"Just lost all my respect for this business and those who run it," one user's comment read. "You should know better."

"Nope. I’ll be calling tomorrow to have my client info deleted," another comment said. "This is so so very disappointing."

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China Wong, president of Salon Spa W, added a statement to the original post Tuesday afternoon, saying, "We believe everyone matters and deserves our indiscriminate care and kindness."

"We were taken aback by the response to the image of our Governor with Ivanka Trump who received services from our salon. We also recognize impact matters more than intent," the post read. "While we are not a partisan organization we do see it as part of our mission to welcome people to Des Moines and serve everyone. We share images of our clients, some that are recognizable public figures, to showcase our work."

Additionally in the statement, Wong notes the clientele the salon has previously worked with musicians, actors, Broadway stars, and even presidents-elect — like former President Barack Obama in 2012. The salon is located just a few blocks away from the Iowa State Capitol. 

"We proudly share our work and celebrate all of you because our purpose is making people look and feel beautiful," the post said.

Wong says responses have since shifted to positive and supportive.

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