Nail technician claims she turned down last-minute appointment with Cardi B to remain ‘loyal’ to her regular clients – but critics say she ‘missed a huge opportunity’

A nail technician has sparked fierce debate online after she refused to cancel her clients’ appointments to make space for Cardi B.

Taya Hawkins, from Los Angeles, claimed that she was contacted by the American rapper’s team last month to book her in for a last-minute appointment. 

However, the small business owner – who boasts 85,000 Instagram followers – said she didn’t want to let her existing clients down. 

In her Instagram bio, Taya explicitly states that she does not offer same day appointments and that her bookings open on the first day of every month.

After turning down the opportunity, the nail technician justified her decision on X – which was previously known as Twitter. 

Pictured: American rapper Cardi B seen attending Fendi’s Fall/Winter show in Paris earlier this year

She wrote: ‘People are so mad I didn’t take the Cardi B opportunity today because I decided to service my already booked clients.

‘Y’ALL HAVE TO UNDERSTAND, MY clients deserve to be serviced.’ 

What’s more, the businesswoman revealed that she has previously worked with celebrities – but didn’t think it was worth the hassle.

Taya added: ‘I’ve canceled before for a celebrity and regret it because I lost those clients. I’m loyal to the soil.’

Since she posted the comments last week, Taya’s tweet has been viewed by over 522,000 users and racked up hundreds of replies.

One supporter said: ‘I feel you on that. Unless a celeb is actually tagging you in your work and helping you gain more clients there’s no reason to lose your loyal ones.’ 

In response, Taya added: ‘They’ll tag you in that one Instagram Story, then poof – it’s gone.’ 

Another added: ‘I respect this so much, people be ready to drop everything for a celebrity.’

Since she posted the comments last week, Taya’s tweet has been viewed by over 522,000 users and racked up hundreds of replies

‘This is extremely professional,’ a third said. ‘It’s not like they’re going to post your work or promote you like your regulars will… stay solid.’ 

A fourth fan wrote: ‘Love that for you! You will go far. Your clients are your celebrities because they keep you paid in the long run. Cardi could be a one time deal.’ 

However, others pointed out that Cardi’s endorsement could have given Taya’s business a huge amount of promotion – as the star boasts 168m followers.

One critic said: ‘I don’t know, you don’t think that could’ve brought on more clients???’

Another asked: ‘How do you know Cardi wouldn’t have became a regular or started flying you out to do them ? Could have been a lot of bigger opportunities.’

Opening up about her previous experience with celebrities, Taya said: ‘Some feel like they don’t need to pay. Some feel that it’s only reasonable for a promo. 

‘My last huge celebrity experience was trash. my time was wasted and I hated every moment. That’s how I know celebrities aren’t my target audience.’

After her tweet went viral, Taya said she would ‘love’ to do Cardi’s nails in the future but said that she couldn’t make it work on this occasion.

She added: ‘Tuesday just wasn’t my time and would be honored to get the chance again. This was not for clout, this was for me to show my loyalty to my clients. I rest my case, once again.’

After screenshots of Taya’s tweets were posted on the Instagram account @theneighbourhoodtalk, Cardi B wrote in the comments: ‘GIRL, WHO ARE YOU?’