In her response to Bierer's complaint, Manzella said she was surprised to learn that licensed cosmetologists were forbidden from offering their services in homes. After learning that home visits were illegal, Manzella said she edited her post to say unlicensed because she didn’t want any licensed professional to compromise their business.

Manzella blamed the fear created by the current COVID-19 shutdown for the Facebook exchange.

“Sadly, there are many people who are living in fear due to COVID-19; fear for their health, fear for their livelihoods, and fear of their government, and they seem more easily triggered because of it,” Manzella wrote. “I choose faith, judgment to mitigate the risks, and personal responsibility over fear.”

Manzella said she would have been happy to have a civil discussion with Bierer about the governor’s directive, but said Bierer made multiple derogatory comments. Manzella said she blocked Bierer on her Facebook page and did make one “stupid” post on Bierer’s page that she now regrets.