Addressing Concerns Regarding Recent Interactions and Tenancy Matters

Dear Park Square Landlord Team, Martin,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing on behalf of Selfology to address recent challenges concerning our tenancy at Unit 228. Our goal is to foster open communication and work collaboratively toward mutually beneficial solutions.

Acknowledgement of Payment Delays

We acknowledge that there have been delays in our rental payments. Despite these challenges, we have consistently made efforts to fulfill our financial obligations and have maintained regular payments. Again, we need to find time to reconcile the payments made as it has been picking up lately. Just like the mail-snafu, it is onerous to track. We are committed to resolving outstanding balances.

Operational Challenges and External Factors

Our operations have encountered obstacles, including interactions with the City of Vancouver’s Development Department. While we are not entirely certain of all the factors at play, these issues have impacted our business. We are actively seeking clarity and resolutions to mitigate any disruptions caused by these external challenges.

Concerns Regarding Recent Interactions

We wish to bring to your attention certain interactions with Lillian, a potential subtenant recommended by your representative, Martin Yeung, during our meeting on December 18, 2024. The meeting was intended to explore the possibility of subleasing additional rooms we currently occupy. However, specific remarks made during the conversation were perceived as dismissive and unprofessional. For instance:

• Premature Suggestions Without Understanding: Lillian suggested we dismiss our SWS (Selfology Wellness Spa) Sublet team members Brian and Grace and repurpose our Space J for foot massages before understanding our business operations. This approach demonstrates a lack of respect for our existing team structure and business model. We barely just met. She was also late, arriving at 4:24 PM without any apologies, and went straight into what is now understood as criticizing mode. We were startled. We didn’t even know it was her coming for the 4 PM appointment as, out of respect, we blocked that timeframe from appointments to wait to greet Martin, not knowing whom we were “showing” to. Please refer to Group SMS Data.Original Quote: “你們應該解雇你們的員工，然後把這個房間改成足療室。”^[1]
• Interruption During Introduction: She interrupted our introduction, stating, “我不需要聽這些，直接說重點。” (“I don’t need to hear this; just get to the point.”) This dismisses the importance of our perspective and undermines effective communication.Original Quote: “我不需要聽這些，直接說重點。”^[2]
• Dismissive Remark About Business Model: Lillian commented, “你們這種小生意很難長久。” (“Businesses like yours don’t last long.”) Such a statement is condescending and undermines the legitimacy and potential of our business. She even went on to suggest we keep only two of the rooms and leave the rest to her, circling back to her “investor” behavior and wishing to dismiss others and blatantly change the layout and all.Original Quote: “你們這種小生意很難長久。”^[3]
• Critique of Financial Management: She questioned, “如果你們連租金都付不起，為什麼還在經營？” (“If you can’t even afford the rent, why are you still operating?”) This comment is insensitive to the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in the current economic climate.Original Quote: “如果你們連租金都付不起，為什麼還在經營？”^[4]
• Condescending Advice: Lillian advised, “你們最好找個更有經驗的人來處理這些問題。” (“You’d better find someone more experienced to handle these issues.”) This remark questions our competence and is dismissive of our efforts to manage our business.Original Quote: “你們最好找個更有經驗的人來處理這些問題。”^[5]
• Questionable Managerial Experience: Lillian asserted her managerial experience, stating, “我有多年的管理經驗，你們應該聽從我的建議。” (“I have many years of managerial experience; you should follow my advice.”) However, she later admitted, “其實我沒有實際的運營經驗，只是負責管理。” (“In fact, I don’t have practical operational experience; I am only responsible for management.”) This inconsistency raises questions about the depth of her expertise and the appropriateness of her recommendations.Original Quotes: “我有多年的管理經驗，你們應該聽從我的建議。”^[6] and “其實我沒有實際的運營經驗，只是負責管理。”^[7]
• Language Barrier and Lack of Inclusivity: Throughout our interaction, Lillian communicated exclusively in Mandarin, stating, “我不會說英語，所以我們只能用中文交流。” (“I don’t speak English, so we can only communicate in Chinese.”) This language barrier posed significant challenges, especially considering the diverse linguistic capabilities of our team, and demonstrated a lack of inclusivity and adaptability in accommodating all parties involved. When I asked her if we needed to translate all of our material into Chinese for her, she confidently said yes, that would be a requirement “when” she joins.Original Quote: “我不會說英語，所以我們只能用中文交流。”^[8]

Such statements and behaviors have caused concern and have impacted our sense of mutual respect and collaboration.

Clarification on Subleasing Intentions

We appreciate the referral and understand that Lillian is a separate entity, not a representative of the landlord. However, after careful consideration, we have decided not to pursue this subleasing opportunity. Additionally, we are not interested in any investment from the same party, in line with our principles.

Commitment to Legal Compliance and Tenant Rights

We are dedicated to upholding our rights as commercial tenants, including the right to quiet enjoyment of the premises. According to the Commercial Tenancy Act of British Columbia, tenants are entitled to reasonable privacy and freedom from unreasonable disturbances.^[9]

We believe that addressing the current challenges collaboratively will help uphold these rights and maintain a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship.

Demonstrated Cooperation and Future Intentions

Over the years, we have demonstrated our willingness to cooperate and address any issues promptly. In light of recent events, such as the unexpected closure of Small Business BC, which reflects the challenging environment for small businesses today^[10], we are focusing on solutions that align with our business needs. We kindly refer you to our recent letter detailing our efforts and relationships with our VVIP clients.^[11] We are committed to resolving the current financial challenges and believe that, with mutual understanding and patience, we can overcome this temporary setback.

References for Context

For a more comprehensive understanding of our situation and the broader challenges faced by small businesses, we invite you to review the following resources:

• “A Letter of Gratitude and Update to Our Landlord”^[11]
• “Charting the Canadian Landscape: Small Businesses, Immigration, and the 45th Federal Election”^[12]
• “Strengthening Justice and Equity in BC: An Open Letter to the Law Foundation, Premier Eby, and People of British Columbia”^[13]
• “Rising Together: Selfology’s Pursuit of Justice and Equity in the Wrath of Ruthlessness”^[14]
• Insert title of reference 7 here^[15]

These documents provide insight into our experiences and the external factors influencing our operations.

Conclusion

We value our relationship and are eager to work together to address these challenges. While our recent endeavors, such as the summer’s efforts in signage and footstand research, were undertaken in good faith, we now find it essential to focus our energies inward. We trust in the grace of time and the strength of our plans, and we ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate this momentary financial ebb. With faith and perseverance, we believe that the Selfology story will continue to unfold beautifully, like a cherished storybook awaiting its next chapter.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Mx. Peter Tu
On behalf of Selfology Superfamily