2014 | LexLow.co

Thanks Dignity…. see you in 2015

Finally i’m free to sit down , and write….
After all the busyness,.. work load,…and stress…. i decided to get back to my blog.

About 3 weeks ago,

I finally finished my teaching at Dignity For Children’s school. It is still surreal that this project i started has finally come to an end. In fact , its just the beginning. Earlier this year , it was just a thought. A thought came to my mind……. ” How can i make a difference in this society with my hairdressing skill of 12 years”….How can it break the cycle of poverty. How can it be a blessing to many……………………………………………………………….. Then i thought, why not give it away 🙂

A vision was then birthed… to change lives through a pair of scissor. That’s why this blog was created. To pen down every step of it, the journey.

I first met the founder of Dignity For Children Foundation earlier this year somewhere in February.

I shared with him how i would love to volunteer myself to teach “Haircut class” to the underprivileged kids. It was all good and the planning begin to take place. I begin with looking for sponsors and donors. God is good and He is Jehovah Jairah , God that provides 🙂 within 3 days of posting my “Social Project” idea online, i begin to receive funding from the public and i even have donors all the way from CANADA !
There’s a kind lady came up to me with a blank cheque and asked how much do i need as for the remaining …… bammm all the expenses to run this course is fully paid off 🙂

The fund received were use up to purchase all the hairdressing tools which include scissors, mirrors , hairdryers , clippers, section clips and etc.. …………and also to print text books …

This is my first batch of students 🙂

This class is unique with every kid coming from different background and upbringing… Some were refugees, some from single parent , some with “stateless” identity… but all came with a same purpose, to learn and find ways to seek breakthrough in life..
That’s why DignityForChildren was formed to fulfill that purpose. You can read more at www.DignityForChildren.org

After 5 months of teaching , the sense of fulfillment is just indescribable. It really bless my heart to see my students begin to create hairstyles , begin to cut clean and proper haircut independently. Some begin to cut for their friends. Some begin to cut for their family.

One of my student, Muan Van actually sent me this pic.

He told me that he was cutting his dad’s hair and he is glad that he could cut a proper and nice haircut for his dad. Likewise the dad is happy that he is benefiting from this hair cut class… It was just a simple haircut, but it remind me of my late dad who just pass away a month ago… I miss my dad a lot. But im glad , that my student can continue to do what i cant…… that is to cut his dad’s hair. For that, im contented.

One of my students, Juno… resettled in America with the help of UNHCR. She is so passionate about what she learnt here in Malaysia and it inspire her to be a successful hairdresser one day.She drew this pic when she was still in Malaysia .. Im glad that this project actually inspire her and gave her a sense of direction and perhaps a proffesional career path. And she begin to cut hair for her friends and families in US. I want to believe that it will change her life and break that cycle of poverty.

Some day, it’s tiring to juggle between work and teaching and also family… the last two month was really a struggle. My dad was diagnosed with liver cancer (stage 4) and i have to cancel certain days of teaching because i need to be at home taking care of dad. But i knew i have to keep going on and finish what i started. And finally , my students finished the race. I’m really encouraged by all the people around me that never fail to encourage me, support me , and believe in me… One of them , is my ex boss.. director of TONI&GUY Malaysia, Mr.David Mercer.

Also encouraged by this instagram account @MarkBustos who is a hairdresser that dedicate his offdays to cut hair for the homeless.

Finally… 5 months of haircut class. It’s finally over …

I believe that its just the beginning for my students. After graduate i’ve been thinking a lot of bridging them closer to the society. Thats where i connect them to my fellow peers and we organised a charity haircut for the orphanage home. And yes, they get to practice their haircut at the same time make new friends. The idea is to make them feel that they’re one of us. To build their self esteem , a healthy self-image and ultimately give them the confidence to be in this society. As refugees, often they have to face poverty and countless of fear being ” foreigner” in this country. I believe in not just deliver knowledge to them , but to truly help them…. its really about building from the inside of them, right from being a friend to them and help them grow.

My next plan is to help them get a job in good hair salons.
Afterall, if i cant change the world , why not change someone’s world. My vision is to help them build positive self-image , build that self esteem and confidence and ultimately break that cycle of poverty.. Everyday, is just one step closer to that goal…

Next year, i will continue this project. I have to admit that i’ve learnt so much by kickstarting this project this year…. 2015, it will be better.

Matthew 25 :40 – “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

LEX

2014-12-04T17:22:40+00:00By Lex Low|

Wella Malaysia – Hair Coloring Seminar

First of all,

THANK YOU Wella Malaysia for sponsoring hair coloring seminar to my social project… At first it was just a thought , a thought to partner with Wella Malaysia to provide hairdressing education to DignityForChildren Foundation.. And today , it’s really happening. Thank God for open doors that I can diverse my training for the students .

