A fair & just business model
Building a Business Model That Serves You and Your Community
The solopreneurs I work with want to help others, create something meaningful, and make the world a better place. But the challenge we often overlook is that running a business can either support that purpose or undermine it. If we’re not intentional, we end up perpetuating systems that harm both ourselves and the people we want to serve.
How does this show up?
You undercharge because you feel guilty about pricing higher, or you feel like you're being greedy if you prioritize your own financial well-being. You stretch yourself thin, overextending to meet everyone’s needs but your own. And it all feels unsustainable.
But the truth is that if your business model isn’t working for you, it can’t work for your community either. You need to be resourced first. Otherwise, you’re just replicating a cycle of burnout, which doesn’t serve anyone. It also perpetuates a convenient capitalist myth, that hard work and burn out yields results.
Challenging the narrative.
A socially just business model starts with you thriving. When you’re resourced, you can show up fully for your clients and community. When you’re under-resourced, you’re running on fumes, and your impact diminishes.
When I am working with entrepreneurs through one of my signature programmes, we look at how to build a business model that’s rooted in social justice, where both you and your community flourish:
First, fair pricing. You deserve to be paid for your work, and your clients deserve access to your services. Ethical payment plans are a powerful way to bridge the gap between these two truths. Instead of penalizing those who need payment flexibility, why not offer options that are truly equitable? This allows more people to benefit from your work while ensuring you’re not sacrificing your own financial health.
Next, boundaries. Overworking and under-pricing don’t just harm you—they send a message to your clients that it’s okay to devalue themselves too. Setting clear boundaries protects your energy, your time, and your health. It also models the behaviour you want to encourage in your community: valuing one’s work and well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of others.
Lastly, serving your community beyond profit. Giving back doesn’t mean always offering free work—it means finding sustainable ways to support others while keeping yourself resourced. This could look like offering a few need-based scholarships or dedicating time for volunteer work that aligns with your values.
Your business model can and should serve both you and your community. It’s not about choosing between making money or making a difference—it’s about building a business that honours your needs and values while creating a positive impact.
If you’re feeling burnt out or disconnected from your purpose, it’s time to re-evaluate. Start by asking yourself:
Am I pricing my services in a way that honours both my worth and my community’s needs?
Are my boundaries clear and strong enough to keep me from burning out?
Do I have the support I need to build a just model?
How can I serve my community in ways that are sustainable for both me and them?
By addressing these questions, you’ll start building a business model that doesn’t just survive—it thrives. For you, for your clients, and for the world you want to help shape.