As a creative business woman, I have struggled plenty with an unhealthy money mindset. Everyone telling you that you will never make money and will always be a “starving artist” does’t help. Small business owners also face this problem with friends and family telling them its “too risky” to start a new business or that you should save everything you have instead of investing it in yourself.

Well, I’ve been running my own show for a few years now, and while it is a lot of work to wear many hats, and a lot of pressure to constantly come up with “good ideas” and keep the creative juices flowing, I would never go back.

I finally feel empowered to rest, to make my own schedule, and to pay myself what I deserve. Pricing your work or products fairly is essential to keep you happy, healthy, and serving your customers to the best of your ability.

I recently journaled about the limiting beliefs that hang out in the back of mind that don’t serve me and I’d like to share them with you in case it is helpful!

1. “Making more than absolutely necessary is selfish”

❌WRONG. I sometimes feel guilty about having more money than others. But I also know that the more I make, the better work I can put out in the world, the more I can care for myself and those around me, and the more I can give back. (To clarify, I’m advocating for making money in a sustainable way that doesn’t take advantage of employees or cut corners on product quality/safety/taxes etc.) But basically, this money mindset just makes people feel guilty for wanting to make enough to afford a home, save for retirement, shop at the fancy grocery store, and take a much needed vacation once in a while. Well I know that there is absolutely no shame to be had in wanting a comfortable and safe life where you don’t have to worry about your next pay check to plan for the future.

2. “People don’t have enough to pay me what I need to charge”

❌WRONG. People do. While I know that wealth is not distributed evenly or equitably, lowering your prices to make everyone happy will only keep you broke as well. I am against companies expoiting and underpaying their workers, but when we lower our prices below what we honestly should be charging because we assume others can’t afford it, we are exploiting our own labor. It is true that not everyone has the same budget and I wish I could do more to change the hoarding of wealth that goes on in the world, but there are people out there that DO have the funds to pay you what you are worth. Some people won’t be able to afford your goods/services, but that’s okay. If you are able to subsidize, create a sliding scale, or offer donations and outreach services to give back, I am all here for that! Just make sure you are taking care of yourself and your needs first. (If you were in the business of an essential service, like healthcare, housing, food, and transportation, I’d say that should be affordable if not free!)

3. “My higher earning takes away from other people”

❌WRONG. When we make more (as long as we aren’t taking advantage from those we employ) we can pay more and we can give more. The people paying us for our goods/services are usually those with the means to do so, and we are not taking from those in need by caring for ourselves. Think of it as finally getting what you deserve to be paid so you can help spread the wealth. If you stay struggling to get by, you’re probably not helping anybody anyway 🤷🏻‍♀️

4. “Charging more will make me look arrogant”

❌WRONG. It makes you look professional. It makes your products look top shelf. Be confident in your skills and your materials. If people can’t afford it or they get angry, that is their experience to have and you don’t have to change for them. You can consider adding an affordable option and/or branding your business toward higher-end clients so that they will perceive your value as on parr with the price. But stay true to your goals, your needs, and your worth.