A Superwoman; An Inspiration.

Lum Kah Yee, 24 Kuching Sarawak; A Woman, An Inspiration...

Kah Yee at work..a pharmaciist...

Kaglad that ee on the wheel chair..Nothing can stoppedYour...

I first met her in my salon. She came in with her sister,Kah Ling who is our regular client.  My eyes were on her wheel chair.  I wondered what had happened to her.  But she has something special in her.  Her bright smile and she gave me the positive impression that, "Hey, I am alright..I am just like you..I am cool..don't worry"..

She had an appointment with us for a wash and hair cut. I did a consultation for her, checking on the hair length she wants and what she needed for her haircut.  She knew what she wanted.  Straightforward and decisive.. She had a wash and she single handedly, helped herself to the basin area for a wash first.  I was amazed and touched.

After the haircut, she was so happy, that she praised me for a great cut.  I felt truly happy to see her bright smile.  But, throughout the cutting process, I did not even dare to ask her questions..why, when, how, etc.  I figured that I should not make her feel uncomfortable since it's her first visit.

Time passed by and she became our regular, and whenever Kah Ling, her younger sister came back from KL, she would come in for hair cut, perm, color,wash or treatment.  And from there, I had a chat with Kah Ling.  I learnt that she is a special one..and her determination, positivity and persistency were way till the top. I felt if I were her, I may not be that strong...I salute her.

I decided that I should interview her for my blog, sharing her life experiences with others..She shall be a great motivator, and inspiration to lot of unfortunate people in Kuching, our lovely homeland.  I believe, she is happy to be an inspiration to all..

I was so happy when I received a 'yes' from her when I sent her message in FB if I can interview her online for my blog..At the time, she was admitted to hospital due to wound at her back that caused her fever which needed close monitoring..  Eventhough she was in the hospital, and I was so busy in the salon; we both managed to finish the interview together...As now she was recovering; I hope I can meet her soon in person..the bright smile that brighten my day..And even though she has to celebrate her birthday in the hospital, she never failed to thank Lord for giving her the life, the love, and the laughter.

Below are the interview questions I sent to Kah Yee, and photos I saved from her FB; sharing her life, her thoughts and her smile...(Below are all the messages from our emails..Happy reading..)

at the beach..

Jacqueline:

Hi Kah Yee,
Hope you are well...

I have few question to ask you or perhaps many haha..Pls let me know if my questions caused you some discomfort ya...I just want reader to know more and truth from you.

1. What is your full name?
2. What is your occupations?  The first time I saw you in my salon, you were in wheel chair. I was wondering what had happened.
3.  Can you share with us what had happened?

Do attached photos of you when you are baby, kindergarten years, primary and secondary school, college and uni.

Hope you are great.

Happily graduated!! If Kah Yee can..why you cant?

Kah Yee in the middle- still in hospital..

Kah Yee:


Dear Jacqueline,

Thank you for taking your time in interviewing me..Hopefully I won't bored you with my replies hehe..

1. Lum Kah Yee, turning 24 this 30th November ;)
2. Currently working as a pharmacist.
3. What happened to me still remain a mystery.  I remembered when I was 3 years old, I was running around with my sister and I slipped and fell down.  After that my parents brought me to many doctors but they could'nt come up with a conclusive diagnosis.  Some report says I have polio while others traumatic spinal cord injury.

Sorry I don't have baby, kindergarten and primary and secondary school photos.  It's at home and need to be scanned ;)

Kah Yee a smart girl since young age

Jacqueline

Hi Kah Yee,

Can you scan for me?  Can ask your sis help you?

Q4: Wow a pharmacist..How did you do that?
Q5: Did you go to a special school?
Q6: How do you feel when you meet this problem? (of not be able to walk?)
Q7: What keeps you mentally so strong? Pls share..



Kah Yee:

Kah Yee with other caring colleagues..

Q4:  I guess it's a long hard road but an enriching one.. In many ways I learn how to be independent, not afraid to ask help from friends and challenge myself to only discover that limit is that human sets for themselves. 

