My name is Marissa. I started Real Rhythm Dance and Fitness in 2017 with the goal of creating a space in North Jersey that allowed adults to dance, prioritize movement as a way to feel good, find community, and truly be themselves.

Over the past 8 years, I've been able to grow a beautiful, authentic community where so many women have improved their dance skills, confidence, mental health, and overall well-being. However, the last 5 years have been extremely challenging, and I am now in a place where I don't know how much longer I can sustain running a business by myself with very little support. Due to the whirlwind of events, challenges, and economic changes over the last 2 years specifically, sales have not been consistent. We've lost many clients and members due to various reasons, but we've continued to push through and show up for our community as best as we could.

While many people have found a home within the space I created in order to find stress relief, joy, and support, I have struggled in the background trying to manage a business with little resources, funding, or support of a team. As a result, my own mental health, well-being, and finances have suffered due to high levels of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and what seems to be a never-ending list of responsibilities. While I've attempted to bring on support roles, they have only lasted temporarily due to misalignment, unmatched goals, or lack of funding. As a result, some of my business operations, offerings, and creative skills needed in order to grow the business have suffered and continue to suffer.

As a solopreneur, I currently take on the role of all email marketing and social media for multiple accounts across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, class schedules for 2 locations, filming and editing videos for our on-demand platform, finances and accounting, team management, customer relations management and communications, community outreach, website creation and editing, and so much more. While taking care of these things, I also create choreography for a dance fitness brand that I'm building, while mentoring other instructors who are currently teaching the format.

When I decided to become an entrepreneur, I knew that it would take a lot of work, but I always knew the goal was to bring on a business partner at some point. 8 years in, I have yet to find the right person who aligns with the vision and expansion of the company. So in the meantime, I face the hard decision of putting a temporary pause or permanent stop to our services in New Jersey as I can no longer sustain taking on the responsibility of running and expanding the business while taking care of my well-being (which is a priority) and now living out of state.

While I have not been able to yet receive any grants or funding, I am optimistic that I will raise the money necessary to keep RRDF alive and thriving. While everything in business is trial and error, I know that there is a need for our offerings within our community. Self-care, wellness, and movement are the things that mean the most to me and are the very things that I believe people need to feel happy and regulated.

In order for us to continue consistently running classes, bring on qualified people in support roles, cover overhead costs, provide proper training and education for instructors and consistent online offerings, we need funding. Please feel free to donate in any amount that is possible in order to help our community stay alive and active. I would absolutely appreciate any dollar amount that you're able to provide in order to help us reach our goal.

Thank you for your support and generosity this holiday season. Be well.