Support Mind, Body & Soul Wellness in Pilsen!
Verde is aspiring to fill the gap of accessible holistic healing services in the Pilsen community and South Side of Chicago.
Project Description
Verde is a humble holistic business that's outgrown our current location.
We are putting the finishing touches on a new studio and we need your help to breathe life into the space as we prepare to open doors in April 2020!
OUR MISSION
We are committed to our clients' wellness journey; helping you re-imagine your potential for health and well-being by resetting the mind, restoring the body, and renewing the spirit utilizing holistic healing techniques.
OUR STORY
Verde’s evolution from a simple massage parlor, to a day spa, to a holistic wellness studio is a reflection of our founder Crystal Dorado's personal healing and professional development over the years. Crystal’s journey started to take form at a young age as she observed & appreciated her Mesoamerican culture and began to embrace her ancestors’ knowledge of traditional healing approaches as a part of their family values. It was Crystal’s father who always encouraged her to focus her efforts as a first-generation, Latinx, woman entrepreneur on giving back and supporting the community close to home.
Our choice to open Verde in the Pilsen neighborhood, where Crystal grew up, was an intentional one due to the community's predominantly Mexican heritage. Crystal's father always had a speech about the neighborhood; he loved Pilsen and viewed it as the heart of Chicago.
- Verde is committed to the belief that our client’s health and well-being has a direct correlation to our success as a business.
- As we make a difference in our clients’ lives, our business succeeds, because when that happens, the community itself gains a greater measure of autonomy, wellness, and transformation.
- Our community deserves opportunities to heal, grow, and find balance on our own terms. As minority entrepreneurs, our success also lays groundwork for other organizations and conscious businesses to thrive close to home.
OUR SOLUTION
We offer engaging and effective services at accessible price points, provided by practitioners and wellness professionals that are reflective of the local community.
- We live in a time where more people are looking for natural, drug-free solutions to daily health concerns. People no longer want to stand by until health challenges or healing crises arise that force us into the pursuit of well-being, and we can’t afford to wait for the current healthcare system to change.
- Our menu of offerings has been carefully curated by Crystal to reflect the authentic expression of our practitioners while honoring a diversity of healing traditions and belief systems.
- Our unique yet unifying modalities promote well-being including: bodywork, energy healing, holistic wellness & nutritional coaching, movement therapy, and spiritual guidance.
- More than just a series of passive treatments, each session is designed to be an active exploration that provides our clients with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of self. This can be carried forward beyond the treatment room and into the world!
OUR IMPACT
Over 9 years in the Pilsen community, and 7 in our current location, Verde has proudly served over 8,000 clients and provided over 20,000 services! We currently have 8 providers (and counting!) all of whom work in harmony for our clients. Along with providing services at our location, Verde has made consistent charitable contributions to causes city-wide, and more recently to the Mayan community in Mexico, totaling just over $50,000 over a 9-year period.
Our new location will:
- Allow us to serve in bigger and better ways - we are not only expanding our space, but our outreach & programming.
- Provide more versatility to host group therapies, workshops, trainings, classes, community days, and healing circles.
- Be a sacred container for healing and a place to gather, recharge, learn from, celebrate, and work with one another.
- Offer beneficial therapies and services that can be customized to you, wherever you are on your wellness journey.
CHALLENGES
Our limitation right now is lack of financial assistance.
We are currently over-budget to complete our build-out due to circumstances outside of our control that began last July 2019.
We’ve persevered despite multiple setbacks, which have included:
- Rigorous vetting process for licensing and rezoning the building we are moving into (this was a requirement to operate a business offering massage & body work on 18th Street).
- Slowdowns in construction due to multiple reviews and inspections for an establishment that offers massages.
- Setback after setback, plus maintaining dual locations for nearly 9 months (and counting!) has exhausted our initial investment in the expansion and re-branding of Verde.
We are thrilled to be so close to getting this crucial part of our vision off the ground, and we know we can make up for lost time with your help! Our hearts are in this, and we are excited to invest more resources into our growing business with your support.
OUR ASK
Your financial support is needed now!
Your contribution to this campaign will help provide financial sustenance to the company we've worked hard to nurture over the past nine years.
- 25% of contributions will support our need for Technical Assistance: hiring and training a new manager, marketing support for new website, training for current staff on our soon-to-be revealed service menu.
- 75% of contributions will support our Physical Projects: construction, painting, fixtures, laborers, equipment purchases, and rent.
- Any funds raised above our goal of $45,000 will support our Community Fund: this will establish the baseline to allow us to begin developing educational opportunities, sliding scale offerings, and community days at Verde.
We are at a point where our goal cannot be accomplished alone; we can only succeed with the support of the community. Please join us in this life-changing endeavor!
Your contributions lift us up, no matter the amount!
BUY, GIFT, or SHARE anything on this page, and remember-every dollar counts.
