Knowing Your Worth: If You Build It, They Will Come
As a small business owner, one of the hardest lessons to learn is this: know your worth. It’s easy to doubt yourself when you’re pricing your work or wonder if anyone will actually buy what you’ve poured your heart into.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned at October Rust Designs: if you build something of value – something that reflects your passion, skill, and dedication – the right people will come.
Here’s why knowing your worth is crucial and how to trust that your audience will find you.
The Value in What You Create
When you make something by hand, you’re not just creating a product – you’re creating value in ways big-box stores can’t replicate.
Skill and Expertise: Your years of practice, trial and error, and mastery of your craft are priceless.
Time and Effort: Every piece you make represents hours of your life. It’s important to honor that time.
Personal Connection: Customers aren’t just buying an item; they’re buying a story, a piece of you, and something unique.
Pricing with Confidence
It’s tempting to underprice your items out of fear that no one will buy them. But undervaluing your work can hurt both you and your customers:
You Deserve to Be Paid Fairly: Your time, materials, and expertise are worth something. Pricing too low doesn’t reflect that.
Customers Value What They Invest In: When people pay a fair price, they see your work as something special, not disposable.
You Set the Standard: By pricing your items correctly, you help educate your customers about the value of handmade goods.
When I first started October Rust Designs, I struggled with pricing too. But once I aligned my prices with the true worth of my work, I found customers who appreciated the quality and care that went into every piece.
Trusting the Process: “If You Build It, They Will Come”
Believing in your worth doesn’t mean instant success – but it does mean building a foundation for the right customers to find you. Here’s how to make it happen:
Focus on Quality
When you’re confident in the quality of your work, it shows. Customers can see the difference between something made with care and something mass-produced.Connect with Your Audience
Share your process, your story, and the passion behind what you create. People love to support makers they feel connected to.Be Patient
It takes time to build a loyal customer base, but those who value your work will find you – and they’ll keep coming back.Stay True to Your Vision
Trends will come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style. Stick to what you’re passionate about, and you’ll attract customers who resonate with your vision.
The Rewards of Knowing Your Worth
When you embrace the value of your work, something amazing happens:
You Attract the Right Customers: The people who see your worth will support you wholeheartedly.
You Build Confidence: Owning your value helps you show up with pride and conviction.
You Create Sustainability: Fair pricing allows you to reinvest in your business and continue doing what you love.
A Final Thought
At October Rust Designs, I’ve learned that knowing your worth isn’t just about pricing – it’s about believing in yourself and the value you bring to the world.
If you’re a maker, creator, or entrepreneur, trust in your skills, your passion, and your process. Build it – with heart, authenticity, and care – and the right people will come.
To my customers: Thank you for seeing the value in handmade goods. Your support allows small businesses like mine to thrive and continue creating pieces that bring joy to your homes.
And to fellow makers: Keep building, keep believing, and keep showing the world the worth of your work.
