In the serene landscapes of Thai Nguyen province, north of Hanoi, Trieu Nhung was born into a Dao minority family of five. Her parents, both dedicated farmers in their sixties and fifties, raised their children alongside the rhythms of the land. Tragically, blindness touched their family twice, affecting both Nhung’s older sister and Nhung herself, the cause remaining a mystery. Despite this shared challenge, a deep connection binds Nhung to her older sister, who is married with two children. Two older brothers and a younger sister complete their family. Their modest farm sustains them with rice, trees, and a few animals kept for their own use.
Nhung’s childhood held a quiet yearning: to learn the flute. Limited by the family’s finances, her musical exploration was confined to brief encounters at school. As the only blind student, Nhung navigated her education with unwavering effort, relying on the kindness of supportive teachers and friends, as the school lacked specialized resources. After nine years of persistent struggle, Nhung made the difficult choice to leave school, finding her place assisting with the daily tasks of home and farm. She describes herself as reserved and simple, desiring only the means to support herself, the solace of her flute, and the simple pleasure of listening to the television.
At eighteen, her path began to shift. Joining the Thai Nguyen Blind Association opened a new world – the art of massage. She learned introductory Tam Quat (traditional Vietnamese massage) techniques, leading to an opportunity to work in a local studio. Then, in 2018, a nationwide call for participants in a free Swedish massage training course, offered by Omamori Spa, reached her. Despite having no prior experience, Nhung’s innate talent shone through; she emerged as the top student, earning a valuable certification. The Blind Association provided crucial support with food and lodging, while Blind Link, the compassionate force behind Omamori Spa and a key employer of its graduates, generously provided the instruction and certification.
For a time, Nhung continued to practice Tam Quat, but her potential had been recognized. In September 2019, Nham, her inspiring instructor from Omamori, extended an invitation to join their team for advanced training and employment. This marked a dramatic transformation. The sophisticated techniques taught at Omamori were a world away from her previous experience, and the work environment was equally revelatory.
Leaving behind the basic settings of the Tam Quat studios, Nhung entered a sanctuary of tranquility at Omamori. The luxurious décor, featuring art, vibrant flora, and calming melodies, was designed to envelop clients in comfort. Even more impactful was the shift in her interactions with clients. Previously, she often felt undervalued, even mistreated. The professional Swedish massage training had already begun to foster her confidence, but at Omamori, her shyness continued to recede.
Since joining Omamori, Nhung has embraced every opportunity for growth. She has quickly mastered the fundamental massage techniques and dedicated herself to learning English, striving to understand both therapeutic terms and the welcoming phrases used by the receptionists. Her eagerness has endeared her to all. In her personal time, Nhung has finally been able to nurture her musical passion, acquiring six flutes and practicing in moments of respite. Though still hesitant to perform publicly, her dedication is evident.
Having witnessed the challenges of rural life and her sister’s struggles firsthand, Nhung harbors a clear and heartfelt dream: to establish her own massage studio after marriage, creating a stable future for herself and her family. With her quiet determination and unwavering commitment to self-improvement – qualities that have earned her the admiring Vietnamese nickname “cham-chi,” or “go-getter” – Trieu Nhung is undoubtedly on a path to realizing her aspirations and likely achieving even greater success.
