News Summary
Alaysia Barton Cooper, a woman from Knoxville, is facing serious allegations of scamming multiple brides and new mothers out of thousands by posing as a doula and wedding makeup artist. Victims have reported losing significant amounts of money after hiring her, often left without services or refunds. With multiple complaints filed and legal action taken against her, Cooper’s allegedly deceptive practices have caused emotional distress among the victims. Authorities continue to struggle to locate her as more details emerge about her background and past certification.
KNOXVILLE – A woman from Knoxville is facing serious allegations of scamming multiple brides and new mothers out of thousands of dollars by posing as a doula and wedding makeup artist. Women across Tennessee and North Carolina have reported significant financial losses after hiring Alaysia Barton Cooper, with some claiming they were left abandoned just days before their weddings or shortly after childbirth.
Victims have come forward detailing their experiences, highlighting a troubling pattern where Cooper accepted deposits or full payments but subsequently canceled services, often without providing refunds. Six individuals shared their accounts in an investigation, revealing that many had difficulty reaching Cooper for explanations after she failed to show up or canceled at the last moment.
Talisa Roach is one victim who paid nearly $2,000 for wedding makeup services. She was left without recourse weeks before her wedding when Cooper canceled and ceased all communications. Roach learned of Cooper’s allegedly deceptive practices through a Facebook post made by another bride, warning potential clients against hiring her. Another victim, Sarah Harvey, experienced similar problems when she also prepaid for makeup services, only to have her calls ignored and promises of refunds unfulfilled.
Schylar Hardin reported an even more distressing experience. After paying $825 for makeup services for her wedding scheduled in March, Cooper notified her just hours before the ceremony that she was in the hospital and would not be able to attend. Hardin only received her refund after inquiries were made by authorities, further underscoring Cooper’s erratic behavior.
Another client, Amanda Powell, hired Cooper as a doula for $3,000. Powell expressed disappointment and frustration with Cooper’s unreliability, noting that she missed multiple scheduled shifts. Following the inadequate service and lack of refunds, Powell also filed a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
Reports indicate that multiple women have reported similar negative experiences with Cooper. The victims have taken to social media to share their stories and warn others of potential financial pitfalls when engaging Cooper’s services. In addition to the complaints, Kelsey Pickering has taken legal action against Cooper, winning a default judgment for $1,100 in Knox County General Sessions Court after Cooper failed to appear in court.
Cooper’s certification as a doula from Montana Birth and Midwifery Services reportedly lapsed four years ago, which has raised further concerns about her qualifications. The organization described the allegations against her as “troubling.” A local doula, Crystal Shields, expressed her disbelief at Cooper’s actions, stating that responsible doulas typically issue refunds when issues arise.
Authorities have faced challenges in locating Cooper, who is linked to various addresses, including a potential residence in Nashville. Despite the mounting allegations against her, Cooper has not been criminally charged. In her defense, she claims that the allegations are incomplete and defamatory, attributing service delays to personal health issues. She also cited difficulties with the Square payment application, claiming it hindered her ability to process refunds.
Recent records indicate that Cooper has also been sued by Discover Card for over $2,600 due to unpaid charges, which she asserts are unrelated to her business activities. Although aware of a court order to issue refunds, Cooper has yet to fulfill the payment or engage in any negotiations with affected clients, including the Pickering family.
The victims have shared the emotional toll that being abandoned during such significant life events has taken on them, describing their experiences as both devastating and disillusioning. As these allegations continue to unfold, many are left wondering how many others might have been affected.
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Scamming Allegations Against Knoxville Doula and Makeup Artist
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Brides and Mothers Out Thousands After Booking Knoxville Doula
- Wikipedia: Doula
- WBIR: 10News Investigates Brides and New Mothers Financial Losses
- Google Search: Doula Scam Victims
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doula
- Google News: Knoxville Doula Scam
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