Q5:  I have to thank my parents for fighting a place for me in a normal school for they believed that is where I belong to.

Q6 & 7:  Initially it was hard for me to accept it, all thoughts went through my mind when I cant do certain things, other people can do.  But over the time with God, I manage to understand that each person has their unique God given purpose in life.  We might not be able to know what it is now but  I believe it's going to be awesome just as God promised in Jeremiah 29:11.

Hey, Jacqueline, sorry for the super duper late reply. I'm still at the hospital and my wound has improved (getting smaller each day) Sorry I couldn't scan any photos.  My sister went back to KL already ;).




Jacqueline:

At Melaka..

Hey love,

Great to know that you are healing? You need to work soon! Many patients needs you now haha...
Can I get the photos from FB, some I feel really great  for the blog..

Questions to answer now ;) ;

Q8: I admire the way you think..how strong you are mentally.  God really play a huge part in your life..can you share some great moments with HIM?

Q9:  Do you consider yourself a self-motivator?

Q10: Does your disability stopping you from making new friends?  Are you afraid of strangers?

Q11: Can you share some of your good moments in life?

Q12: What do you do in your spare time?

Q13:  Is there anything you would want to tell a teenanger who has just lost a limb; based on your life experience?

Q14: Have you ever reached a point in your life where maybe things were not going smooth at all and maybe you were stressed out and you blamed it all on your legs? Can you share?

Q15: Have you ever seen a parent scold a child for starring at you or asking out loud about you in public?  How did that make you feel?

Q16: When people do express their curiosity, do you find they ask you the same questions over and over again?  Do you feel okay with that?

Q17: Are there any celebrities or public figure with disabilities that you admire?

Kah Yee

Graduation ceremony in KL! YEAH!!!

Hi! Sure feel free to take the photos from FB ;)

Q8:  Hmmm...there are so many great moments that I can seem to pinpoint one hahaha..I will share two major events how God display His love and glory in me.  First will be able complete my pharmacy degree and able to stay at KL without my parents.. How He placed so many right people to help me get through His plan and certain people to teach me the lessons in life.  Never in my wildest dreams I would be able to go to university, go to shopping malls, went for a trip to Bukit Tinggi, rode a horse without HIS blessings.

Secondly, my career.  When I first started working, I have low self-esteem, I doubted my ability, I ponder whether is this the right job for me.  I get a lot of stares especially from my patients.

But I remember God telling me to take one step at a time..soon they will be able to see I'm just like the rest except the difference is "mode of transportation' ;)

Hanging out with friends..

Q9:  I would like to be one.. for now I haven't see that yet haha..

Q10: Initially yes, I was so shy to go out from the house.  Don't dare to smile to others or even look them in the eyes.  Constant encouragement from my mom brought me out of my own world.  Now I'm comfortable meeting strangers and just smile whenever possible.

Q11:  I got one which I will never forget in life.  I rode my first ever roller coaster at Universal Studio Singapore! I always thought that I could never ride one ;)

Q12: I'm like any other ordinary people who loves to shop.  I can spend the whole day just at the mall or I would go to the bookstore and take my time browsing books.  I am a fan of self-help books.

Q13: Trust your heart for it knows best.  Don't be afraid to try new things because you won't know what is there for you if you don't try.  It is not so important on how you reach your destination but the journey that counts.  So make each day a learning day.  Think happy thoughts, smile and lend a helping hand.  One doesn't see how big is your contribution, it's the thoughts that matter.

Q14: Countless of times haha...most of the time I will tell myself failure is not the end.  It is the courage to get up after the failure.  If you give up it means that you have failed yourself.

Q15: Haha awkward! Until now I still do but I just shrugged it off by a smile or just pretend to be busy haha..

Q16: Well, sometimes I don't mind depending on how they approach their subject.. Sometimes I have people just bluntly asking me what happened to me.  I would usually prefer telling to people I feel comfortable with.

