It’s hard to put this year into words. 2024 has been intense, emotional, exhausting, and deeply fulfilling all at once. When Alexi and I started DFW Young & Social, we never imagined we’d be here, running a community that’s grown into something so much bigger than us. This wasn’t just a year of milestones. It was a year of laying everything on the line, taking risks, and facing moments that made us question if we could keep going.

But through it all one thing kept us grounded, all of you, our members and participants. Every person who has walked through our doors, who joined a class, and shared their story with us, reminds us why we’re doing this. You’ve turned our vision into something real…something alive, and for that, I can’t thank you enough.

Building Something Bigger Than Us

As you know we opened 4,720 sq. ft. club space, and it was absolutely terrifying. We didn’t just take a risk; we jumped in headfirst without knowing if we’d hit solid ground. And let me tell you, this space has been a massive investment, not just financially, but emotionally and physically. From building a 2,500 sq. ft. dance floor with the help of some amazing friends, (thank you, Rusty, Rachel, Esther, Alex, and Allison!) to very long days and much more, we’ve poured our hearts into this place.

And I’ll be fully transparent; we don’t know if we’ll ever break even. And honestly? That’s okay. This wasn’t about turning a profit. For us, this was about creating a place where barriers come down and people can truly meet one another. To be vulnerable, let their creativity thrive, and for a moment have life feels just a little lighter. What I’m getting at is we want a place where people can just be themselves; and every time I see someone participate and light up, I know we made the right call.

That’s one of the reasons we started taking bigger risks with our classes and events as well. We went from hosting 20 familiar, low risk events a month. To now over 60, with different instructors, in areas we have no prior experience in. And honestly? I’m so glad we did; it’s been both incredible and overwhelming. Whether it was adding more dance classes, or introducing unique crafting workshops and free fitness classes. Alexi, our wonderful instructors and I have pushed ourselves to create more opportunities for everyone. All to reach our goal of creating a variety of offering and keep events accessible, because we believe building connections should never be out of reach due to cost.

The Hard Parts

But let me be real with y’all: it hasn’t been easy. There were moments this year that broke us. Running a highly complex, mission driven business while juggling a full-time job, and family commitments has pushed us to our absolute limits. There were nights when I would collapse into bed at 2am, only to wake up at 7am and do it all over again. And to be frank, some weekends, I didn’t know if we could pull it off. But it wasn’t just the physical exhaustion either, there were emotional hurdles too. We had to ban members this year who didn’t respect the values we’ve worked so hard to build; And we take it very seriously; ensuring we get significant evidence, first person testimony, and leave very little room to make a mistake. We have been and will continue to be dedicated and diligent in ensuring this continues to be a safe space.

Financially speaking, there are weeks where events don’t pan out how we had hoped, and we need to get creative to absorb the costs. Every month is like walking a tightrope, making sure we keep things running efficiently while ensuring we don’t compromise on the values that matter most to DFW Young & Social.

There are times when we asked ourselves, How much more can we give? How much more do we have left? But, each time something beautiful happened, almost serendipitously. Someone would give us a thank-you card that would make us cry. An unsolicited message from a member telling us they finally found their people here. Or someone saying that DFW Young & Social gave them the courage to step out of their comfort zone. Those moments are everything. They’re what keep us going when the road feels impossible. They remind us that this isn’t just about events and classes. It is about y’all, the lives we’re a part of, and the connections each of us make. That’s what makes it all worth it.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, I feel a mix of hope and determination. In January, we’re launching The Sunday Hangout, our take on a 3rd space experience where people can show up as they are; whether that is to work on a project, play some board games, or just socialize. This experiment will go through mid-March, and we will evaluate it closer to the end of Q1. We’re also partnering with a local business to do monthly meet and greets/hang outs like we used to, and hopefully have some open play pickleball at the same time. Lastly, we will be testing a new dance model that starts with a 30-minute foundations class followed by a beginner class and then an intermediate level class. We will look at which dance style will be benefit from this and launch it in February. Our thought process behind all of these changes, is to make it even more accessible for people to socialize while doing an activity, and I can’t wait to see how these ideas come to life over the next few months.

On a personal note, Alexi and I are gearing up for our little one coming this March. We are expecting a baby boy, and we’re both very excited! Balancing this incredible community with raising a child will be an adjustment, but I promise, we’re not going anywhere. You might only see only one of us at a time for a while but do not worry, we’re committed to continuing this journey. And more than likely you all will meet our little one at a future event, tuxedo onesie and all.

Any who, to wrap this all up with a bow, 2024 has been one of the hardest years of our lives. It’s also been one of the most meaningful. To every single one of you who has supported us, shared your stories, and been part of this community: thank you. You’ve reminded us why we do this, and you’ve given us the strength to keep going.

Here’s to another year of building something extraordinary together. Stay curious, stay compassionate, and keep exploring my friends.