Imagine having a brick thrown through the window of your small business, which you worked so hard to build after the pandemic. Now imagine that happening four times in just two months. That is the story for VERS LGBTQ+ bar co-owner and Give Lively CEO David DeParolesa. Opening the bar wasn't just about the bottom line — he had a mission to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community as similar venues close around the country, with more than 45% shutting their doors between 2002 and 2023.

DeParolesa shares his experience with vandalism along with higher-than-expected operating costs, saying, "I quickly realized that building a queer space meant dealing with unexpected challenges." Despite the struggles, he emphasizes how the power of community brought a wave of added business to the bar, adding, "Seeing the community rally behind us made it all worth it."

Don't miss this episode, filled with insights on financial planning, resilience, and the power of building inclusive spaces.

Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes.

Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/.

Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected].

00:00-David DeParolesa joins Living Not So Fabulously

02:22-Opening a community bar post-pandemic

06:30-The importance of a third space

09:40-The hard dollars and sense for small businesses

15:20-A brick that changed it all

18:20-Better business with community support

Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky.

Davud DeParolesa is the CEO of Give Lively and the Co-owner of VERS, a 'new kind queer bar.'

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