A Sacramento resident has taken legal action against a local beauty institute, accusing the institution of discriminatory practices and multiple legal violations. Nnamdi Travis Mbachu filed a complaint on August 12, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, against Grace Federico, Inc., doing business as Federico Beauty Institute. The lawsuit alleges that the defendant engaged in discriminatory conduct by refusing to enroll Mbachu in its cosmetology program and failing to adhere to its own admissions policies.
The plaintiff, Nnamdi Travis Mbachu, claims that his attempt to enroll at Federico Beauty Institute was thwarted by arbitrary demands and discriminatory practices. According to the complaint, Mbachu was assured by an admissions representative named Serena Policarpio that he would be enrolled on the same day he arrived with the necessary documents. However, upon arrival at the institute on August 12, 2025, he was denied enrollment based on a requirement for a “Multiple School Attendance Letter of Explanation,” which he argues did not apply to him as per the institution’s written policy. This demand was allegedly used as a pretext to block his enrollment unjustly.
Mbachu further contends that his attempts to resolve the issue through follow-up communications were ignored by the defendant. He asserts that this refusal to address his concerns led to economic loss, delayed vocational licensing opportunities, and emotional distress. The complaint outlines several causes of action including violations of the Unruh Civil Rights Act and Title IX sex and gender discrimination laws. It also accuses Federico Beauty Institute of unfair competition under California’s Business and Professions Code §17200 due to misrepresentations regarding enrollment procedures.
In seeking justice from the court, Mbachu is requesting various forms of relief including compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress and reputational harm. He also seeks injunctive relief requiring Federico Beauty Institute to train its staff on nondiscrimination policies and comply with its published admissions policies. Additionally, Mbachu demands statutory damages where applicable and restitution under unfair competition laws.
The case is currently unassigned but will be heard in Sacramento County where both parties are located. Representing himself in this matter without an attorney (pro se), Nnamdi Travis Mbachu stands firm in his allegations against Grace Federico Inc., DBA Federico Beauty Institute.
Source: 25CV024846_Nnamdi_Travis_v_Grace_Federicoe_Complaint_County_of_Sacramento_California.pdf
