Re: venting about frustrating clients....long and tangentially henna
Posted by Kenzi on August 26, 2003 at 11:39:42:
In reply to: Re: venting about frustrating clients....long and tangentially henna posted by Erika on August 26, 2003 at 01:34:55:
Good for you! I remember when I first started charging money forthis and I was charging $30/hour; I was so shy about charging
money for my work and so inexperienced in stating my worth like
that, that I would say it quietly and with a question mark at the
end.
I now charge $60/hour (though I am ever on the verge of raising
my rates) and say it loud and proud; I am still amazed that
people want to pay this rate and I am thankful for the blessing of
being able to charge money for something I love to do.
I feel for clients who weren't aware that henna can be that
expensive and try to work with them, like suggesting that they
come see us at a street fair where they can just pay by the
design. Some people come at me with an attitude, assuming
that I will give them a discount, and then I feel very comfortable
telling them my price and "thank you for calling". I know that even
at $60 there are other artists in NYC who charge more;
Stephanie Rudloe charges $150/hour!!!
Another thing about sticking by your rate, when you do, it helps
solidify the sense of henna as a quality thing, and not just some
cheap entertainment. I would hate to see henna become
out-of-reach for most people so I hold back from raising my
rates, and I usually try to be flexible with clients who can't afford
my two-hour minimum and my travel charges. it's a fine line and
talking about it here helps me develop strategies to stick to the
straight and narrow.
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