Why are you closing? I deny your reality, can this be changed? 

While we would like to deny this reality too, there is nothing to be done to change it. Since March of 2020, we have stayed afloat through nearly $150,000 in PPP money, city grants, crowdfunding and personal loans. This is not a sustainable model long term. (see our larger statement)  Covid relief has run out, many practitioners are leaving hands on work, and many of them are leaving city centers as well. With all of this working against us, we are not willing to go further into debt, cut wages or work at unsustainable levels for our bodies or our mental well being. As with many other centers like ours across the country who are facing the same realities, we stand in the pride of community, of what we have built, and of the lives we have touched. We also know this is not the end of the mission that Freed started 10 years ago; this tree falling will make light for many others, many of our therapists, to find the light to flourish!  

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But you're fully booked how are you not thriving? 

If you have tired to get an appointment in the past year, you know that it's been darn near impossible. In March 2020, we had 21 practitioners, including a robust mental health team and we will enter 2022 with only 8 (incredible, passionate, giving and talented) bodyworkers. So, though we have more clients than we accommodate and have for nearly a year, our revenue is less than half of pre-pandemic time.

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What can we do? How can we help? 

Most, but not all, of our concerns at the moment are financial. Here's a few things that will help us pay off the debt accrued over the last 16 months:

Monetary:

1.  Buy Freed Bodyworks merch! We recently launched a great new site with lots of fun products so you can wear and carry the body-affirming gear long after we're closed.

2. If you are not going to be able to use your series before we close and it is financially feasible for you, donate the balance and we will put it toward the debt. If it is not financially feasible for you and you would prefer to request a refund, we completely understand! Email info@freedbodyworks.com with the subject line "donate" or "refund" to let us know. 

3. Do you think that the art and furniture at Freed are cool? Come to our Closing Sale (think estate sale) on January 21st-23rd (more details to come)

4. Make a gift to our GoFundMe. The generosity shown by contributors to date has kept us going so far, any contributions from here out will go to cover our next months of operation, costs associated with closing up and debt accumulated during this pandemic. 

 

Non-monetary:

1. Help us focus on the best of Freed's history by sharing your memories and love on our virtual Memory Book. This will be a source of resilience for all of us.

2. Share some love while you are in our space! Be kind and understanding to your therapist and front desk staff, this is hard for all of us and they will do everything they can to get as many of you seen before we close as possible. 

3. Come to our party!!! In the week after we close, we will be celebrating 10+ years of service to the community and we want you there with us. Date, time and location TBA. 

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How can I get an appointment? 

If you are an existing client and do not have an appointment booked between now and January 16th 2022, please email your therapist to request a time. We are no longer accepting new client appointments for massage. If you are a new client and would like to be added to a specific therapist's waitlist for when they find a new location, please email them directly. Want to experience something new at Freed before we go? We have new and existing  client openings for Chakra Balancing with Claudia Lagos on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, please email info@freedbodyworks.com to book with her. 

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What are the practitioners doing next? 

Many of your therapists will continue to practice elsewhere in DC. Please check our practitioners page for updates and email them directly for more information.

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What about my gift certificate? 

We are partnering with a very generous local practice who we have loved for many years, The Teal Center, who has offered to honor all non-expired gift certificates. If you have one, you will receive an email in the coming weeks with more details. 

 

Please be patient with us as we navigate this experience. Our team is anticipating a lot of emails in the wake of this news and we will do our absolute best to get back to you as quickly as possible.