I did a girl’s graduation makeup. When I finished, she was disappointed and burst into tears. I panicked—I was inexperienced—so I charged only 30%. An hour later, the girl posted her look on social media.

I was shocked! She was saying: ’’Today, I made myself proud. I did this makeup all by myself, and I couldn’t be any happier of the way it turned out!’’ When I looked closely at the photo, it was unmistakably my work. I froze in disbelief at her audacity.

Later that day, her mother called me. I froze when she said, ’’My daughter has a habit of doing this. Please give me your details so I can send you the rest. Thank you—you did a fantastic job. And please, never let anyone underestimate your hard work or take advantage of you!”

True to her word, she sent me the remaining payment. But more importantly, her advice became the greatest lesson I carried with me from that day on.