Q17: Yes! Nick Vujicic..a man with no limbs but able to live a fulfilling and enriching life.  Highly recommend to read his book.

Wow! That was long hahaha..but thanks for the interviews..!

Kah Yee at work at General Hospital Kuching

Jacqueline

Love to read all the reply dear..

Last question,

Q18: What do you want to achieve in life and where will you see yourself at after 10 years?


Kah Yee

Haha...

For now, I guess I want to concerntrate on my career and what I see myself in 10 years time?....a wonderful family of my own and being a motivational speaker who write books as well haha...



I sincerely wish Kah Yee all the best in life.  I read Kah Yee's post in fb that she is at home now....So glad she is finally back home.. I am waiting for her next visit so I post our photo together..hehe...

Kah Yee..Gambateh! You have made Borneo proud!

Love
Jac

Budget Vacation Tips: Bangkok 2012 -Part 2

2nd Best Time at Bangkok  (Part 2 - Day 2)

Our second day was so tiring!! We went to eat RM1 famous boat noodle for breakfast and then Dusit Zoo...zoo near the city...We only opted for anything within city so we do not have to travel so far..save more time...

I watched about RM 1 famous boat noodle in youtube and told myself to must try it..and reading about Dusit Zoo of mix opinions of positive and negative so why not I check it out myself since it's entrance fee is only  RM 10.  So we took the chance.


How to go to Boat Noodle? 

All the places I have planned visiting were actually nearby to each other.  So after eating boat noodle, we went to Dusit Zoo..How to go to RM 1 Boat Noodle? I did not find much details how to go to the noodle in internet so I guess I should put the details in so you guys can find the way better...

RM1 Famous Boat Noodle:

Well..it tasted mmmmm....not really ummph.....but it was a great experience..must at least try once...

How to go there?

1. Take BTS to Victory Monument Station..walk to the Victory Monument directions...stop and take photo like me haha - VM1 (photo below)
2. Walk to the left of VM1...walk down the bridge staircase...you will see market..
3. Keep walking to your left..and enjoy stalls and little shopping...VM2 and VM2b
4.Keep walking until you see a hospital on your left..
5.Keep walking left again until you see a crossing bridge to the other side of the road...walk up the staircase..and walk to the middle of the bridge and you see a river and shops by the river..Boat Noodle shops are just there...VM3..walked down from the bridge, and choose the noodle house you like..and try it :)

VM1 ( me and Tyan)

VM2

VM2b

VM3

Waiting for food!

RM 1 only

cute

After breakfast, we walked back to the other side of the road where hospital is to take cab to the Zoo. It took us 8 - 10 minutes taxi ride.....Once arrived, we were so excited..RM 10 for adult and RM 5 for children only to enter the zoo..what a great bargain...Not only Tyan was excited..we all did...Back to childhood...yippie!

Tyan with elephants..

So fun...Elephant show and bicycle rides..

Cow hihi...

Sea Lion show..so cool!! we enjoyed it so much..

*p/s: I took lots of animal pictures but I forget where I saved them..If I found them, I will post it up here...There are monkeys, donkeys, birds, alligator, hippopotamus, zebra, giraffe..and etc.

Dusit Zoo isn't that bad for half a day trip ...and my daughter enjoyed herself; plus the entrance fee is so cheap!!

After Zoo, we went to Siam Paragon for quick lunch and then heading back to Tune Hotel for bath and nap...ln the evening, we went to Terminal 21 for  little walk and dinner;...and ended our second day in Bangkok..

The third day we went to boat ride to Khao San Road..and Siam Ocean World in Siam Paragon..Stay tune to our Bangkok Day 3 Part 3 hehe...

Love,
Jac

Malaysia Top 10 Women Hairstylists

Voted by Top 10 Of Malaysia Magazine

Receiving a magazine through post today (Monday 12th November 2012); it is Top 10 of Malaysia magazine.. felt butterfly in my tummy..

Excited..

