HOUSTON — A Houston business that almost missed the opportunity of a lifetime due to ongoing mail delays at Houston-area processing centers is getting help from United Airlines.
Since 2019, Houston's Nap Bar has evolved and grown. So much so, that the company, owned by Khaliah Guillory, was presented with an opportunity to be a part of this year's Grammys in Los Angeles.
Her product will be a part of the gift bags given to performers and presenters.
She originally mailed out samples of her product to the Grammys on Jan. 10, but they never arrived due to the ongoing mail delays at two Houston-area processing centers. The deadline to deliver the package was Jan. 13. Luckily, the Grammys gave her an extension, but her box remained stuck at the USPS sorting facility in north Houston. It finally arrived in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 29.
"After the week I've had, being stressed about the package that just got delivered that should have been delivered on the 13th, this was just the icing on the cake," Guillory said.
Guillory decided to take matters into her own hands and hand deliver the additional 175 boxes of product to the Grammys.
The business owner's story caught the attention of United Airlines, which is now waiving the cost of 10 additional pieces of luggage Guillory can take on her flight that leaves Wednesday morning.
Because of this, she'll save more than $1,000.
"They really, truly care, and they get the struggles that come with entrepreneurship, and they will forever be attached to my legacy and my Grammy story, forever," Guillory said. "I can't even articulate the amount of gratitude that I have and the amount of appreciation that I have."
In a statement sent to KHOU 11 News, the airline said in part, "As Houston’s hometown airline, United is happy to support Khalilah’s journey to the Grammys. Our commitment to the Houston community goes beyond safely flying our customers where they want, when they want."
Guillory thanked KHOU 11 News for our continuing coverage on the postal problems.
She said in part, "I’m overwhelmed with all the love. Thank you all for advocating on my behalf. It means more than you’ll ever know."
Read United Airlines' full statement below:
“As Houston’s hometown airline, United is happy to support Khalilah’s journey to the Grammys. Our commitment to the Houston community goes beyond safely flying our customers where they want, when they want. We take pride in showcasing that “Good Leads The Way" by supporting our customers through every aspect of their travel journey. When our team became aware of Khalilah’s unforeseen circumstances and the need to transport her products to Los Angeles, we got in touch and sponsored her bag costs. This recent example exemplifies the exceptional level of customer service that we extend to all who fly United.” Phil Griffith, Vice President of Airport Operations, United Airlines
Guillory is just one of thousands of people who have reached out to KHOU about the mail delay problems. Another business KHOU has been in contact with said they’re now thinking about making trips to Dallas and shipping their items from there.
Since December, KHOU has been following the mail delays impacting people across the Greater Houston area. From collectible cards to wedding dresses and vital medication, KHOU was the first station to report on the problems and worked to find solutions.
Are you having issues with the post office? Send an email to mailproblems@khou.com and let us know. You can see our coverage of delays at Houston-area USPS processing centers on KHOU.com/PostalProblems.