This training actually inspire most of them to see a different perspective of a proffesional hairdresser. Today they’ve learnt so much even though it’s just about the basic of hair coloring. Today they covered the subject on hair structure, color coding system , depth of color and coloring mixture.

The lecturer from Wella, Mr Chua… has been working with Wella more than 20years…a humble guy and expert in this trade of hairdressing . It always feels great to gather fellow peers in this industry to capture the same vision with me.. At the end, all of us can do small little things that can bring a big difference .

It was a full day of class from 10am to 3:30pm… Mr Chua first taught the students on the structure of hair and the science behind hair coloring. It was an interactive session and all the students are very active in asking questions. Mr Chua is very impressed and admire these students’ attitude and passion in learning.

One more thing that I’m really grateful – One of my client who flew back from UK for holiday and get to know what I’m doing , decided to bless an amount of money which blessed lunch for everyone today…

After lunch , some of the students went to a corner in that training center that’s full of magazines… They’re so excited as all the magazines were fashion and hair magazines. They spent quite awhile browsing it…It was later I realized that it was all out dated magazines where Wella Malaysia is in the midst of disposing or give it to the recycle company. Mr Chua decided to ask if they would like to have it because they’re trying to dispose it anyway…some of the students were so happy as if they found gold…

To them, they get to see and inspired by all the beautiful pics of hair and styles of fashion….reminded of how I started this career 12years ago…..simply because, I just love hair…
As i journey in this project more, I’m learning more each day. Seeing the joy of their face when they were given this magazines reminded me of how simple things can actually bring joy into our life… Sometimes, we over look many things and forgotten simple joy in small little things. All we have to do , is to reignite that childlike spirit within us… and enjoy !

Towards the end of the day, all of them were also trained to wash and style hair. It was so funny to see their reaction as they first hands on doing shampooing on model..

The students begin to feel what it feels like to work in an actual salon. I believe this experience will enhance their passion more .. It tells through their face expression

There’ll be another training up in couple of weeks time. This time will be more of a practical lesson where they will do actual hair coloring on real people , real hair 🙂

3pm….

time to go home…..

3:40pm head back to Dignity For Children school in Sentul…..

meanwhile in the van,

at first all still awake…..

After 10 min ride home …..

all KO..

😀

It was definitely a fun and tiring day for all of them.. But I guess, it’s worth it. Im really blessed to see these students enjoyed the lessons and be able to help them see again, that they can make a living out of this passion …. and ultimately, break free from the “underprivileged” mindset….

spoke to some of the students personally…there’s actually so many struggles that these students is facing…there’s only so much that I can do ..

To give them a hope, to help them to see a future, that is my greatest joy. I believe in transforming their lives through a pair of scissor. I hope that I can gather more like minded hairdresser to join me in this “movement” …to make a difference through a pair of scissor…

before I end this post,

Wanna share about this few weeks ago but got too busy… something touches my heart deeply few weeks ago.i saw one of my student’s drawing that she drew secretly..

One of my student , Juno..drew this .

It was written on top “ambition” and a drawing of herself with some hairdressing tools and ended with “hairdresser” at the bottom… I’m glad that this project sow a seed of hope in to one soul. Thank GOD for inspiring Juno to be a professional hairdresser one day..She’s able to see her future as a hairdresser. And each day of training, she’s one step closer ….

Afterall, if you can’t change the world.. Why not change someone’s world.

Cheers.

LEX

2014-09-16T14:41:10+00:00By Lex Low|

Good Samaritan Home , Klang

Merdeka..

National Day was yesterday , and today is another offday for most of us:) For many years, I’ve been working during public holidays especially on National Day. This year is different, I run my own business now and I get to decide when I’m off and yes , it’s a personal “Merdeka” for me.

So, a group of us led by Debbie Teong , headed to The Good Samaritan Home in Klang. Some of us in charge in playing games with the kids…. While me, with my 3 newly trained barber of less than a minute LOL… I encouraged my buddies to tag along and cut hair together with me .. It’s easy as most of the boys we required to cut really short . Basically , bald. the hairstyle was easy , standard . Mrs Wong , the caretaker of this home insisted on NO.2 hairstyle …..

these kids were really active and jovial. Unlike the orang asli kids who were more shy and timid. I guess it’s the environment they grew up that mould their personality. Some of us lead the game and these kids can really shout and laugh..

meet Timothy , my fav kid… he has the most charming smile 🙂

Had the opportunity to cut hair for the founder of this home , Ps. Albert .

Ps Albert shared about his journey of building this home since 14years ago. A calling that God has appointed him. Indeed it wasn’t easy and he is definitely a very down to earth and humble pastor….