I opened the envelope and quickly rush to page 76 to have a look..Was waiting to see if my name is in the list of Top 10 Women Hairstylist of Malaysia..(was told by MHA President Billy Lim, that my name has been nominated..would not believe until I see it with my own eyes..)

Top 10 of Malaysia Magazine Issue 8/2012

 I was overwhelmed to see my idol Ms Winnie Loo of A Cut Above in the first page..She is truly an inspiration and living legend to me..I admire her work..and persistency in whatever she do..

I saw my superidol.. Ms Winnie Loo

 And another 9 of them ;) :

Ms Florence Lum  of  Andy Ho Haute Coiffure
Ms Jessica Yong of Hair Culture Saloon
Ms Callie Goh of Michael & Guys

Florence Lum, Jessica Yong and Callie Goh

Ms Jacqueline Chang (me) of Essensual Hairdressing (Cutting Edge Group)
Ms Ann Wang of APT Group
Ms Alice Loh of Snips Hair Salon,

Jacqueline Chang(me ;p), Ann Wang, Alice Loh

My photo was not attached in but...seeing my name has brighten my day...At least my work has been recognized  even though I am from Kuching Sarawak.

Wendy Wong, Liza Leong, and Pessy Tai.

Ms Wendy Wong of Wenawave Hair Salon
Ms Liza Leong of Grace Salon
and Ms Pessy Tai of Hair Impression Salon and Academy

Summary of my work ;) felt blessed and happy.

I am glad to be part of this..And seeing my hard work is being recognized gave me more motivation to work harder to improve myself..I have yet so much to learn..and I congrats all the female stylists (as above) for being able to be work hard to prove themselves despite having family etc...

Thanks Top 10 of Malaysia Magazine..I really feel honoured..

Love
Jac

How to solve Hair Loss Problem? The answer is - SHORTER HAIR.

PLEASE cut your hair SHORTER if you are facing HAIR LOSS problem...

and the truth is..that is the no 1 best way..

Ya, you heard me..Cut it short please..if you found lots of hair on the floor or on your bed..Waste no time...Go get it cut the shortest length you can accept. Please stop living in denial that you can keep your long hair by using premium hair loss product to ensure hair loss problem stop..Well..it does not.. You need to get shorter hair straightaway.

My experience with clients having "hair long with hair loss problem - cut to shorter length" these years; gave me the confidence to state a clear statement - "SHORTER HAIR help prevents further hair falls"..
Reasons are:

1) You will not be able to tie your hair..giving further pressure to the weak root.

Tying your hair everyday only make your face look rounder if you have round face..and your hair looked unlively..dull, flat and oily.  Why do you want to live 365 days tying your long hair? Just because the public told you that woman should have long hair??? Well.. We are living in this modern era...We have the choice to go mid length, short or even supershort.. Trust me..You will still look feminine even with short hair too..It depends on how your stylist do it..


Sharing real life examples around Kuching...

Jacqueline Tiong has super long hair, and decided to cut shorter due to hair falls too..But she looked too PRETTY now hehe..

ME

Gena Sim, IMH Music Teacher

Jacqueline Wong

ME with blue hair hehe..

Ummi Abdullah- Movie Producer

Gena Sim, IMH Music Teacher

Kimberly Wee, Astro Customer Executive

Crystal Chooi, Actress and Producer

2) You will be able to wash your hair everyday.

When you have shorter hair, you feel lighter, and it ease your daily maintenance..You can wash your hair anytime you want..either after cooking or exercising..and it dries faster.  End result -  Your scalp stays clean and healthy and; gone all the grease; smelly grease that caused by impurities from the surrounding air..We are living in a hot country.. What's the point of having superlong hair but you only have few hair!!! Ya imagine yourself tying only a small bunch of hair! What's the point?? And whenever you sweat, your balding scalp is visible...

