Born the middle son in a family of five in Nam Dinh Province, Đông’s journey began with a world less clearly defined. With an older brother of twenty-four and a younger brother of thirteen, his early years were shaped by the steady hands of his construction worker father, forty-six, and his mother, a fellow worker of forty-three. Born with impaired vision, Đông’s sight progressively dimmed as he entered primary school. Though a kind, sighted friend offered invaluable assistance with his studies, the initial years were a significant struggle. Yet, fueled by considerable determination and his friend’s support, Đông persevered, eventually rising to the most advanced group in his class.
It was during these formative school years that Đông discovered a profound love for Vietnamese literature and the quiet joy of writing his own stories. His early works captured the essence of childhood – tales of friends, teachers, cherished games, and the simple adventures of growing up. Beyond his native tongue, Đông also developed a keen interest in the intricate structures of foreign languages, particularly English and Japanese. When asked about this fascination, his response revealed a mind that thrives on challenge: he found them “very difficult” and preferred to grapple with subjects that pushed his boundaries. This same spirit extended to his passion for gymnastics and physical exercise, a realm where he could move freely and test his physical limits.
But when the topic of other interests arose, Đông’s energy shifted dramatically. He practically leaped at the question, his enthusiasm akin to an actor seizing a coveted role. “My DREAM,” he declared, with the conviction of a born performer, “is to one day be an actor or a comedian!” He had even begun to lay the groundwork for this aspiration, creating video skits with his friends, a testament to his proactive nature. Driven by a desire to forge his own distinct voice – a voice that would command respect and serve as a powerful representation for the blind community – Đông felt an intrinsic need to excel in every endeavor. However, the mounting pressure of keeping pace with his studies sparked a concern that his eyesight was deteriorating further. Consequently, at the age of sixteen, he made the difficult decision to conclude his formal education at the end of tenth grade.
Initially, Đông channeled his energies into assisting his father in crafting decorative paper lanterns, the very kind that adorn Omamori Spa and are beloved throughout the country. He faced skepticism from those around him, who doubted his ability to create beautiful lanterns due to his visual impairment. Undeterred, Đông was determined to prove them wrong, driven by an inner need to demonstrate his capabilities. He recounted with immense pride the completion of three exquisite lanterns, a feat that surprised everyone but himself. After a brief period working alongside his father, Đông sought new challenges, enrolling in a traditional Vietnamese Tam Quat (massage) training course at the National Training and Rehab Center for the Vietnamese Blind in Hanoi. One of his instructors, recognizing his talent and drive, offered him a position at his Tam Quat studio, quickly promoting him to manager. Demonstrating his multifaceted nature, Đông even took on the responsibility of cooking for his colleagues.
Always seeking to expand his horizons, Đông returned to the training center for another course, subsequently working for another instructor’s Tam Quat studio. Then, approximately two years ago, a Facebook advertisement posted by Nham, a massage instructor at Omamori Spa, caught his eye. Seeing an opportunity for both professional growth and further self-challenge, Đông decided to apply to study and work at Omamori. The reputation for demanding training and high expectations from future employers only amplified the appeal of this new venture. Since arriving at Omamori Spa, Đông has consistently demonstrated his earnest commitment, mastering technique after technique and quickly establishing himself as a rising star among his peers.
He speaks of a stark contrast between the environments of the Tam Quat studios and Omamori. A primary difference lies in the professionalism he observes among his colleagues at Omamori. In his previous roles, he often encountered significant competition and even instances of professional sabotage, with therapists attempting to poach clients from one another. In stark contrast, Omamori fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. Furthermore, the Tam Quat studios were often characterized by constant chatter among therapists during client treatments. Omamori, on the other hand, upholds a professional code of silence, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere for clients and allowing therapists to enter a state of focused concentration, sometimes even meditative, while providing treatment. The aesthetically pleasing and tranquil physical environment of Omamori further enhances this sense of professionalism.
Đông also highlights a crucial difference in clientele. He recounts instances at the Tam Quat studios where clients displayed a lack of respect for the masseurs, often making unreasonable demands. In stark contrast, his experience at Omamori has been overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of clients showing respect and expressing clear gratitude for his professional skills.
Currently, Đông’s primary desire is to be known as a happy, energetic, and perhaps even a little “crazy” individual. Looking towards the future, his greatest hope remains to establish his own voice, whether it be through acting, comedy, or as a powerful advocate for the blind and visually impaired community. Since 2023, Đông has actively contributed to the growth of others, serving as a teaching assistant in massage training courses, sharing his expertise with blind students from all corners of the country.
