"For the past two years, I have developed the product line in Partnership with John Barrett," wrote Chris Hayes recently in a letter to friends. "John agreed that I was a partner in the business and that I would receive my equity once the product hit stores. John presented himself as a man of his word – and unfortunately I believed him."

That, as we already know, was Mistake Numero Uno for Hayes, who worked with Barrett, pictured, to launch the hair care line Elementage (now featured on Barrett's website), only to find himself shut out from the project once he secured distribution and Barrett's product hit shelves.

The entirely of Hayes' letter is posted after the jump, and includes nuggets like, "Many of you warned me about working with John Barrett and pointed out that he has been involved in numerous well publicized lawsuits. I ignored your advice and decided to pursue the business partnership – which was a mistake." Trusting business partners? Lame!

Dear friends,

As you read this letter, you're probably thinking — Chris I told you so! And, if you are thinking that, you're absolutely right!

Many of you warned me about working with John Barrett and pointed out that he has been involved in numerous well publicized lawsuits. I ignored your advice and decided to pursue the business partnership – which was a mistake.

My Side of the Story

At this point, I am writing to provide you with my side of the story.

For the past two years, I have developed the product line in Partnership with John Barrett. John agreed that I was a partner in the business and that I would receive my equity once the product hit stores.

John presented himself as a man of his word – and unfortunately I believed him.

I handled every detail of launching the Elementage line from start to finish – including creating the name Elementage, developing the product formulas, overseeing manufacturing and arranging very hard to get distribution deals.

In December 2007, I successfully launched the line and secured distribution. However, once the product hit the shelves, everything changed.

Suddenly, I was completely shut out and told that I was no longer needed. This obviously came as a complete shock!

I have tried on numerous times to settle this amicably, but John continues to bully myself and many of you.

I'm confident that I will move past this – and be stronger as well as smarter about who I start a business with in the future.

For now, thank you for taking the time to read my letter and thank you for your continued support! I'm looking forward to continuing our positive working relationship.

Sincerely,

Chris Hayes