Showing posts with label Why I Do What I Do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Why I Do What I Do. Show all posts

Monday, August 3, 2020

She sells her body for a living

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living
By Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm


PHOTO: Grace Teo, 張嘉軒 Zhāng jiā xuān, stunt actress, stretching is a must before any stunt sequence.
PHOTO: AsiaOne
Picture posted by Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YH2KOD3QGut2aRuahxII3_y9AjAQhlDrbbVDmXPpUAj9_5vYeqPYVsPkDdog6ql0cnfgjFu1ttkj1NRaqqJT8EH8wC79TGUmcQZIycXq2Urri7BggiVy-J2agV4Mu3l5cRMEIY7nNbs/s1600/20200731+Stunt+Actress+4_1.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200731%20Stunt%20Actress%204.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living



If you watch the recent Mediacorp show, A Quest to Heal, whenever you see a scene of actress Carrie Wong's character flying in the air and spinning around, it may not be the actress herself you are seeing on screen.

Instead, the person you are looking at might be stunt actress Grace Teo, 張嘉軒 Zhāng jiā xuān.

The 28-year-old is one of the few females in the local media scene who stands in for actresses (and sometimes actors) when there's a scene that requires physical skills.



Posted by Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living



And you would never have guessed that she engages in such physical activity on a regular basis. Rolling, falling, being slammed against the wall, and breaking tables as she falls are all in the day's work for her on set.

Growing up, Grace never thought that flying around in a harness would be all in a day's work for her.



PHOTO: Grace in MediaCorp show, A Quest To Heal
PHOTO: Provided by Grace Teo
Picture posted by Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EAtlI5a_1DM35pm0J0z_ZOhWOuc0ZuMJwjwzU-buGZi2BP-ZyLcviqkvwdwXvG-f2DCxaad07YC9IK23uNLP5MPjo4LT8S3l2yljof47PR8qDgm22Nk5szBE8VtjkPLSlg_abyudw-Q/s1600/a+quest+to+heal+wire+work.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/a%20quest%20to%20heal%20wire%20work.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living



She did, however, have dreams of being an actress, and this was how she ended up in the Lasalle College of the Arts. It was here that she was exposed to stunt work during one of her course modules.

Her Wushu and Aikido training from her younger days helped her pick up doing stunts fast. "I thought, wow, this is very cool, so I thought I might as well just have fun with it."

Little did she know that this would open the doors to the career she is pursuing today.

Starting out in stunts
Her official induction into the production happened by chance though. One of her classmates was acting alongside actor Sunny Pang, who is the founder of the stunt team, Ronin Action Group, and mentioned that he knew a girl who could do stunts. "I had a meeting with Sunny and that was the start of it all," she shared.

A few months after joining the group for their training sessions in 2015, she got her first paying job in the movie Siew Lup by Sam Loh.

It wasn't to show off her fighting skills though. "I was a stunt double who needed to know how to get 'abused', fall safely and get thrown on a table," said Grace. "For a day's work, the pay was not that bad. Definitely higher than what newbie actors would get."

Most local productions in Singapore don't require stunts that are too extreme. And for her group, they usually let her know which stunts a job would require before she agrees to it. "Sunny will ask, this one requires body slamming. Are you okay with it?"



PHOTO: Stunt practice
PHOTO: AsiaOne
Picture posted by Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm
 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-6AF9nyTR-HSqr4hJcjbTy5SzAC4hVnU6D-RRAVC-YjpaitfXfuCHZgISF6fJPBECDs62urpEkSEFqaN66oYwvmjIYLWVYL4-Q66cX4AbzPSkqdVdEez9B1mdPV_TWKC1ihV8o0qgDs/s1600/20200731+Stunt+Actress_1.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200731%20Stunt%20Actress.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living



She also makes it a point to inform her family about the stunts that she takes on. As her parents learnt Aikido alongside her, they trust that she knows what she is doing and that she knows what her limits are.

Her job is not without its own hazards though. Once, while doing a rehearsal for a stunt, Grace was slammed against a wall and suffered from whiplash. She had to be taken to the hospital immediately.

It took her six months to fully recover and the spunky stunt actress headed right back into stunt work.

I'm not that fearless
When people hear that she does stunts, they assume that she's very chor lor (uncouth) and is not afraid of anything. "I'm quite scared of cockroaches," Grace quipped.

Heights is another fear that she has, rather ironic for a stuntwoman. But as it's part and parcel of the job, she takes it on like a professional.

And when she takes on jobs with other groups, she doesn't always fully know what the stunt will involve, and one time it required her to jump off a four-storey building (with a harness, of course).

"The first try was really a leap of faith, but subsequently, once I got the hang of it, I thought, actually it's quite safe, and then it became something fun to do." That said, she will still hesitate to do it again.



