Visually Impaired Woman Opens Own Spa

By Norhidayyu Zainal

HULU LANGAT, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Nasha Azrin Zol Azizan’s disability has never stopped her from pursuing an independent life. At just 23, she is not only a certified massage therapist but also has her own spa in Taman Legenda Suria in Hulu Langat, Selangor.

She lost her vision after falling from a cradle at five months old and her life has been filled with challenges since then. Growing up, she never allowed her disability to become an excuse to stop trying.

“When you are a person with disabilities, people often underestimate you and doubt your abilities. But I learned to tune out the negativity and prove that I can stand on my own feet,” she told Bernama after the official opening of her premises, Nasya Spa & Massage, by Senator Isaiah Jacob recently.

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Her interest in massage therapy began in childhood when she would accompany her mother and late grandmother, both of whom were skilled in traditional massage, as they attended to their clients.

“That’s where my interest grew because I knew massage could help people feel better,” she said.

The passion eventually led her to enroll in a massage therapy course offered by the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB). After a year and a half of theoretical and practical training, she earned her Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 3.

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To build experience, Nasha Azrin worked at a massage centre for two years while also offering home-to-home massage services on her days off.

However, she admitted that freelancing was not easy, especially for someone with a disability.

“There were times when clients refused to pay and handed me fake receipts. With AI (artificial intelligence) technology now, it’s even easier for people to forge them. That was the biggest challenge of working independently,” she said.

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She added that she also faced negative comments during her social media live sessions to promote her services.

“But I always remind myself not to entertain negativity. I focus on my work and the customers who genuinely need my services,” she said.

After nearly three years of hard work and saving enough money, she opened her own premises in August.

Assisted by her mother and two other visually impaired staff, the centre offers traditional massages, foot reflexology, herbal sauna, body scrubs and floral baths.

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The Kuala Lumpur-born entrepreneur hopes her spa can become a training centre for visually impaired trainees after they have completed their massage therapy course at MAB.

“They can come here for training. Whatever experience I have, I want to share it and help other disabled friends so they too can be independent,” she said.

To persons with disabilities, especially young people searching for direction, Nasha Azrin offered the same advice that has guided her throughout her journey.

“Don’t give up easily. Don’t listen to people who say you can’t do it. Stay positive. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything,” she said.

-- BERNAMA