Story #009

"Since graduating from high school, unlike most people my age, i decided not to further my studies in college. Growing up in a family that built our lives from working in factories, i was expected to do the same and follow in their path; simply because it made sense. My parents had the connections to get me a job, the skills and knowledge to guide me, the credentials to back me up; however i could not see myself working in that industry.

There is something about me that just didn't like getting stuck in a routine; doing the same things day in day out for the rest of my life. I wasn't keen on a life without a wider social circle whereby we are bound only to the people in the room that we work with. Chances of meeting new people and learning about the lives of others are small. To me, it was like trapping a bird in a cage; stopping it from flapping its wings. That's the reason i chose to become a hairstylist...

Learning the trade from zero was a difficult challenge, but not impossible. I loved art and colours. I loved meeting new people each day. Loving the things i did made my journey a little easier; except for one obstacle which i had to overcome; breaking the stereotypes...

Traditionally, people used to have a bad impression on hairstylists; often seeing us as people related to alcohol, with tons of tattoos and bad attitudes. I've had people telling me that this industry is only for those who can't study. Each decision that i made, each turn that i took was met with closed doors and harsh remarks filled with hopelessness. It was like the world was turning against me. I sometimes felt alone in this dark little space, figuring a way to break-free from all the judgements that clouded my thoughts; all the insecurities that filled my heart. Believe me when i say this, it is in your darkest hour that you can see the light...

Through years of hard work, failures and challenges, i'm happy to say that today, despite the challenges i faced, i am finally a hairstylist and the industry is not like what it seems. Prior to being apart of the hair styling colony, i had very low self esteem; mainly from listening too much to people judging me. There were times i found it hard to even look myself in the mirror; afraid to see the person that other said i would become...

By having the right support system around me, the right people, i've learnt to love myself a little more; to believe in myself again. They encouraged me, pushed me to my limits and made me challenge myself. I practised socializing with people, learning the tricks of the trade, getting more skilled, understanding the importance of teamwork and getting more creative...

I grew from a person without confidence, to someone who could look you in the eye today and have a genuine conversation. I am not an alcoholic, a drug addict or rude; in fact i'm quite friendly now...

I guess the biggest lesson that i can take back from my experience thus far is that no matter what we do, as long as we love it, we will find a way to be different and succeed. It doesn't matter what people think about you, or who they say you will become. You are the maker of your own destiny. Whenever you come face to face with an obstacle, overcome it and never give up. If the going gets too hard, just remember why you started in the first place, and everything will be alright...

This piece is a symbol of hope; a reminder that no matter how dark our lives get, there will always be a light shinning at the end of the tunnel. Life is fair and beautiful! So go out there and claim yours! "

 Instagram: @hairstory_sukche_99

Charity & Cause : Isha Project Green Hands (WTF #TreeOfLife Project)

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