Finding Balance

Guided by scripture

Finding Balance: Pricing with Purpose and the Wisdom of Proverbs 30:8-9

Finding Balance: Pricing with Purpose and the Wisdom of Proverbs 30:8-9

Lea Brown

1. The All-Mighty Dollar and Its Pitfalls
You know, in a world that’s all about chasing the dollar, I’ve always felt a pull in a different direction. I’ve seen how wealth can twist people, especially in Christian circles, where some have turned faith into a business. I knew early on that this was never the path I wanted for myself. I wanted my life to reflect my love for God, not for money. As 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil…” — it’s not about having money, but the obsession with it. That scripture has always stayed with me, and it’s one of the reasons I keep my pricing transparent and my heart in the right place.

2. A Creative Outlet, Born from Necessity
When I first started this store, I wasn’t looking for a quick fortune. I didn’t have a fancy business plan or someone to guide me — I had YouTube videos and a vision of making a bit of extra income for my retirement. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d fall in love with creating again. You see, my disability had stolen so much from me. I used to be up at dawn, rushing to my craft room, eager to create. But then, everything changed. The pain became so unbearable that I couldn’t even sit to play the piano, something I used to do for hours. That creativity was gone, and it hurt in ways I can’t fully explain. But something triggered in my brain, and this store became my outlet. It wasn’t just about selling products; it was about rediscovering myself.

3. A Pricing Philosophy Rooted in Fairness
The more I looked at what others were doing with pricing, the more I realized that I couldn’t follow those paths. I wasn’t willing to charge what others thought was "normal" or jack up my prices just to make a bigger profit. I’ve been there — wanting nice things for my kids but not being able to afford them. I raised my children alone, and I know how tough it can be to stretch your dollar. With baby and kids’ clothes, I’ve kept my prices as low as I can because I want to help families, not burden them. Can I compete with the likes of Amazon or Walmart? No. But I can offer something different: unique, Canadian-made designs, with a personal touch that big stores just can’t provide. And with Print On Demand, my business model is planet-friendly — reducing waste and unnecessary inventory. This is a far cry from the traditional model where products sit in warehouses, waiting to be sold, and often end up discarded. Print On Demand produces only what is ordered, which means less environmental impact.

4. Creating a Space for Delight and Integrity
When you shop with me, I want you to feel like you’ve entered a world where creativity, humour, and love for life come together. It’s not just about buying something; it’s about experiencing a little joy, a little dopamine hit. I want you to know that when you shop here, you’re not just another number to me. I want you to shop with your eyes wide open, to make informed decisions, and not fall for the pressure of a "limited-time offer." I could use tactics that push people to buy out of fear — but I won’t. That’s not who I am. I refuse to put people in debt or encourage them to buy things they don’t need just to make a sale. I want you to feel good about your purchase. Yes, it may mean my store is a little quieter than others, but I’d rather it be that way than deceive you.

5. A Work in Progress
Let me be real with you — right now, my business isn’t paying the bills. I am. For over a year now, I’ve been pouring myself into this store. It hasn’t been easy. Some days, it’s been a real struggle, but I love what I do. This pricing system that I’ve built took me an entire year to figure out. And even though there are others out there pushing me to raise my prices, I just can’t do it. I’ve always believed in serving others with a generous heart. I’d probably give everything away for free if I could. But, of course, I have bills to pay too. I want this store to succeed, but I won’t do it at the expense of my integrity.

Proverbs 30:8-9
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God.”

6. The Future: Relevant, Trendy, but True to Myself
Looking ahead, I know I need to keep my store fresh and relevant. I want it to stay trendy, though I’ll be honest — sometimes, it’s hard to keep up with the rapid pace of social media. I can hyperfocus on something, dive deep into it, but at what cost? Will it take away from the quality of my products? Will it distract me from the very things that make this store special? My ADHD sometimes makes things harder, but it also makes me passionate and deeply invested in what I do. I want to be successful, yes, but I don’t want that success to come at the cost of losing who I am or what this store stands for.

It's true, I would love it if my business was recognized locally, if people knew my name and the products I offer? Sure. But even if that doesn’t happen, I’ll stay true to my mission: offering products that bring joy, creativity, and integrity. That’s my focus, no matter what.


Further Reading:

The following articles provide great insights that align with how I set the pricing in my store:

  1. "Running Your Business to the Glory of God" by Randy Alcorn
    This article emphasizes the importance of setting fair prices and honest scales, referencing Deuteronomy 25:13-16 and Proverbs 16:8. It underscores that Christians in business should be truthful and transparent in their transactions, knowing that God holds them accountable for their conduct.
    (epm.org)

  2. "The Bible, Business, and Pricing Practices"
    This piece discusses the moral implications of pricing, questioning whether charging "what the market will bear" is ethically sound. It suggests that businesses should consider fairness and justice in their pricing strategies, aligning with biblical teachings.
    (scross.co.za)

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