At certain time; I felt really angry seeing woman walking around having their little hair tied up and seeing bad oily scalp..I would try my best to be as honest as possible..walk to her and tell her, "I think you need a shorter haircut..Your scalp looked pretty bad"..Some will smile at me blankly..some will say; "Cannotlah! My hubby loves me with long hair.." I was stunned and ???...

Think on behalf of the men..Do they want to run their finger thru your oily and smelly hair???  No right?  It is the truth..Hair is all womens' crowning beauty..And having bad hair and scalp will kick your man away...So, when you have shorter hair, your scalp health improved as you can wash everyday..BUT...
It does not mean that you can wash your hair 2-3 times a day..1 time per day is good enough..Over wash per day will only will clean away sebum that are needed to protect you hair......Clear ;)?

And I always hear clients telling me that many people told them that wash hair everyday is bad for hair...It is not true at all! The skins that are nearest to our face is scalp..Imagine, we washed our face 2 days once, what will happen? We will have breakout right? Same as our scalp..Our scalp will turn dirty and resulted more hair falls.. Be logical okay?

After your hair is cut shorter, you can improve your hair grows by using hair loss preventive shampoo; that helps a lot..Saving some little money will not help you improve yourself.. after all you are just pampering yourself too..

A tip to share - some hair loss shampoo does cause dryness to the hair (very normal) as it acts to clean your scalp and ensure your scalp clean..So I would suggest that you use leave in conditioner (leave in conditioner is a better option as you can avoid unnecessary excess of moisture to the scalp that caused oily scalp - one of the reason why you have loss is greasy scalp) instead of rinse condtioner to give moisture to your hair..ensuring both scalp clean and healthy hair.


Try it out..and do not be afraid..You will realise the benefits of shorter hair..Please do not misunderstand what I meant..You can always grow back your hair longer when your scalp is healthier..For those who do not have hair loss problem, you can always have long hair..

Kara Simon on the right..finalist of Miss Malaysia...She is too cool with short hair..

Joey Bong..She is bored with longer hair..and was hesitant too..Look how gorgeous she is now! and
her hubby Zac loves it!

Jacqueline Wong..always gone mad hehe..

Gorgeous Ms Keh Mei, she has healthy scalp so she can keep her hair long and wavy ;)

p/s: All the hair cut and color above is done by me :) haha..


Love,
Jac

FAYE WONG!! MY DREAM IS TO CUT YOUR HAIR!

PLEASE LET ME CUT YOUR HAIR IF YOU SAW THIS BLOG!
I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO FIND YOU :)



I really do not know where to find you Faye..I dropped you message in Weibo but I guessed you may not have noticed since you have millions of fans...and I am one of them. I am not from big city..I am from humble Kuching, a capital city of Sarawak..in Malaysia...I was trained overseas..but because of I love KUCHING...I decided to live here and  to raise my daughter ..I never stop trying my best changing hairstyle trends of women in this small and peaceful Kuching.. I believe Kuching was a town of a lot of beautiful women...My passion is to transform them into a beautiful butterflies so men will fight over them...

Faye, you are already a beautiful woman and no one can deny that..Fashion forward is your style..I know I may look stupid by creating this post, asking if one day I could really cut your hair..just even for once...I might be daydreaming..but I don't mind at all as it may come true one day..If I don't try I may not even stand a chance..So I took this chance....and I will patiencely wait..if one day you will notice this post in my blog..I hope you get the message....I do not have any connection to the entertainment world..so I guess the only way to connect to you is thru my humble blog....

So I guess this little message that I wrote here, made my day..

"FAYE WONG!! MY DREAM IS TO CUT YOUR HAIR! WOULD YOU LET ME?? "

Faye, if I really have the fate with you... I want to let you know that I really hope one day I can give you a nice good haircut....Please do not hesitate to email me ya..cuttingedgeschool@yahoo.com.my..

I know it may sounds crazy to you..but I am not crazy..I am a hairdresser from Kuching...I may not be the best hairstylist in the world..but I know I am good in what I am doing..

p/s: Faye, you looked best with short hair..

Love

Jac