Hi friends! I wanted to take a moment to talk honestly about something a lot of small brands are usually scared to address: pricing.
At Nyahallo, I’m always trying to find the balance between being fair to my customers and being fair to the people (and materials) that bring these designs to life. Fashion should feel magical and accessible, but it also takes real time, labor, and care to make.
Here’s a breakdown of where the cost of one dress actually goes and what you’re supporting when you shop here.
1. Materials Matter
Most fast fashion brands use polyester or synthetic blends to keep costs down. But for many of our upcoming pieces, I’m switching to natural fabrics like cotton sateen, silk organza, and bamboo viscose. These feel better on your skin, breathe more easily, and are much kinder to the earth.
That dreamy ruffle? It’s not just fluff. It’s hand-cut silk. The lining? Soft and breathable cotton voile, not plastic-based synthetics. These materials are significantly more expensive, sometimes three to five times the cost of polyester. Every choice is intentional and made to improve both the quality and comfort of the final piece.
2. Fair Pay for Real Work
Nyahallo is a small brand. Our designs are not mass produced. We make everything in small batches, and I work directly with my team to make sure everyone is paid fairly.
Each piece involves:
If a piece takes hours or even days to complete, that labor deserves to be respected. Bigger companies often skip steps or rely on mass production to cut costs. We don’t.
3. It’s Not Just the Dress
When you buy from a small business, you’re also helping cover the costs of:
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The website and store platform
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Graphics, photos, and videos
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DMs and emails (which I often personally reply to)
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Sustainable packaging choices
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Shipping materials, platform fees, and customer service
Every listing is written by me. Every package is part of something more personal. And every step is a reflection of the love and work behind this brand.
4. Addressing Common Misconceptions
Over time, I’ve seen different types of feedback about pricing. I wanted to respond to a few common ones in the hopes that it brings more clarity.
Customer A: “I’m willing to pay a bit more for something with top quality natural materials.”
Thank you for being open to supporting thoughtful fashion. But just so expectations are clear, switching to natural materials and ethical production doesn’t just cost a little more. You can expect the cost to be three to ten times higher (and sometimes even more) than fast fashion or factory-made pieces.
This is not an inflated markup. This is simply the real cost of doing things properly with better fabric, better construction, and better treatment of workers.
What I’m trying to do is find a balance. I want to use the best materials I reasonably can, while keeping the final price as fair and accessible as possible. That balance might look different for every design, but the goal is always to create something meaningful without cutting corners.
Customer B: “Your items already seem like luxury prices.”
They’re really not, especially if you compare what’s actually included. My designs are custom made, include more steps, use higher quality materials, and are produced in small quantities.
Big brands regularly sell plain polyester hoodies for $120 or more, even though they use cheaper materials and make them in massive batches. Mine are usually priced lower, weigh more, and require more attention to detail and care.
If something feels out of budget, that’s completely okay. But please understand that the price reflects the reality of what it takes to create this work. I believe in fair wages and sustainable practices. That’s something I won’t compromise.
Customer C: “I want something cheap and pretty.”
I hear this a lot, and I get it. Everyone wants cute clothes at an affordable price. But here’s the honest truth: I can’t offer “cheap” because we are a small business.
And that’s not a crutch, or an excuse. It’s just the reality we face.
Let me explain. Bigger businesses often produce items by the thousands. That quantity lets them bring production costs way down. They also tend to use very inexpensive materials and cut corners with labor.
At Nyahallo, our items are made in small runs, with carefully selected fabrics and much more hands-on work. This raises the cost of every item. Even before I earn any profit, the upfront expenses are already much higher.
So while I can’t compete with big retailers on price, I can offer something that’s personal, intentional, and full of heart. Something made by real people who care about what they’re creating.
Offering Options for Different Budgets
To give more people access to Nyahallo without compromising what the brand stands for, I’m planning to offer alternative versions of a few top designs (if it makes sense for the item).
For certain fan-favorite pieces, I might release:
This won’t apply to every item. It will only happen for select styles where I can maintain the vision while giving you more flexibility.
5. You’re Supporting Art, Not Just Apparel
When you shop Nyahallo, you’re not just buying a dress. You’re supporting:
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An artist’s original ideas
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A creative team that cares deeply about craft
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A different pace of fashion that values meaning and connection over mass trends
I don’t want to be everywhere. I want to make beautiful, lasting things that feel like they were meant for you. Every piece is wearable art.
Thank You
I know my pieces might not be the cheapest. But I hope this gave you a better look at why they’re priced the way they are. I want each release to feel personal and worthwhile, whether you’re buying your first Nyahallo piece or your fifth.
If you ever have questions about how something is made or where materials come from, please ask. I’m always happy to share.
Thank you for supporting thoughtful fashion, small artists, and wearable art. It truly means the world.
With love,
Jen @ Nyahallo
