​My problem is I look young.

I am 31F fashion designer. I’ve been designing for 10years. I look young, some people think I’m in my early 20s. I’ve lost clients before just because of this. The moment they see me, they already judged me.

This is my most recent experience. I’m designing for a debut event for her 18th birthday, it’s like a quinceniera. Where I’m from, this is a big coming of age party, almost as big as a wedding party.

This client was referred by a wedding coordinator who had given me clients several times.

I had a meeting with the client and her mom, the mom is the one planning and paying for the event.

Within the first five minutes, she has already asked me, did you just graduate?

Through out the meeting, I can already sense that she doubts my ability because I look young and inexperienced.

I was talking to her kid and she confirmed that she loved the design but the mother is not happy.

Now, I have two concerns: 1. How do I improve my looks so I look mature and competent. 2. How do I proceed with this client? I usually reject clients who seem doubtful of my skills. But it’s difficult to reject her because she’s referred by someone who has been giving me clients.