As personal stylists, your work not only transforms wardrobes but also boosts confidence and empowers your clients. However, many stylists struggle with charging what they're truly worth, hindered by deep-seated limiting beliefs about money and value. Today, I want to share five practical strategies to help you break through these mental barriers. I’ll also share two personal experiences that reshaped my own approach to valuing my services.



1. Recognize and Rewrite Your Money Stories

We all have subconscious "stories" about money that influence how we handle financial matters. These stories can include beliefs like "It's rude to ask for more money" or "People won’t pay premium prices in my market." Identifying these thoughts is the first step in challenging them.

Strategy: Start by journaling your thoughts about money and pricing your services. Notice any patterns or recurring themes. Ask yourself where these beliefs come from and how they serve you. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Once identified, consciously rewrite these stories with more empowering beliefs, such as "My expertise adds significant value to my clients' lives, and it’s okay to be compensated accordingly."



2. Master the Art of Communication

Conveying the value of your services effectively to clients is crucial. If you believe in the worth of your services, your clients are more likely to believe it too.
In my early days as a coach, I often found myself offering discounts before clients even questioned my rates. This habit stemmed from my fear of rejection and a belief that my services weren't worth the full price. After months of barely making a profit and feelings of resentment, I realized this approach was unsustainable. I started practicing my pitch, focusing on the unique outcomes of my styling services, and the next client I pitched accepted my full rate without hesitation. This experience taught me the power of self-belief and clear communication.

Strategy: Develop a clear, concise way of communicating the benefits of your services. Instead of simply listing what you do, explain how your work transforms your clients’ lives. For instance, illustrate how the right wardrobe can enhance professional presence or boost self-esteem. Practice your pitch until it feels natural and convincing, ensuring it resonates emotionally with the client.


3. Create a Success Portfolio

Building a portfolio of success stories and testimonials can significantly bolster your confidence and help prospective clients see the tangible benefits of your services.


Strategy: Collect feedback from every satisfied client and ask for specific details about how your service has helped them. With their permission, use these testimonials in your marketing materials and on social media. Visual before-and-after comparisons in a client’s appearance can also be a powerful testament to your skills.



4. Set Strategic Prices

Pricing shouldn’t just reflect the current market but also where you want to position yourself within the industry. Are you aiming to be a budget-friendly option, or do you want to target the premium segment?
When I first started coaching, I set my prices slightly below the market average to attract more clients. While I did gain clients, many were not fully committed to the process, which was disheartening and exhausting. I took a bold step and increased my rates, clearly communicating the added value I provided. To my surprise, not only did I attract more committed clients, but I also found greater satisfaction in my work, as these clients were genuinely invested in their personal growth.


Strategy: Analyze the pricing strategies of competitors who offer services similar to yours but also consider what unique value you bring. Don't be afraid to price your services higher if you offer a distinct advantage. Setting higher prices can actually attract more serious clients who value quality and are committed to the process.


5. Continuous Professional Development

Staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques in personal styling can boost your confidence and justify your fees.

Strategy: Invest in your professional development by attending workshops, obtaining certifications, and subscribing to industry publications. The more skilled and knowledgeable you are, the more you can justify charging premium rates. Share your learning experiences and new qualifications with your clients to show them you are investing in offering them the best service possible.

Limiting beliefs can be deeply ingrained, but they are not insurmountable. By actively working to recognize and reshape these beliefs, communicating your value effectively, showcasing your successes, strategically pricing your services, and continuously improving your skills, you can align your pricing with your true worth.

Want to dive a little deeper into this topic? Check out my recent live training on the same topic here.