Save Beyond Bricks
Donation protected
We have thought long and hard about going public with our unfortunate circumstances and as a last ditch effort, we’ve decided to share with you our current business struggles.
We have worked so very hard to build our business and offer an outlet for creative play in our community, but in the spirit of transparency, we want to let you know that we have been trying since September to re-negotiate the terms of our lease. We had pie in the sky eyes when we moved forward with a prime real-estate location as a brand new start-up and guys, that was a bad move on our part. Now that’s not to say that business hasn’t been good because we are thrilled with our year one sales, but it’s just not enough to keep us afloat given our extremely high overhead expenses.
We have been unsuccessful in re-negotiating the terms of our lease and we are simply unable to survive as a local small business in New Town under our current lease agreement. So here’s the cold and ugly truth: we are $20,000 in arrears. (Yes, you read that right. Rent really is THAT high in our space.) The landlord is in agreement that this is just not the best spot for us, but in order to continue negotiating so that we can be released from our lease and able to find a smaller, more affordable location, we need to pay towards our outstanding balance and set aside funds for upcoming expenses.
We have reached out to so many, including JCC Economic Development Authority and SBA, and we’ve simply been unable to secure tangible support these past few months. Since we offer such a unique year-round outlet for families, we really hoped local organizations would offer support. But they haven't, so now we are putting our pride aside and reaching out to you. Please know that this isn’t just a run of the mill business—this is our family we are looking out for and we so want this to work out. We have big dreams and goals and have learned so much this past year. But, we’ve completely depleted our personal savings and maxed out our business line of credit- because when push comes to shove, that’s just what you do when you believe in something and you’re doing everything you can to make it work.
Many of you know how hard we work this business, both in the playroom and behind the scenes. We’re hopeful that you’ll help us spread the word and help save our family business. No amount is too small, so please consider donating. Please also understand that any contribution is not tax-deductible, but know that you’re helping a local family stay in business and provide support and stability for our children. We cherish all of you as our customers and cannot thank you enough for the support and encouragement you’ve shown our family.
With deep gratitude,
Daniel & Adrienne Smith
We have worked so very hard to build our business and offer an outlet for creative play in our community, but in the spirit of transparency, we want to let you know that we have been trying since September to re-negotiate the terms of our lease. We had pie in the sky eyes when we moved forward with a prime real-estate location as a brand new start-up and guys, that was a bad move on our part. Now that’s not to say that business hasn’t been good because we are thrilled with our year one sales, but it’s just not enough to keep us afloat given our extremely high overhead expenses.
We have been unsuccessful in re-negotiating the terms of our lease and we are simply unable to survive as a local small business in New Town under our current lease agreement. So here’s the cold and ugly truth: we are $20,000 in arrears. (Yes, you read that right. Rent really is THAT high in our space.) The landlord is in agreement that this is just not the best spot for us, but in order to continue negotiating so that we can be released from our lease and able to find a smaller, more affordable location, we need to pay towards our outstanding balance and set aside funds for upcoming expenses.
We have reached out to so many, including JCC Economic Development Authority and SBA, and we’ve simply been unable to secure tangible support these past few months. Since we offer such a unique year-round outlet for families, we really hoped local organizations would offer support. But they haven't, so now we are putting our pride aside and reaching out to you. Please know that this isn’t just a run of the mill business—this is our family we are looking out for and we so want this to work out. We have big dreams and goals and have learned so much this past year. But, we’ve completely depleted our personal savings and maxed out our business line of credit- because when push comes to shove, that’s just what you do when you believe in something and you’re doing everything you can to make it work.
Many of you know how hard we work this business, both in the playroom and behind the scenes. We’re hopeful that you’ll help us spread the word and help save our family business. No amount is too small, so please consider donating. Please also understand that any contribution is not tax-deductible, but know that you’re helping a local family stay in business and provide support and stability for our children. We cherish all of you as our customers and cannot thank you enough for the support and encouragement you’ve shown our family.
With deep gratitude,
Daniel & Adrienne Smith
Organizer
Adrienne Smith
Organizer
Williamsburg, VA