Aunty Liew was still a hairdresser until she caught her last breath at the age of 83! I found out about her passing when my wife called her to make an appointment for my next haircut!
What’s so special about Aunty Liew that I should write a blog about her?
For one, it was her determination to continue with what she had been passionate about her career as a hairdresser of 63 years. In one of my haircut conversations with her, I asked her why she was still on the job.
To this she replied simply and humbly, “I don’t want to resign myself to sitting in a chair when I could still make people happy with I could do for them.” It wasn’t the RM6 she could earn from me and the rest. I am sure it was nothing for her. If there was something more, it was definitely the time she spent making herself purposeful and useful.
Being a simple person with a simple lifestyle and life philosophy, I could identify myself with her. That explained why there was easy acceptance of one another. Right from the start, I wanted her to be my full time hairdresser. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for long before I ‘lose’ this deal.
The other thing I admired about Aunty Liew was her attitude towards customer service. She gave more than a “5-star” service to her clients. It was hairdressing at your doorstep: driving her manual Proton Saga to customers’ homes and even cleaning up the “hairy mess” after each haircut !
She was definitely my role model who had few or no self limiting beliefs. While many would use an advanced age as limiting, there was none in her. Positive, exuberant, jovial , courageous, and active.
I will miss you, Aunty Liew, not because it was great savings for me, but more of listening and learning from you. Seldom one gets into ‘the zone’ when getting a haircut; I must confess I get into it every time.
One thing for sure I will share your greatness with my clients and students. I’m sure many will be inspired by your life. This is definitely one great way to remember you always.May you rest in peace.
See you when my time comes. Till then……
