And the hard work paid off — during a recent trip to the mural to interview Michaelis and Rafanelli, several onlookers took a second to stop and admire the work. “It’s gorgeous,” said Julia Perilla, who said the six girls have been patrons of Carvel since they were toddlers. “I pictured it to be beautiful. I didn’t picture it to be spectacular.”

The Carvel co-owner added that she has received numerous compliments from customers about the mural.

The work also taught the girls other important life lessons, said Rafanelli, especially since they had the opportunity to work with a professional artist. “They really learned what it takes to be responsible for your own business,” she said, “and the culmination of something from start to finish.”