What It Takes to Keep DFW Young & Social Going
Many people lately have been asking, “How much does it really cost to keep DFW Young & Social running? How does it all stay afloat?” These are fair questions, and I believe in being open and honest about what it takes to sustain this community.
As said many times before Alexi and I didn’t start DFW Young & Social to make a profit or build a business empire. We started it because we saw a need—a space where people could meet, connect, and feel like they belong. And while we’ve built something incredible together, it’s not without its challenges.
Today, I want to take a moment to share what goes on behind the scenes. Not for sympathy or applause, but because this community exists because of all of you. Understanding the “how” is part of being in this together.
The Cost of Keeping the Lights On
Here’s the reality: every month, it costs us about $6,200 just to cover the basics.
Rent: $5,100 (rising to $5,400 in March)
Utilities: $200
Property Taxes: $561
Internet: $70
Website Hosting, Email, Music & Software Licenses: $179
Business Insurance: $55
And that’s before we even think about materials for events, like crafting supplies or concessions. Those costs vary, but they’re an essential part of making our events fun, engaging, and accessible.
With all these costs we’ve worked hard to keep everything affordable, but free events—while vital to our mission—don’t pay for themselves. Each one costs around $150 to host, and even with donations, they typically bring in $50-$60. Without the revenue from paid activities, these events wouldn’t be possible.
How We Fund It All
I’m not going to sugar coat it because they deserve their recognition. Dance classes are the backbone of our operations, making up more than 70% of our revenue. They’re the reason we can host free socials, fitness classes, and crafting nights. But beyond dance, every little bit helps—whether it’s concessions, space rentals, or sponsorships. The events you attend, the friends you bring, the posts you share—they all play a role in keeping DFW Young & Social alive.
December reminded us of how fragile this balance can be. It was the first month we didn’t break even, and while we have reserves for slow months, those reserves aren’t endless.
Personal Sacrifices
Running this community isn’t just a financial commitment—it’s a very large time commitment. Alexi and I have never taken a paycheck from the club. Every dollar earned goes back into making this space what it is, supplemented with our own time (50-60 hours weekly for me and 40-50 for Alexi), energy, and resources. Our weeks are long, our schedules packed, but we do it because we believe in what this community stands for.
For reference here’s a very average breakdown of my week:
Monday–Thursday:
Morning (6:30am–7:10am): Up early and out the door to my full-time job.
Day (7:10am–3:30pm): Working my 9-to-5 job, balancing meetings, coding, or project deadlines.
Afternoon (3:30pm–4:45pm): A quick break at home—sometimes catching up on chores, meal prepping and other times working on club needs like social media posts or schedules.
Evening (4:45pm–9:30pm): At the space—cleaning, setting up, and prepping for events. While Alexi teaches or hosts, I handle marketing, planning, logistics, or backend operations.
Friday:
Morning (8:00am–5:00pm): A later start but more flexible since it is my fully remote day. I’m still balancing work meetings, catching up on chores, or preparing for upcoming events.
Evening (5:00pm–Midnight): Three times a month we are at the space, hosting events and wrapping up late into the night.
Saturday:
Morning (7:00am–8:15am): Early start to get to the space.
Day (8:15am–Evening): Setting up and managing events for most of the day. At the same time I’m working on everything that happens in the background for the business.
It’s exhausting, yes—but it’s also deeply rewarding. Moments like a heartfelt thank-you card, someone sharing they found their people here, or a new member lighting up with joy remind us why we do this. This work is personal, and it’s fueled by the belief that what we’re building together truly matters.
How You Can Help
This community is built on the incredible support of its members—people like you who believe in creating spaces for connection, creativity, and joy. We’re here to invite you to continue being part of something bigger by supporting DFW Young & Social in whatever way feels right for you.
Here are a few ways you can support us:
Show Up: Attend a paid class or event. Every ticket purchased helps fund the free events that bring people together.
Spread the Word: Share our events, invite your friends, or leave a review. Your voice is one of the most powerful ways to grow this community.
Donate Directly: Even a small donation can make a huge difference. Every dollar goes directly into hosting events, maintaining the space, and ensuring we can keep offering free and affordable opportunities.
Volunteer Your Time: Whether it’s helping set up an event or sharing your skills, your time and effort mean the world to us.
Looking Ahead
We’re committed to keeping DFW Young & Social alive and thriving for the foreseeable future. This community has always been about connection and collaboration, and your support is what makes it all possible.
Thank you for being part of this, for believing in what we’re building, and for helping us turn DFW Young & Social into something truly special.
