In the beauty and wellness industries, the relationship between provider and client can be complex. My decade of working with affluent women in New York City has illuminated these dynamics. One client, who had married into wealth and acquired the typical role of many wealthy wives, managed a heavy schedule filled with busy afternoons of social events and engagements. As she prepared to re-enter society after undergoing elective surgery, I found myself reflecting on her privileged yet seemingly ill-equipped existence.
One incident stands out: I was running late, and she audaciously questioned my rates, implying I shouldn’t charge what I did. This wasn’t isolated; many elite women treated my services as a favor rather than a professional exchange. Their wealth created a distorted view of others’ worth.
Ironically, those with everything often desire nothing beyond maintaining their status. When it’s time to acknowledge the effort of those who help them, they can be dismissive. This raises a crucial point: everyone deserves fair compensation for their expertise.
My experience in New York City's elite society has taught me invaluable lessons about respect and the complexities of service. Acknowledging each person's worth sustains us all.