PHOTO: Some of the protective equipment used while performing stunts
PHOTO: AsiaOne
Picture posted by Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kVEy1Zug2xNr4QTFUBm2hjUTyJLSnfLOvLTO7ZMzxUGrnhAv3BWy8UPsPQBjg_mWG4Df0I7BPUuREC0ajFzo_qqLr9jbEzNsEtiMnLAfFwXjc6ItnK4D-36Pa-Yyzp56hJHSoNF-Xho/s1600/20200731+Stunt+Actress+2.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200731%20Stunt%20Actress%202.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living



Other stunts that are a no go for her, are rolling down the stairs, as she has a lower back injury, as well as car stunts, especially those that might have direct contact with a car. Though there is protective gear provided and safety precautions taken with every stunt, she'll rather not take the risk.

Keeping stunt skills sharp
Not all stunts are that physical though, and it can be as simple as falling on your back. But doing that takes skills and it's not as safe as one may think. "Doing these [moves] can actually break your bones. Knowing how to fall safely is very important."

When her group meets, they do a variety of training, everything from knife work and gun handling to fight scene choreography and how to be thrown about.



Posted by Grace Teo 張嘉軒 Zhāng jiā xuān, gracetjx on 22 May 2020 at 1:02am - Throwback knife-fight choreo with @jazephua @roninaction
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAe48ebHD8q/



Interestingly, though people may think that those doing stunts need to be physically fit, Grace debunks that immediately. "You see stunt people with bellies as well, but they are skilled in their moves," she shared, citing Sammo Hung as an example of an actor who does stunts and fight scenes skilfully, something you may not have guessed if you just judged him based on his appearance. 

The actress that she looks up to is fellow Malaysian Michelle Yeoh. "She's a good example of a good actress who is able to do her own stunts, which is very admirable."

Her dream to meet the actress came true a few years ago, thanks to a friend. She recalls being absolutely star-struck but she "still managed to utter out a question".


PHOTO: Working out a knife fight sequence
PHOTO: AsiaOne
Picture posted by Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFBxE-jFQO22FjQffMgxyc76LxBpCtCB_RmZWtQTelSe_jiG42OoAWdfYCiK4et930GXHvc1v2KFb1sCcIhhvZ9GBiVZ0E39tWW38Ql0wFHN0sHymJsXRfmrG8PmFQ2yK2wMWmtEivcU/s1600/20200731+Stunt+Actress+3.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200731%20Stunt%20Actress%203.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living



For now, Grace's calling card of being an actress who can also do stunts has helped her carve a niche in the industry and clinched her acting jobs. "They know that I have an acting background and my selling point is that I can fight. For one of the roles, I was cast as an MMA fighter. As it was rather heavy in stunts, they took it as one of their considerations, and I got the job."

She does want to expand her acting portfolio though and had the chance to do it recently. "When they called, they said, 'Grace, I know you fight, but are you okay to act in a different type of role?' I said yes immediately. It was great to try something different and I hope I get more chances."

As stunt jobs don't come by every day, Grace does hold a full-time job to pay the rent and her boss allows her to take on acting and stunt jobs whenever they come her way.


PHOTO: For now, Grace's calling card of being an actress who can also do stunts has helped her carve a niche in the industry and clinched her acting jobs. As stunt jobs don't come by every day, Grace does hold a full-time job to pay the rent and her boss allows her to take on acting and stunt jobs whenever they come her way.
Picture posted by Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANitEETx0TCdy6OHOFLav9WDfVZ5svhN94KaPn947I5YMhLfgHo-IME557Hcq_EgLinN22yf9CNCA2-s0Fejc_C22OUBDGREiG7G-HyPGCY40ReVmKQyDpqJz9z3RQoFoHiPOUjo_brg/s1600/20200731+Stunt+Actress+header+1_1.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/original_images/Jul2020/20200731 Stunt Actress header 1.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living



This is the case of most stunt performers as the income from stunts alone is insufficient and unsustainable, not to mention the high risk it carries.

She does have a role that she's looking forward to — she's been cast in Ranjeet Marwa's upcoming flick, Blood Rush. Her Ronin Action Group boss Sunny set up a meeting with the director, and thereafter, a role was written into the script just for her, something she's very grateful for.



The income of most stunt performers from stunts alone is insufficient and unsustainable
The income of most stunt performers from stunts alone is insufficient and unsustainable
PHOTO: The income of most stunt performers from stunts alone is insufficient and unsustainable, not to mention the high risk it carries. If a role was written into the script just for them, something they will be very grateful for.
Picture posted by Vincent D., Vehemel on 24 March 2011 - I Have A Friend VIII
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AvcBz_gD-1UbFenqsvZVKErC5ocxpGhsCF6vhTegIgVDdLkdqSVt-DRO58WO_qyDrQFqseae5vbRjH8zUu89xCrFZSle4M4qhBmNMoHFUMODIp0V2PwVgNSVwYDjtfOTpuJXLOYFBTM/s1600/i_have_a_friend_viii_by_vehemel_d3cchav-fullview.gif
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/6f2adebf-b6f0-4d30-8980-ac54c7b92093/d3cchav-e1b500c0-0036-49c7-a829-65afad98a492.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_1200,q_75,strp/i_have_a_friend_viii_by_vehemel_d3cchav-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD0xMjAwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvNmYyYWRlYmYtYjZmMC00ZDMwLTg5ODAtYWM1NGM3YjkyMDkzXC9kM2NjaGF2LWUxYjUwMGMwLTAwMzYtNDljNy1hODI5LTY1YWZhZDk4YTQ5Mi5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.nh6I9Tx2GyilB2QCTs23o2CpBzU24Y5IngKyIOmXnXg
https://www.deviantart.com/vehemel/art/I-Have-A-Friend-VIII-202136215



However, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, filming that was supposed to start in June has been pushed back to next year.

