- P
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HELP KEEP HAPPINESS ALIVE!
Long story short (but please read the long): We have to pay bills and we have to diversify if we want to make it through these ever-changing times. And with community support (even from a safe physical distance) I believe we can.
I know the story is the same for so many small businesses now. None of us can afford to remain closed and in some of our industries, we have no idea how we can afford to reopen. Hard decisions have to be made and no matter what, bills come due. Many of my team’s livelihoods have been upended and they will also need to find new ways to practice their craft and to make a living, myself included.
In light of the ever-changing guidelines for small businesses and especially due to the physical intimacy of what we do, there is no way Happiness can go back to the way we were for at least the rest of the summer. It wouldn’t be fiscally possible or socially responsible.
However, with a little effort from an awesome team, we can share Happiness far beyond the walls of our little retreat in all sorts of new ways. And though our clubhouse may no longer be used in the way it once was, it’s still a lovely Home Base for us to continue on this new path. We have enough room for safe, private lessons with our members 1 on 1 and in small groups and plenty of outdoor space for community classes. The best use of all for Happiness now is for shooting our online libraries and live classes.
Ironically, this being our 5th year in business, before the pandemic started, I had already begun investing in much of what we need to begin our video libraries and to expand our online presence. I knew it was where we were supposed to eventually go. Little did I know it was going to be the only way to go and it’s the only thing we have left that we can do with our work and our passion.
Switching everything about the way we used to operate will be an arduous task, but luckily, I feel we have most of the resources to succeed. Time is one resource we do not have and it’s an expensive one. We literally need to buy some time!
It’s always been just me running our little Retreat and I always managed to get the bills paid, but I never really worried so much about making money. My focus was on creating a community and sharing an idea and the energy that feeds that idea. I spent a lot of time trying to make Happiness a creative space, a space for free expression, sharing and learning and a safe and welcoming community for many of us who do not feel very safe or sometimes even welcome in many places. Now I have a lot of amazing members and a team who put their faith and energy in me and our Happiness Retreat and I don’t want to let them down.
With that in mind, I tried to be smart when I opened. I picked a tiny place with low overhead and lots of outdoor access. This could be the only saving grace for the future of Happiness Yoga retreat.
Our doors have been closed since March, so in good conscience I have not been able to collect dues, so very little income is coming in. I’ve managed to keep up through May, now I can barely cover utilities, insurance is coming due and I do not have any idea how I am going to make rent, especially as it begins to mount.
If we can raise $6000 it would pay the rent and major bills through September. This would keep us in the building and with the lights on, operating safely and legally (and avoiding eviction). If I can get us that far I'm confident we'll make it at least through the year.
During this time, we could work our little butts off, learning our new media platforms and compiling our content library. We will also have the needed time to acclimate our members to our new types of classes that will be more sustainable regardless of changing guidelines.
I believe so much in the awesome people that make up Happiness Yoga Retreat and what we all have to offer. If given a little time, I know we can succeed at this new endeavor.
For All Who Read This: Of course, this is a plea for your very appreciated donations, but I also appreciate any support, resources or guidance you have shared and can continue to share.
For as long as we can keep Happiness Yoga Retreat Alive, our space is always open for all of you caring, thoughtful and creative spirits who helped make it so.
Long story short (but please read the long): We have to pay bills and we have to diversify if we want to make it through these ever-changing times. And with community support (even from a safe physical distance) I believe we can.
I know the story is the same for so many small businesses now. None of us can afford to remain closed and in some of our industries, we have no idea how we can afford to reopen. Hard decisions have to be made and no matter what, bills come due. Many of my team’s livelihoods have been upended and they will also need to find new ways to practice their craft and to make a living, myself included.
In light of the ever-changing guidelines for small businesses and especially due to the physical intimacy of what we do, there is no way Happiness can go back to the way we were for at least the rest of the summer. It wouldn’t be fiscally possible or socially responsible.
However, with a little effort from an awesome team, we can share Happiness far beyond the walls of our little retreat in all sorts of new ways. And though our clubhouse may no longer be used in the way it once was, it’s still a lovely Home Base for us to continue on this new path. We have enough room for safe, private lessons with our members 1 on 1 and in small groups and plenty of outdoor space for community classes. The best use of all for Happiness now is for shooting our online libraries and live classes.
Ironically, this being our 5th year in business, before the pandemic started, I had already begun investing in much of what we need to begin our video libraries and to expand our online presence. I knew it was where we were supposed to eventually go. Little did I know it was going to be the only way to go and it’s the only thing we have left that we can do with our work and our passion.
Switching everything about the way we used to operate will be an arduous task, but luckily, I feel we have most of the resources to succeed. Time is one resource we do not have and it’s an expensive one. We literally need to buy some time!
It’s always been just me running our little Retreat and I always managed to get the bills paid, but I never really worried so much about making money. My focus was on creating a community and sharing an idea and the energy that feeds that idea. I spent a lot of time trying to make Happiness a creative space, a space for free expression, sharing and learning and a safe and welcoming community for many of us who do not feel very safe or sometimes even welcome in many places. Now I have a lot of amazing members and a team who put their faith and energy in me and our Happiness Retreat and I don’t want to let them down.
With that in mind, I tried to be smart when I opened. I picked a tiny place with low overhead and lots of outdoor access. This could be the only saving grace for the future of Happiness Yoga retreat.
Our doors have been closed since March, so in good conscience I have not been able to collect dues, so very little income is coming in. I’ve managed to keep up through May, now I can barely cover utilities, insurance is coming due and I do not have any idea how I am going to make rent, especially as it begins to mount.
If we can raise $6000 it would pay the rent and major bills through September. This would keep us in the building and with the lights on, operating safely and legally (and avoiding eviction). If I can get us that far I'm confident we'll make it at least through the year.
During this time, we could work our little butts off, learning our new media platforms and compiling our content library. We will also have the needed time to acclimate our members to our new types of classes that will be more sustainable regardless of changing guidelines.
I believe so much in the awesome people that make up Happiness Yoga Retreat and what we all have to offer. If given a little time, I know we can succeed at this new endeavor.
For All Who Read This: Of course, this is a plea for your very appreciated donations, but I also appreciate any support, resources or guidance you have shared and can continue to share.
For as long as we can keep Happiness Yoga Retreat Alive, our space is always open for all of you caring, thoughtful and creative spirits who helped make it so.
Organizer and beneficiary
Angelina Ruggirello
Beneficiary