Been cutting hair non stop for 2hours . Total haircuts more than 20kids. It was tiring but our team is more than blessed . As we are heading back, these kids came and gave us a hug 🙂

The smiles. Priceless .

Promised Ps Albert and Mrs Wong to volunteer myself again for haircut service every month.

LEX

2014-09-03T04:34:07+00:00By Lex Low|

6th week in Dignity

Time flies and here’s a lil update on the class I’ve been conducting at Dignity for Children foundation…

Most of the students are progressing extremely well and it’s been a journey full of joy and fun….

As much as I make sure they are disciplined in learning , I will make sure they enjoy the class 😀

They get to practice haircut on live model by cutting the students’ hair from the school itself…. Dignity For Children Foundation has about 900 students from kindergarten ,primary all the way till secondary class…

I believe in guiding them not just in haircut skill, but also build their self confidence and a healthy self esteem…some of them grew up having very low self esteem and lack In confidence due to their upbringing… After more than 6 weeks ( 2days weekly) of training, some begin to talk more and begin to express their passion in haircutting skill.. And I constantly motivate them about the great future of being a professional hairdresser .. reminding them how this beautiful art of hairdressing can build their life. Most importantly to break the cycle of poverty… Also to use this skill to bless somebody…

One of the week, I decided to have lunch with all of them…bought them lunch and it was bonding session where I try to get to know them better 🙂 having a meal with them is like seeing and feeding my own son and daughters … It was a simple meal but it’s full of joy…I was raised by my mom that one of her way of showing love is to make sure I am well fed and never hunger….I can truly understand how she feel now.. The joy of feeding my own children , lol…

Indeed its been a great journey so far…

The challenge is to help them see a future in more than just a pair of scissor.. It’s also about the people that they will meet along the way in this journey. That is to build a strong team that will journey this path together with them:)

the beauty of this social project is, it sees no skin color <3

students with their haircut model

At the end, i have to admit …that while im teaching, i’m learning too… ive learnt so much from the students.. from their stories, that will remain history 🙂 I believe great future is awaiting for them.

As for now, I’m planning to bring them out to cut hair for the community home such as old folks home, orphanages home or the underprivileged community home.. to be a blessing to the community that we are living in..

Much love,

LEX

2014-08-23T07:58:32+00:00By Lex Low|

Journey begun

7th of July 2014…..

The first day of teaching in Dignity For Children Foundation..
I was kinda nervous yet excited..
7 months ago, it was just a thought in my head . An idea. An idea to bless this society with a pair of scissor.

I’ve been questioning myself. What’s next in life ? I’ve quit my job at Hairplay which I really love to stay… I’ve worked with some of the best hairstylist in Malaysia… I’ve worked as a trainer/stylist in Toni&Guy Malaysia&Singapore..12years of work. What’s next ?

I guess what really drives me is psoriasis. Yes , it’s psoriasis .
But why psoriasis ?

It’s an autoimmune disease that cause my skin to constantly crack and bleed. The amount of pain and itch, i.n.d.e.s.c.r.i.b.a.b.l.e

this psoriasis has caused so much pain that even doctor advised me to give up on hairdressing due to the chemical filled environment ,which likely will trigger it. (Hair coloring..perm .. Bleach and etc) Best is to avoid hazardous chemical as much as I can….I have no choice but to decide to just focus in haircut…

This is on my right arm..
This is a small patch, I have bigger one on my leg,ear , scalp chest and back…if you ever wonder if I do go to the doc ? Yes,i do..i have a long list of doctor , medication and remedies that I’ve tried …and I’m still trying .

Well, to cut the whole story short, psoriasis caused me to appreciate life more and appreciate all the little things in my life…

PSORIASIS caused me to pause and reflect and ponder upon life itself.

it causes me to wanna make the best out of my life instead of dwelling in disappointment of my skin condition- I want to do something with my haircut skill that will make a difference to the society….that’s when I realize why not give away that skill.

That’s when I decided , why not teach this skill to those who deserves it. Those who needs a survival skill in life. A skill that can feed them and help them to achieve breakthrough in life.

Life does not end with psoriasis. Some day psoriasis does feel like hell but I just gotta go through it.. Ever since I started this social project with DignityForChildren.org , I’ve never been so excited about life before. Life with bigger purpose , bigger vision… Is a life worth lived.

I’m entering the 3rd week of teaching at Dignity. Can’t wait to see these underprivileged students to finish this course and embark in the journey towards a successful story of their own.

God is amazing.I believe it’s just the beginning… Beginning of a great story. . I’m believing for my dream to come true. That is to build a great and fun team of hairdresser/barber that will bless this society. I might no be able to change the world, why not change someone’s world =)

Thank God for the strength to go through daily living with psoriasis . Thank God for the vision …thank God for the mission..

