Let’s Talk About Raising Your Prices (And Actually Feeling Good About It)

It’s so easy for people—myself included—to say, “You’re worth it! Just raise your prices!” But let’s be honest: it’s not always that simple.

It’s not just about confidence. It’s also about value. Because if you don’t feel like you’re bringing enough value to the table, of course you’re going to hesitate. Of course it’s going to feel uncomfortable.

So instead of just throwing out another “you got this” message, let’s break down how to actually create value in your business—so you can back yourself when it’s time to raise your prices.

1. Skill Up: Free or Paid—Both Are Valid

Adding value starts with growing your skillset. That can look like:

• Free education: Watch a YouTube video, try a new technique, or save a few posts that push you creatively. Go actually practice one of them.
• Paid education: Sign up for a class, certification, or shadowing opportunity with someone you admire in the industry.

Whether it costs money or just your time, both are investments. And guess what? Both deserve to be reflected in your pricing.

2. Upgrade the Client Experience

Value doesn’t always mean a new skill. Sometimes, it’s in how you treat your clients and how they feel during their appointment.

Here are free ways to bring major value:

• Communicate clearly and quickly (respond before you go home!)
• Have a clean booking system that makes it easy to schedule
• Greet clients like you actually care they showed up
• Offer a vibe—snack bar, music, calm energy, comfy chair. Whatever feels like you

These things don’t cost much, if anything—but they stick with clients. They’re the little details that make someone choose you over someone else.

3. Bring in Better Product—When You Can

If you’re in a place to upgrade your tools, gels, or retail, do it! It makes a difference in both client experience and your own confidence.

Not quite there yet? That’s okay too. Use your price increase as a way to get there. Let the raise fund your upgrades—because reinvesting in your business is one of the best ways to prove you’re serious about leveling up.

4. Reflect on the Value You Already Bring

Even if you feel like you’re not there yet—chances are, you’re already doing way more than you think.

Take 10 minutes today and write this down:

• What do I do that other artists might not?
• What do my favorite clients love about me?
• What would I want in a nail tech if I were booking?

Sometimes we can’t see our own magic until we lay it out.

This reflection can help you see the value you’re already offering. And once you see it? It’s a whole lot easier to raise your prices from a grounded, confident place.

5. Don’t Wait for Perfect—Just Start Somewhere

Even when you do have the skill, the experience, and the product… raising prices can still feel hard.

That’s where you just have to do it anyway.

But here’s the difference: when you’ve built value—whether through education, experience, communication, or upgraded services—you’ll have the receipts. You’ll be able to say, “I’ve done the work. This raise is earned.”

6. Here’s What You Can Do Today (No Money Needed)

• Find a YouTube tutorial or Instagram post and learn something new
• Practice a technique you’ve been avoiding or haven’t mastered
• Respond to every message in your inbox before you leave for the day
• Think of one thing you can do to make your next client feel extra special
• Reflect on the value you’re already bringing. Seriously—write it down

Final Note: Value Starts Within

Yes, client experience matters. Yes, upgraded products matter. Yes, investing in yourself matters. But value starts with how you see yourself.

If you don’t believe you’re worth it, your clients won’t either.

So take time to acknowledge what you already do well, and then commit to improving the rest one step at a time. Small tweaks in your business can create big confidence in your pricing. That’s how you grow—and that’s how you raise your rates with power.

Chat soon, Teryn 💋