I Serve, I Deserve: The Real Reason You Need to Raise Your Prices
Let’s face it, being great at your craft is only part of the equation. Running a beauty business means learning how to manage your money, protect your time, and charge your worth without guilt. That’s why I created the I Serve, I Deserve coaching program inside Beauty CEO University, to help service providers like you step into real business ownership with confidence and clarity.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out your pricing, taxes, or finances on your own, you’re not alone. Most beauty entrepreneurs are never taught the business side, and that’s where I come in. Inside the program, I walk you through:
How to price in alignment with your value
Navigating taxes, social security, and protecting your income
The mindset shift from hustling to thriving
Personalized guidance with vetted financial pros in your state
I’ll help you avoid the financial mistakes that hold most beauty businesses back, and show you how to grow sustainably without burning out. You don’t need to guess your way through this; there’s a better way, and it starts here.
Ready to stop surviving and start scaling? Let’s talk about why raising your prices might be the next right step...
I Serve, I Deserve: The Real Reason You Need to Raise Your Prices
Let’s be honest, raising your prices can be intimidating.
The thoughts come fast:
“What if no one buys?”
“Will I scare off my loyal clients?”
“Am I even good enough to charge more?”
If any of that sounds familiar, know this:
The fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It might be the clearest sign that you are.
Here’s the truth no one tells you:
Every thriving business owner has to confront this exact fear. The difference is that they recognize the signs and raise their prices anyway.
So if you’ve been second-guessing yourself, here are a few crystal-clear indicators that you’re probably overdue for a price increase:
1. You’re Overbooked or Overwhelmed
If your calendar is always packed and you’re working non-stop just to keep up, you’re not “in demand”; you’re undervalued.
Constant bookings might sound like a dream, but in reality, they can hurt your business. You risk lower quality work, slower response times, frustrated clients, and ultimately, burnout.
Here’s the truth: Pricing is rooted in supply and demand. If you're overwhelmed, it’s time to raise your prices.
When you charge more, you create space to:
Deliver higher quality work
Prioritize your mental health
Show up with more energy and creativity
I remember thinking, “If I raise my prices, my clients will walk away and no one will ever book me again.” But that never happened. Every time I increased my rates, the right clients still came, because when demand is high, the market can support a higher price.
And the bonus? You work less, earn more, and you finally have the bandwidth to create something bigger, like launching new coaching programs, learning how to thrive on social media, or simply resting.
Your time is one of your most valuable assets.
Start charging like it.
2. People Say “That’s It?” When You Tell Them Your Price
It might feel flattering when someone says, “Wow, that’s so cheap!”, but in reality, it’s a red flag. When clients are surprised by how low your prices are, it usually means they were prepared to invest more, and now they may start to question the value of what you’re offering. Undervaluing your services doesn’t just affect your income; it affects how seriously clients take your work.
If you’re consistently hearing shock at your rates (in a good way), it’s time to reassess. A good rule of thumb: if you’re booked out weeks in advance or feeling stretched thin, consider raising your prices by 15–25%. For example, if you're charging $100 for a service, test $115–$125. Or if you’re at $250, try $290 or $310. You don’t need to double your prices overnight, but you do need to step into the mindset that your work is worth it, and your ideal clients will agree..
3. You’re Giving Way More Than You’re Getting Paid For
Are you constantly adding extra services, personalized support, bonuses, or spending more time with clients, yet your rates haven’t changed? If so, that’s a sign your business is evolving, but your pricing hasn’t caught up. You’re delivering a premium experience, but without premium pricing, it’s not sustainable. Overdelivering without proper compensation leads to burnout and resentment, even if you love what you do.
Costs go up. Experience deepens. Skills improve. If your pricing has stayed the same while everything else evolves, you’re probably operating from old data. Your rates should reflect the current version of your business, not the beginner one from a year ago.
To recalibrate, start by tracking everything you now include in your services. Decide what’s part of your core offer and what qualifies as a premium add-on.
Tip: introduce tiered packages to give clients flexible options while protecting your time. And make it a habit to review and adjust your prices every 6–12 months, so your income matches the true value you provide.
You will start to Resent Your Work.
If you find yourself feeling drained, frustrated, or underappreciated after delivering your offer, it may be a clear sign that you’re undercharging. That lingering resentment isn’t just about being tired; it’s often your intuition telling you that your energy output and income aren’t aligned. When you’re giving so much without being properly compensated, it creates an imbalance that affects your motivation, creativity, and overall satisfaction with your work.
Permit yourself to raise your prices, not just for profit, but for peace.
“You weren’t meant to build your dream business on burnout. Charge in a way that gives you room to breathe, rest, and thrive.”
4. Your Clients Are Getting Serious Results
If your services or products are truly helping your clients transform, whether that’s boosting their confidence, giving them clarity, increasing their income, or expanding their impact, that’s real value. And value should be priced accordingly.
Think about it: when someone gets better outcomes because of your expertise, that has a direct impact on their bottom line. That’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s a high-value transformation. If you're consistently seeing amazing client results, getting better and faster at delivering them, and hearing rave reviews, that’s a powerful sign it’s time to raise your prices. You're no longer just trading time for money; you’re offering shortcut solutions, clarity, and outcomes that save others years of trial and error. That’s worth investing in.
A mantra to live by: “I serve, I deserve.” You’re showing up, giving your best, and changing lives. It’s only right that you receive equal weight.
Tips to Price in Alignment With the Value You Provide:
Track Your Client Results: Document testimonials, before/afters, revenue growth, mindset shifts, or client milestones you’ve helped achieve.
Audit Your Current Offer: Look at what you’re providing now versus when you first set your prices. Has your process become more refined? Are the outcomes stronger or faster?
Use a “Value Ladder”: Start with a baseline offer and build tiers for deeper transformation, which allows clients to invest at different levels based on their goals.
Test New Pricing With Confidence: You don’t need permission to raise your rates. The right clients will still say yes, and often with more respect and commitment.
So… Are You Ready?
If this blog made you pause, nod, or wince, you probably are.
Here’s your permission slip:
You don’t need to be “more ready.” You just need to be honest.
If it still feels scary, raise your prices slightly. Test it. Feel the shift.
You’ll quickly realize: what you feared losing is often what you gain in clarity, confidence, and cash flow.
Reminder: You’re Not Charging for Time, You’re Charging for Transformation
Pricing isn’t just about numbers; it’s about energy, boundaries, and sustainability.
When you raise your prices, you:
Protect your peace
Attract more aligned clients
Deliver a higher-quality experience
You’re not doing this to be greedy. You’re doing this to grow with integrity.
Want more confidence in your pricing?
Explore Beauty CEO University for resources, coaching, and community to help you price like a pro, and grow like one too.
Want to keep up with Barbie? You can follow her here:
BarbiePatell, BeautyCeoUniversity, Luxx.Escapes, CinderellaBridez
