Why I offer sliding scale services

Sliding scales are a tool rooted in economic justice. I’ve chosen this model in recognition of – and opposition to – how the colonial, capitalist, and patriarchal system we live in thrives on racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, and ableism and impacts us all differently. My vision is to create offerings for more people to have access to the supportive and transformative power of coaching. You can think of this as a communal support structure: when those of us who can afford to pay more pay at the top of the scale, those of us who need the support of our community can access opportunities we’re all worthy of having. 

A Quick Guide to the Butterfly Scale

While you’re encouraged to read the full description of the sliding scale below, here’s a quick breakdown

Little Yellow

The Pay-It-Forward/Pay-It-Back price is slightly above the actual cost of coaching. The extra investment supports pro bono and more affordable packages along with free and low-cost resources, workshops, and more. It's an opportunity to act in solidarity, challenge capitalism, and use privilege.

Monarch

This tier is the actual cost of 1:1 coaching. If you choose a package below the top tier you are receiving a discount.

Green Dido

The middle tier is for people who can most often meet their basic needs but have limited expendable income. Investing in coaching may qualify as a short-term sacrifice but it would not create hardship.

Blue Morpho

This tier is for people who struggle to meet basic needs. Investing in coaching would be a significant hardship.

The inspiration for Little Yellow

This is an ode to my maternal grandmother, who despite financial hardships she experienced, found ways to share with her community.

This nickname, however, came from her undying competitive spirit in our family board game (which she usually won). She taught me how competition can be expressed in fun memories with those we love, and how communal care practices can be our ethos. 

Determining Your Tier

Below you will find the Butterfly Scale to guide you in understanding the tier you fall in. There are many experiences, situations, and factors not covered and ultimately I trust you to decide where you fall.

Consider paying…

Credits for inspiration and concepts: Alexis J. Cunningfolk's Green Bottle, Joanna K. Douglas's recreation, and Mindful Member Care's wording.

  • It’s okay if this feels uncomfortable. It probably will. Capitalism fosters feelings of shame and scarcity around money. Plus, challenging norms usually creates discomfort (and it can also be very empowering).

    Be mindful that if you choose a price lower than what you can afford you limit access to folks who truly need financial flexibility. Being honest with yourself and your financial situation grows strong and sustainable communities.

    It also respects the value, time, and energy investment I make as a coach, facilitator, and educator. When I’m compensated fairly, I can sustain my work and health (unfortunately, I also live under capitalism and have bills to pay!)

    Remember, most people don’t have coaching in the budget! You’ll likely have to make adjustments. If investing in coaching means you will need to make short-term sacrifices, ask others for financial support, and get creative, but does not jeopardize your well-being and safety, please tap into those resources first to avoid limiting opportunities for others. There’s a difference between being temporarily financially insecure and being financially insecure long-term. See the “Tips” section (next) for ideas

    It's okay to have resources! And it's okay not to have them! We live in a system that creates conditions of poverty as well as financial privilege.

    You know your financial reality better than anyone, and no amount of descriptors can fully encapsulate anyone’s situation. I trust you to determine your tier

  • Since coaching isn’t in most people’s budgets, consider getting creative! Here are ideas based on real client experiences:

    Employer Support: many clients have gotten full or partial sponsorship for a coaching package through their employers. It’s been done through Human Resources, Programmatic budgets, or supervisor support. Explore what options are available to you*

    *coaching work is confidential and your employer will not know the details of our sessions - you have the agency to disclose what you wish

    Community Support: See if family or friends can gift or lend you money to invest in coaching. Our communities give gifts of books, journals, therapy, trips to visit us, and more. Think of a holiday or birthday coming up when you can ask for contributions. Plus, you can offer to share some tools and learnings you gain in our partnership with them! Knowledge is wealth, too.

    Trade-offs: What might you be able to give up or reduce spending on for a few months so that you can allocate funds towards coaching?

    Bartering: If you are an entrepreneur, artist, or creative yourself, or have something cool you think I can benefit from, let’s explore a full or partial barter agreement!

Sliding Scale pricing is offered to individual clients only. Separate pricing models are designed for organizations and companies.

Recognizing that even the lowest tier is still prohibitive, I have one coaching slot at a time offered pro bono. It’s prioritized for Black, Indigenous, and trans clients. Currently, this is offered through a partnership with The One Love Prison Meditation Project supporting people experiencing incarceration in the state of Florida. It has also been offered through Coaching for Everyone.