Buy SOMETHING-- PERUSE OUR ENTICING REWARDS TO SEE WHICH OF THEM INTERESTS YOU
By contributing, not only will you gain the satisfaction of supporting our mission, but you also “purchase” a great deal on an awesome service or product! We promise to keep you posted on how your generosity has impacted our efforts and the community.
Gift SOMETHING-- GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALING
You can even purchase a reward and contribute on behalf of someone who might benefit from our work- near or far. Just let us know that you are contributing on someone else’s behalf, and we will connect your gift with the right person!
Share SOMETHING
Not in a position to contribute right now? We get it, and that's okay! The awesome thing about Crowdfunding is that we can still work together to reach untapped potential within the circles of our communities.
By sharing our campaign, following us on social media, liking/commenting and sharing our posts, or even leaving a great review, you can still make an extremely valuable contribution.
Please go ahead and SHARE, whether you contribute or not! The power of social media is limitless!
¡MUCHAS GRACIAS!
Thank you in advance for your time, resources, and willingness to be a part of our vision!
Every action, every effort, and every voice makes a difference. We feel your love and we are grateful.
With You In Wellness,
Crystal & the Verde Tribe
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why $45,000?
- We know that $45,000 is an ambitious crowdfunding goal, and the truth is, it only represents a portion of the total cost to build our new home. When we planned our expansion, we knew we were committed to continuing to serve the Pilsen community, but we also aspired for more visibility. This led to our decision to lease a space on the business corridor of the neighborhood. Our endeavor was a calculated one, and we were hopeful in our ability to surpass any obstacles that might come along with our big dream.
- So far we've persisted through a rigorous vetting process and numerous bureaucratic hurdles which were specific to license a business offering bodywork services on 18th Street. This included FBI background checks, several onsite inspections, and numerous reviews of the space layout, often preventing our project from moving forward for weeks at a time.
- Many of these steps for approval were necessary prior to our crew even placing a nail in the physical construction our new location, thus the financial consequences have been tangible from the start.
- We could not anticipate the pace at which the city would operate, let alone the slowdowns in construction, and maintaining dual operations for a much longer duration than planned.
- Why should I contribute to your establishment? And where will my funds go?
- Our backers help us restore crucial financial reserves invested in the expansion of Verde and set us up for success and exceptional service into the future! Once we restore these crucial financial reserves, we are committed to offering community focused programming, workshops, and even services at little or no cost to our patrons. Our 5 -star ratings across all platforms, and our customer testimonials are our bond. We have designed the rewards and savings in this campaign as a way to show our backers that we are prepared to work hard and give back in exchange for your support.
- When will I receive my rewards?
- All campaign rewards will be available for pick up two weeks following the end of our campaign. If you are outside of the Chicago area, please contact us to coordinate pick up or delivery options.
- Can I bring a guest to Verde's ceremonial grand opening reception & blessing?
- Our Ceremonial Grand Opening Reception is an exclusive event reserved for staff, current members, and select supporters. Once our guest list is finalized, we will be able to assess if additional guest can attend.
- Why is iFundWomen charging me a tip on top of my contribution?
- Tipping is optional. If you don't want to leave a tip on top of your contribution, set the dropdown to "other" and the amount to $0.00. If you were charged this by mistake, please contact iFundWomen's support team to request a refund: [email protected]
At our Raiz level you'll receive a voucher for our Tejido Profundo massage. We hope you enjoy your first service in our new space!
Our 60-minute deep tissue massage, valued at $95, is one of our most popular services. It offers great benefits, like reducing pain, optimizing mobility, improving posture, and decreased stress.
Great savings and supporting our campaign goal? It’s a win-win!
Give What Feels Good
You name a donation amount towards our campaign and know that every penny will be invested in our future success as we move locations.
If you choose an amount that falls between reward tiers, please include a note if you’d like any of the rewards from one of tiers below your donation!
Supporters who give at least $25 will be entered into a raffle for our Tejido Profundo (Deep Tissue) massage. We will pick one lucky winner out of every 20 donations!
At our Semilla level you will receive a Thank You/Shout Out via our social media & marketing channels. We are happy to shout out your business/page/creative project/event in the spirit of collaboration and community building, so please include the name/handle of the account you’d like us to mention!
All supporters at this level will be entered into a raffle for our Tejido Profundo massage for every $25 contribution. We will pick one lucky supporter out of every 20.
Supporters who give at our Hoja level are providing an impactful investment in our studio! We’re inviting backers at this tier to join us for a campaign-exclusive Shamanic Breathwork Meditation Event, hosted by Crystal!
This guided 2-hour self-empowerment experience will be our very first class in our new studio! We’ll begin with traditional Mesoamerican Copal offering followed by a guided breathwork practice and reflection meditation. This experience is dedicated to helping participants remove obstacles from your life by inspiring your prosperity, longevity, and happiness. You will feel the power of breath, which leads to a deeper appreciation of life itself. Crystal will guide you through techniques that open pathways to rejuvenate cells and organs, while refocusing your mind. Join us in learning how breathing is not only a physical process, but a mental and spiritual one as well.
