I don’t say yes to every prospective client… and here’s why

One of the questions I get asked a lot and often with a hint of surprise is, “Do you ever turn clients away?”

And the answer? Yes, I do!

It’s never about being unkind or judgmental; it’s about being honest, ethical, and protective of both my work and your results. I’ve built Sarah Catherine Cosmetics on trust and integrity, and that means sometimes saying no when something doesn’t feel right. Here’s why…

When Expectations Don’t Match The Reality

Sometimes a client comes in with a photo or an idea of what they’d like, but the treatment they’ve chosen simply can’t achieve that look. In those moments, my priority is to manage expectations. This is not only just to avoid disappointment, but to make sure you leave feeling confident, not confused or regretful.

If I don’t believe the outcome will make you happy, I’d rather have an open conversation and explore alternatives together. Honesty first, always.

When The Look Doesn’t Align With My Aesthetic 

Let’s be real: I’m not in the business of creating trout pouts (sorry, not sorry!). I love enhancing natural beauty, not transforming faces into something unrecognisable and not ‘you.’ 

So yes, I’ve said no to overly exaggerated filler requests because that’s just not what Sarah Catherine Cosmetics stands for. My name (and your face) both deserve results that age beautifully and naturally.

When Something Feels ‘Off’

There have been rare occasions when I’ve had a gut feeling that a client may not be the right fit, not because of how they look or what they ask for, but because the energy feels off. Sometimes it’s a sense that they might never be satisfied, or that they’re looking for a perfection that simply doesn’t exist.

In those cases, saying no protects both of us. The client avoids potential frustration, and I stay true to the calm, positive environment I’ve worked so hard to create over the last 12 years.

When You’re A Little Too Young (Usually!)

I tend to say no to clients under 25. That’s for no reason other than because your skin and features are still changing, and often, you simply don’t need the treatments you think you do. (There are exceptions, of course - you know who you are!) But generally, I prefer to work with clients who’ve had a little more time to settle into their natural features and want to get their confidence back!

When It’s Just Not Worth Your Money

This is a controversial one in today’s current industry climate… If you come to me for Microblading, for example, but already have great brows that only need a little shaping - why spend hundreds of pounds? I’ll always be honest if I think something isn’t worth your investment.

My business is built on results and relationships, not transactions. I want you to trust me long-term, not walk away feeling like you’ve been sold something you didn’t need.

At the end of the day, saying “no” is part of saying “yes” to the right things: authenticity, honesty, and natural, timeless beauty.

So if I ever say no to a treatment, please know it’s coming from a place of care. Because my goal isn’t just to make you look good for a moment, but rather to help you feel good for years to come.

Sarah x