HANGZHOU, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Within the unassuming confines of what appears to be an ordinary salon, a note affixed to a mirror can easily capture one's attention.
"Hello! I cannot hear. May I kindly request you to indicate your desired hairstyle by either using this pen or presenting a picture? Thank you." reads the note. Upon entering the room, most customers instinctively gravitate towards a vacant seat, forgoing verbal exchanges with the proprietor.
Wang Xiaozhen, the owner of the salon in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, possesses exceptional talent despite being born with a hearing impairment. Her remarkable skills have been indisputably validated by the prestigious gold medal she won during a competition held in France earlier this year.
The 43-year-old Wang achieved this momentous feat at the 10th International Abilympics, a globally renowned competition celebrating the remarkable abilities of individuals with disabilities.
Talking about her motivation behind taking part in the event, Wang said: "I would like to set an example for my daughter."
Wang was born into an ordinary rural family in Hangzhou's Chun'an County and experienced a joyous childhood. After graduating from a local special needs school, she determinedly set out to secure employment and become self-reliant.
At the age of 17, Wang embarked on her professional journey as an apprentice in a hairdressing salon. Reflecting on her early years, she conveyed her determination through a typed message on her phone to Xinhua, stating, "Due to my hearing impairment, I had to exert greater efforts than others to succeed."
Wang described herself as "hardworking and optimistic." During those formative years, she not only honed her craft, but fate also bestowed upon her a serendipitous encounter. In 2003, she crossed paths with Dong Hualiang, a fellow apprentice with hearing impairment. Little did they know that this meeting would mark the beginning of a profound connection, ultimately leading to their union as husband and wife.
After getting married, the couple opened a salon in Tangxi township, which is Dong's hometown, and named it Huazhen, combining their names.
Despite earning a modest annual income ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 yuan (about 4,284 to 5,712 U.S. dollars), a figure that may not be considered substantial in the thriving eastern region of China, the couple has found true fulfillment in their chosen profession.
Their unwavering passion for their craft shines through, capturing the admiration and appreciation of the local community. Their exceptional skills have won the hearts of those they serve, further solidifying their status as beloved figures within their profession.
They dedicate their spare time to providing complimentary haircuts for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and hardworking cleaners. The couple also extends their goodwill to the blind goalball players of the national team when the athletes are in Tangxi for training.
"I have always been lucky over the past 26 years since I became a hairdresser," said Wang. "I was helped by many people, and I would like to pass on the love to others in need."
In 2020, the salon underwent a relocation, settling into its current location in Hangzhou. Despite the change in place, the hairdresser couple has made sure to keep their prices affordable.
Most services offered by the salon range from 20 yuan to 100 yuan, presenting a stark contrast to other establishments where typical treatments like perms often commanded prices in the several hundred yuan range.
Motivated by a profound aspiration to lead by example and instill a sense of pride in their 12-year-old daughter, Wang is on a path of further training and development. Her unwavering dedication paid off as she garnered remarkable success in numerous local and national competitions.
As the media clamors for interviews, Wang said she experiences a conflicting emotion alongside the joy and recognition that came with her gold medal victory in France.
"My husband worked in the salon alone while I was away for competitions," she said. Speaking highly of her husband's talent and dedication, she added that he too possesses remarkable skills and even secured a national award in 2021.
Filled with a deep sense of appreciation for him, she expresses her desire for their roles to be reversed in the future, allowing her husband the opportunity to compete and excel while she takes charge of the salon so they could grow together professionally.
Speaking about her future plans, Wang said she envisions visiting special needs schools, where she plans to impart her life experiences to students who, like herself, navigate the world with hearing impairment.
By sharing her personal journey, she wants to provide inspiration and encouragement to these young individuals, demonstrating that their own dreams and aspirations can be realized despite any challenges they may face. ■