Thank God …for choosing me.

Life is short, cut more hair
🙂

LEX

2014-07-23T00:57:51+00:00By Lex Low|

Haircut skill for Dignity

It’s confirmed.

Im partnering with www.DignityForChildren.org to offer free haircut course for the underprivileged and needy teenager.

After months of preparation and meeting with Ps. Elisha , teacher Ben , aunty Beant and her team… we are finally ready to roll . As for now , we have 10 students enrolled . Its gonna be exciting to see the growth and progress of one teen in picking up haircut skill.

Ultimately, our vision is to empower the teen with a set of haircut skill and see them embark in a journey to break the cycle of poverty. Too many untold stories of how poor the background of these kids and their family . Some of these kids are refugees and some are the urban poor families who live in this beautiful city of KL. I believe they can be nurtured and guided to strive in this society . All we need is to provide the first seed and help them grow.

I believe everyone can play a part to contribute in making this society a better place . Curbing poverty is not a one day job but it require effort from the society for the society.

As for now, i’m finalising my teaching materials , text book and the entire schedule of 6 months course. I’m also looking for sponsorships and contributions in cash to purchase the haircut tools or sponsorship of the tools itself.

Tax exemption receipt will also be issued to contributor 🙂

The tools that we are getting for these teens are :-

* Scissor
* Sectioning clip
* Cutting cape
* Hairdryer
* Mannequin
* Clipper
* Razor / thinning scissor
* mirror and etc…..

The cost of the tools goes up to RM200 per student. We are trying to purchase in bulk from the wholesaler so its cheaper.

If you are interested to contribute , feel free to write to me at [email protected] or im reachable at 016-6911024.

Cheers 🙂

2014-06-18T09:35:41+00:00By Lex Low|

DignityForChilldren.Org

Visited one of my lecturer , Ps. Elisha Satvinder …. the founder of www.DignityForChildren.org .
I had the privilege to visit the school where it cater to almost 1000 of students , from kindergarden , primary all the way to secondary school. This school’s mission is to break poverty through education. Their belief is to break the cycle of poverty by giving education freely to the under privileged .

We had a long chat …. a great chat indeed.

Well, the reason why i meet up with the founder…………

I’m offering haircut class for the vocational class.

It was a fruitful meeting with Ps. Elisha and his team .

Its indeed an exciting journey ahead for me. As for now, i’m working on the class lessons and modules. I hope this haircut “course” will benefit the underprivileged teens and will be a “seed” to grow and they shall become professional hairdresser one day.

With Ps Elisha (middle) and Uncle Harry (left)

The haircut lessons will commence in July 2014…..

Praying to God for wisdoms and enlarge my capacity to do greater things for Him.

LEX

2014-06-11T14:05:26+00:00By Lex Low|

Promise Home – Pt 2

Came back to Promise Home for secound round of haircut. This time , for the boys… These kids is so active they jumped around waiting for haircuts. They queued as ordered by teacher Iris.

2014-04-02T12:02:51+00:00By Lex Low|

Project “buang kutu”

Received a call from Irene… caretaker of The Promise Home in Kota Kemuning..
Arrived Promise home with a mission to remove lice from these kids. These kids got complained from the school.. So have no choice but to cut their hair really short.. unfortunately, some of them dont enjoy getting “short ” haircut…. guess what, they cried… Pretty tough for me but after much persuasion by teacher Gwen, the kids finally agreed to cut short..

There’s a new project coming up….. need a big faith to execute it…

cheers..

LEX

2014-03-28T12:26:03+00:00By Lex Low|

FUN-d Raising for TGCS

TGCS stands for Touch n’Grow Community Support. Its a home centre dedicated to provide alternative education for special kids with learning difficulties/disability such as issues like ADHD or Dyslexia. As part of Kota Kemuning residence and bussines owner , I was invited to join this fund raising event…Was so excited as this event is held in a school ..cutting hair in the school… Definitely gonna be fun.

Some of the foods sold were lasagna, kuih muih …nasi kerabu… Sandwiches n more..
As for my booth, total haircuts in 5 hours is 15people..which is RM 450 …

Pretty casual setting .. in a classroom … remind me of my sekolah rendah..

Then my church buddies came to support the cause….. Andrew Teo came out with the idea to take pics of sad face before and happy face after fresh haircuts….ya so here u go…

ANDREW TEO after the reLEXing haircut…

TAN SUNG LIN….

Twas a pretty tiring session of cutting non stop for 5hours… wish i can cut more and contribute to TGCS…. perhaps next year. Thank God for the total amount raised were close to about RM10,000 ….

SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY ,

LEX

2014-03-28T08:55:54+00:00By Lex Low|

Yearly Archives: 2014