Every supporter at this level will also receive a free Verde Swag Bag Bundle filled with our Verde branded items that include:
- Canvas Tote Bag
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Organic Lip Balm
- Copal Incense Sticks
- Exclusive partner offers
First 10 supporters at this level will receive an invitation to join us at our grand opening ceremonial reception and blessing in April.
Our Floración level supporters are contributing toward mutually beneficial manifestation! Snag this reward and you’ll get
- five 60-Minute Verde or Tejido Profundo massage ($475 value)
- plus one complimentary add-on ($48 value) to try! Add-ons include: Cupping, Crystal Sound Pyramid, or Tibetan Vibrational Healing Bowls.
- This series is prepaid in full and your sessions can be shared with someone you love!
First 10 supporters at this level will receive an invitation to join us at our grand opening ceremonial reception and blessing in April.
SOL, at this level, you have made a truly transformational investment in our success and our vision.
Our new space will have dedicated wall to thank investors who went above and beyond to ensure that Verde enters its new home with a strong financial backbone. Contributors to our Sol level will receive:
- A founders plaque with your name (or business name) in our front lobby
- A personalized massage or spiritual healing session with Crystal.
- Our exclusive Verde Swag Bag Bundle:
- Canvas Tote Bag
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Organic Lip Balm
- Copal Incense Sticks
- Exclusive partner offers
- 25% off all products, services, and workshops for a full year!
- A chance to win a One Year Rejuvenation Membership-- and we can guarantee the odds of winning will be good!
All supporters at this level will receive an invitation to join us at our grand opening ceremonial reception and blessing in April.
Rewards
At our Raiz level you'll receive a voucher for our Tejido Profundo massage. We hope you enjoy your first service in our new space!
Our 60-minute deep tissue massage, valued at $95, is one of our most popular services. It offers great benefits, like reducing pain, optimizing mobility, improving posture, and decreased stress.
Great savings and supporting our campaign goal? It’s a win-win!
Give What Feels Good
You name a donation amount towards our campaign and know that every penny will be invested in our future success as we move locations.
If you choose an amount that falls between reward tiers, please include a note if you’d like any of the rewards from one of tiers below your donation!
Supporters who give at least $25 will be entered into a raffle for our Tejido Profundo (Deep Tissue) massage. We will pick one lucky winner out of every 20 donations!
At our Semilla level you will receive a Thank You/Shout Out via our social media & marketing channels. We are happy to shout out your business/page/creative project/event in the spirit of collaboration and community building, so please include the name/handle of the account you’d like us to mention!
All supporters at this level will be entered into a raffle for our Tejido Profundo massage for every $25 contribution. We will pick one lucky supporter out of every 20.
Supporters who give at our Hoja level are providing an impactful investment in our studio! We’re inviting backers at this tier to join us for a campaign-exclusive Shamanic Breathwork Meditation Event, hosted by Crystal!
This guided 2-hour self-empowerment experience will be our very first class in our new studio! We’ll begin with traditional Mesoamerican Copal offering followed by a guided breathwork practice and reflection meditation. This experience is dedicated to helping participants remove obstacles from your life by inspiring your prosperity, longevity, and happiness. You will feel the power of breath, which leads to a deeper appreciation of life itself. Crystal will guide you through techniques that open pathways to rejuvenate cells and organs, while refocusing your mind. Join us in learning how breathing is not only a physical process, but a mental and spiritual one as well.
Every supporter at this level will also receive a free Verde Swag Bag Bundle filled with our Verde branded items that include:
- Canvas Tote Bag
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Organic Lip Balm
- Copal Incense Sticks
- Exclusive partner offers
First 10 supporters at this level will receive an invitation to join us at our grand opening ceremonial reception and blessing in April.
Our Floración level supporters are contributing toward mutually beneficial manifestation! Snag this reward and you’ll get
- five 60-Minute Verde or Tejido Profundo massage ($475 value)
- plus one complimentary add-on ($48 value) to try! Add-ons include: Cupping, Crystal Sound Pyramid, or Tibetan Vibrational Healing Bowls.
- This series is prepaid in full and your sessions can be shared with someone you love!
First 10 supporters at this level will receive an invitation to join us at our grand opening ceremonial reception and blessing in April.
SOL, at this level, you have made a truly transformational investment in our success and our vision.
Our new space will have dedicated wall to thank investors who went above and beyond to ensure that Verde enters its new home with a strong financial backbone. Contributors to our Sol level will receive:
- A founders plaque with your name (or business name) in our front lobby
- A personalized massage or spiritual healing session with Crystal.
- Our exclusive Verde Swag Bag Bundle:
- Canvas Tote Bag
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Organic Lip Balm
- Copal Incense Sticks
- Exclusive partner offers
- 25% off all products, services, and workshops for a full year!
- A chance to win a One Year Rejuvenation Membership-- and we can guarantee the odds of winning will be good!
All supporters at this level will receive an invitation to join us at our grand opening ceremonial reception and blessing in April.