Charlotte women's entrepreneur company under investigation

When Meredith Kyle started in sales at Coterie Company, a business meant to support women entrepreneurs, she thought it was her dream job.

Kyle said she was promised commission and a salary, but she never saw a cent.

"I started making a commission. I got one of the checks and then I got a big promotion. It meant I got to go to salary and I never saw another dime after that," Kyle said.

Kyle started at Coterie last August, and she was living with her parents to make ends meet.

Kyle said she was behind on bills and on her student loans.

"I sold some blood plasma just to get some bills paid," she said.

By January 2017, Kyle filed a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Labor against the company and its founder, Joanna Bailey.

Kyle said the last straw for her was when she saw Bailey buy Christmas presents for her family while her employees received nothing.

Kyle said the state made Bailey agree to pay her $12,000 out of the $20,000 she had worked for.

A payment plan was set up so she could receive checks from Bailey.

"I did get three months of payments the state set up then this month she just didn't pay anymore," she said.

Kyle has only seen $1,500.

On Friday, she has a meeting scheduled with the state to figure out the next steps.

The Department of Labor told Channel 9 that five former employees filed complaints against the company and Bailey.

The state said three cases are still pending.

In March, Channel 9 interviewed Bailey at an event she held for International Women's Day.

Kyle said her experience has been difficult, but it hasn't changed the way she thinks about women in business.

"I hope someone comes in and is able to tap in and help the women in that market but Joanna, she's not the person," said Kyle.

The Department of Labor said the investigation is expected to wrap up in a few months.

A spokesperson did say there will be a closing conference this week with employees who filed the complaints.

Channel 9 reached out to Bailey for a comment, but she has not returned our calls or emails.

Cox Media Group