
Going through a rough patch
Donation protected
Hi,
Many people know me, I am Sara Fraire. I am a mother of 3 amazing boys, and new grandmother to 2 cool kids. I am also owner of STEPS dance studio for the past 17 years. I have been a figure in many kids lives for as long as I can remember, loving every moment and doing my best to give them every opportunity in my power. For my own kids and many others as well. This has always been my dream, and I feel purpose in life. I am known as a Dancer/Dance teacher. That has always been my identity.
These past few years have been incredibly challenging for me. Emotionally and physically. With my body giving out, and personal issues at home, I have had to reach out to others to help support my business, in hopes to take more of an administrative role. And I have been lucky to have very talented young women step into the creative role and provide amazing education to our dancers. Our program should be thriving.
This is not the case. Business has been struggling due to many factors. Competitive prices and lack of families able to register due to economic setbacks. Dance is usually the first cut back. The rising energy cost to keep lights on and Air conditioning running during California heat. Every attempt to save business has been a slow climb to stay afloat since Covid shutdowns. But nonetheless, I have done as much as possible to continue this program for these young, talented dancers, and their budding teachers.
The costs associated with this has exhausted my abilities and have not been able to pay myself for years as a result.
This has affected my ability to care for my family as well. I am now in an incredible debt being a single income household for several years. Since Right before Covid hit really. Some close friends and family know, many do not, as it is my personality to protect the image of others and put myself last. But it is now time to think only of my family and kids and admit I have been the only person paying bills to support my children and household since 2019. And I have suffered through it. It has taken a toll on me, and keeping the secret has not benefited at all. I have taken out multiple loans, sought assistance from the government, budgeted, budgeted and did more budgeting to make sure family and business did not suffer from my lack of personal funds or help. Many know I am now going through a divorce due to many factors, and recently imbalance of support has come forefront as a main issue. Attorney fees had been added to budget. And that is not cheap, but an absolute requirement due to the circumstances of my family's personal situation.
I did my best to keep up the image that I was keeping it all together, out of professional embarrassment. It was a balancing act of timing my ability to pay off one loan in time to take out another, to cover household expenses. Now I am making myself embrace the embarrassment so I may put the needs of my kids first. I have to keep the lights on and keep the vehicle so I may work and provide and give them their best life. The world has a common false idea that dance studio owners make a lot of money, because of how expensive dance is. This is not true as we are only the in-between point of contact for most dance expenses. Competition, Conventions, and Costumes companies make a huge profit. We do not. I have had to pay for myself for travel expenses, attendance to events, and association fees to give these opportunities. And I travel with my family as well. It is the dues paid to the studio that support the business. When enrollment is low, or families quit or become default in payment, I need to come up with the money to keep operations going for those that are there. This is where the multiple loans helped...at first. I have sold off Costumes, offered discounts, and attempted to collect debts owed. Still, rising costs both personal and professional did not balance.
Well it has caught up. I am no longer able to do it alone, and am reaching out for those who know me, my children, or care for us in any way to help. I am looking for jobs currently, with no success. But am trying to remain positive. I am likely closing down shop soon, as I am actively trying to find full-time employment and benefits for myself and my children. I have to put them first. I hate to have to entertain the idea of not being a dance teacher/studio owner, but it has become inevitable. I am hoping to find someone to buy the business and keep the dreams alive for the children who attend.
Personally, I need to keep the lights on and provide for my children. Food, Home, Energy, and water are a must. I have been able to manage to make it work for many years, alone, with help from my 1 parent when able, but that phase has come to an end.
PGE alone has climbed to 1700, vehicle loan at $600 monthly, internet, groceries and gas are outrageous! And I currently do not receive even child support or qualify for government food aid (due to their error of overpayment during Covid relief. That I am now asked to pay back. They have already garnished my wages to pay half of it and will likely take the other half from this year's taxes) I do not have any support.
The secret is embarrassingly out. I have failed and am doing everything I can think of to get back on top.
Thank you.
Organizer
Sara Fraire
Organizer
Merced, CA