When I was a little girl, I’d always watch my mother dress up for work or for dinner with long-time friends. I’d watch her intently as she applied makeup, fixed her hair until it became straight and tangle free. Sometimes she’d let me help her when she’s not in too much of a hurry, and I’d go to the vanity mirror with her and smear some of her lipstick on my lips.

My favorite part would be choosing the jewelry. She’d always tell me to go get her big jewelry box and then pick out what I think she should wear for the day. I’d hold up various things like a long pearl necklace and a sterling silver bangle bracelet. When she’s at work and I’m left at home, I’d sometimes get her jewelry box and just stare at the silver. I never knew something could be so shiny that it would get me hooked at looking at it.