A New Kind of Gathering

We’ve all been to events that look good on paper but somehow fall flat. The music’s fine, the crowd’s fine, but the energy just isn’t there.

Refynery was born from a question: what if connection could be curated as intentionally as the cocktail menu?

At Refynery, we believe the details matter—not just how something looks, but how it makes you feel.

Support our Crowdfund

The Vision

Refynery is a events studio and social club rooted in Chicago, where polish meets pleasure and culture meets connection.

We’re not chasing exclusivity. We’re building belonging.

That means:

  • Bringing people together through unforgettable events that celebrate creativity, identity, and joy.

  • Partnering with brands and communities to tell real stories that move people — not just markets.

  • Designing digital spaces that make it easier to find your people, your scene, and your next favorite night.

Refynery is more than a company. It’s a cultural ecosystem for the unapologetic, the curious, and the connected.

Why We’re Raising Funds

To bring Refynery to life, we’re raising $100,000 through our crowdfunding Campaign.
Your contributions are processed safely through Square, ensuring every dollar goes straight into creating connection

Secure and build out our first studio space

Develop the Refynery App, a digital extension of our community

Expand our lineup of immersive events and experiences

Collaborate with artists, chefs, and musicians who share our vision for intentional connection

Perks Designed for Connection

  • Tier 1: Supporter

    $50 Contribution

    You’ll receive a personalized video thank-you, an exclusive Refynery candle, and invites to select events throughout Chicagoland. You’ll also gain early VIP access to our upcoming Refynery App, launching in 2025.

  • Tier 2: Curator

    $150 Contribution

    Gives you everything above plus early access to exclusive events, member-only content on refynery.co, and our first Refynery Quarterly Box—the Launch Edition, filled with items that capture our aesthetic and ethos.

  • Tier 3: Insider

    $300 Contribution

    You’ll receive complimentary access to one Refynery event of your choosing, along with two Quarterly Boxes, one from our launch and another arriving in 2026.

  • Tier 4: Founder's Circle

    $500 Contribution

    Brings you deeper in. You’ll enjoy complimentary access to up to three Refynery events in 2026, plus three Quarterly Boxes so you can experience our evolution firsthand.

  • Tier 5: Experience Builder

    $1,000 Contribution

    You’re not just supporting Refynery—you’re shaping its story. Join us for complimentary access to every 2026 Refynery event and receive four Quarterly Boxes, each curated to mirror our evolving aesthetic. As a special thank-you, you’ll be invited to an intimate dinner for six, hosted by our founder, Darien Marion-Burton, at their private home. It’s connection, conversation, and culture—served family-style.

  • Tier 6: Community Partner

    $2,500 Contribution

    For those who believe experiences build communities. You’ll enjoy all perks from previous levels plus the planning of one small private event (up to 40 guests) designed and executed by Refynery. Whether it’s a brand gathering, milestone, or soirée, we’ll bring our signature touch—bridging polish and pleasure every step of the way.

  • Tier 7: Patron of Experiences

    $5,000 Contribution

    A tier for true tastemakers. You’ll receive everything above plus one medium-scale private event (up to 100 guests) —or two smaller ones—produced by Refynery’s creative team. Expect intentional design, seamless flow, and an atmosphere that whispers luxury and shouts identity. This level is for the hosts who know that experience is the investment.

  • Tier 8: Founding Partner

    $10,000 Contribution

    This is legacy level. You’ll have lifetime complimentary access to all Refynery events, eight Quarterly Boxes, and a seat at our annual Founders’ Dinner. Plus, we’ll produce one large-scale private event (100 + guests) —or up to four smaller events—crafted exclusively for you. Founding Partners help define what Refynery becomes. Your name will be etched into our story from the very beginning.

Support of Crowdfunding Campaign

Our Why

For me, Refynery isn’t just a business idea; it’s personal.

After years of helping others tell their stories and celebrate their milestones, I wanted to create a space that celebrated us: the dreamers, the doers, the people who make culture happen.

Refynery is that space. It’s where stories, style, and soul meet, and where community is the ultimate luxury.

Join the Movement

Whether you give $25 or $2,500, your support helps build a future where joy, identity, and connection aren’t afterthoughts—they’re the main event.

Let’s raise a glass to something new.

Something intentional. Something Refyned.

Welcome to Refynery. Elevated Experiences, Together.

Support our Crowdfunding Campaign