I’ll never forget walking through the doors of Elements Dance Academy’s open house in August 2024. Bruce and Megan greeted me with the kind of warmth that immediately made me feel welcome. My family had just moved to Platte City, and that day I had my daughter, Evelyn, by my side. When they asked what brought us in, I couldn’t stop smiling. I said, “I’ve been waiting for this day for five years. Ever since I found out Evelyn was a girl, I knew we’d be signing up for dance.”

Evelyn had been wanting to try dance for a while, and my excitement for her was overflowing. Each week at the studio, I met new friends, and little by little, Platte City began to feel more like home. One afternoon in the lobby, Sharon, a dance mom, was chatting with Megan about needing someone to pull the float for the Platte City Homecoming Parade. Sharon’s daughter was already friends with Evelyn, so we knew each other a bit. Without hesitation, I said, “I’ve driven a truck and trailer across the country a few times—I can pull the float.” (I’m a former military spouse. #iykyk) For the first time in a long time, I felt like I truly belonged.

A few weeks later, Megan was sharing her vision for that year’s recital and mentioned that she still had spots open for business sponsors—the back cover of the recital booklet, in fact. Without thinking twice, I said, “Sold!” I had no clue what I’d put together for marketing, but I figured I had time and a team to lean on.

But then, everything shifted. Not long after, I was let go from my real estate team. The words that stuck with me were, “I don’t think you’ll sell enough” and “your kids aren’t helping you.” I was crushed. Suddenly, I had no marketing department and no safety net. My mind raced with doubts: What if I couldn’t design something good enough? What if everyone thought I was foolish? What if I let Megan down?

What I didn’t realize in that moment was that this was the beginning of something better. Going out on my own as a solo agent turned out to be the best thing for me. I discovered that I could serve my clients in the way I truly believed they deserved—with care, attention, and heart. I learned that I didn’t need someone else’s approval to succeed. Most importantly, I realized I had the chance to give back. That challenge lit a fire in me, and from it came inspiration.

I didn’t want to run an advertisement without meaning or purpose. Week after week, as I spent time in the lobby, I saw firsthand Megan’s incredible passion for teaching dance. She is truly determined to make every dancer feel valued and special.

"When families walk through our doors, I want them to know they belong here and that everyone can truly dance," Megan shared.

When I asked her about the idea of creating a fund to help spread the joy of dance through my advertisement, she was immediately excited and supportive. 

Today, when you mention my advertisement, the home I sell with you, your friends or family, will contribute money to benefit all elements dancers, so that more kids can discover the same joy, confidence, and community that my daughter and I found when we first walked through those doors.

One thing I know for sure—I want parents to feel confident knowing how the money will be used. While the exact details will depend on how much we’re able to raise, it is designed to directly support the dancers. That might look like covering the recital meal or celebration party, providing snacks and gifts, helping with auditorium rental, recognizing students for milestones, or even purchasing equipment for tumbling, ballet, and props. Every dollar raised goes right back into creating a meaningful experience for the kids.

For me, real estate isn’t just about houses—it’s about people, stories, and building futures together.