For those who aspire to perhaps be the next big action star in Asia, she advises first picking up a martial art and watch action shows. Joining one of the stunt groups is also another route to learning how to do stunts. "We hold workshops and join us for one of those. And from there, if you are ready, you could become one of us."


For those who aspire to perhaps be the next big action star in Asia, she advises first picking up a martial art and watch action shows.
For those who aspire to perhaps be the next big action star in Asia, she advises first picking up a martial art and watch action shows.
PHOTO: For those who aspire to perhaps be the next big action star in Asia, she advises first picking up a martial art and watch action shows. Joining one of the stunt groups is also another route to learning how to do stunts.
Picture  posted by artisticnin on 01 July 2011 - Kie 4
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxEuf9Cmpnm0vVtcL41IwghA6nPmTT1A4XU8SdpiFAd-GI6iAcma8d08qH9l2hQXhxEJKH-oZSue8h0V_U8sUjiCL5Qkcm9NGA0zkL6DEe-pDFfjcFb5dvy1DOZ0FxFYZYMKOS-5coaE/s1600/kie_4_by_artisticnin_d3kkn4j-fullview_11.gif
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/829230cc-4321-4bf9-8bcf-ccc2ea1fe7ce/d3kkn4j-79bed5a8-37ce-4961-8a5e-a3de247c0f33.jpg/v1/fill/w_800,h_534,q_75,strp/kie_4_by_artisticnin_d3kkn4j-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD01MzQiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC84MjkyMzBjYy00MzIxLTRiZjktOGJjZi1jY2MyZWExZmU3Y2VcL2Qza2tuNGotNzliZWQ1YTgtMzdjZS00OTYxLThhNWUtYTNkZTI0N2MwZjMzLmpwZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD04MDAifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.Yx95PzehXWcIAhpea_1L6GF3T5-oS82csW7ZIJ3E1k4
https://www.deviantart.com/artisticnin/art/Kie-4-215953939

 

Her dream to meet the actress came true a few years ago, thanks to a friend.
PHOTO: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21).
Artwork by Mabel Rollins Harris - Fairy In A Sea Breeze
Picture posted by ETSY
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFdkYe6t18KGz_TKOUzNW2txTDbUMIDLydTlhOJHdvs1Jj6yGAI3CCWBAXUMQne-EAergFE_ITgDSxbMy2oDLY7p6JJWih4SaYy_7L_Ntr4uZIwSeldqQz3vQqpQYSEozVRFCJMzjdxo/s1600/il_570xN.2323189355_cwst_1.jpg
https://i.etsystatic.com/11924566/r/il/63e0f7/2323189355/il_570xN.2323189355_cwst.jpg
https://www.etsy.com/sg-en/listing/269506450/similar?page=3&ref=pagination

By Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm





Other stories of Why I Do What I Do is an original AsiaOne series

Her client successfully got pregnant after one visit… but she's no fertility doctor, posted on Sunday, 23 February 2020
Her client successfully got pregnant after one visit… but she's no fertility doctor, posted on Sunday, 23 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/her-client-successfully-got-pregnant.html


She helps couples have sex, and has even been asked to watch, posted on Friday, 22 November 2019
She helps couples have sex, and has even been asked to watch, posted on Friday, 22 November 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/she-helps-couples-have-sex-and-has-even.html


She's seen thousands of female genitals, but she's not a gynae, posted on Monday, 07 October 2019
She's seen thousands of female genitals, but she's not a gynae, posted on Monday, 07 October 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/shes-seen-thousands-of-female-genitals.html


He takes photos of people having sex and his wife is totally okay with it (Warning!, Nudity), posted on Thursday, 19 September 2019
He takes photos of people having sex and his wife is totally okay with it (Warning!, Nudity), posted on Thursday, 19 September 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1P0Qqzb6nwD3xMly7D8ZHjnM3-oKnzX0NauvhKq-mFsclgpHyHTFckeqHUIsKYZQ7zMGyiyVDpms1DxFUaSEaPNYN0fU_8PbNz4XJgseseguGo8biUGSwo_4SD-lFzBKiWh5exds4oPc/s1600/widwid_nudephotographer_cover.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/original_images/Sep2019/widwid_nudephotographer_cover.jpg
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/he-takes-photos-of-people-having-sex.html


Seniors can queue since 4am for a S$54 handphone but then demand a seat on the MRT, posted on Tuesday, 06 August 2019
Seniors can queue since 4am for a S$54 handphone but then demand a seat on the MRT, posted on Tuesday, 06 August 2019
Seniors can queue since 4am for a S$54 handphone but then demand a seat on the MRT, posted on Tuesday, 06 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/seniors-can-queue-since-4am-for-s54.html



Reference
[1] Seow Kai Lun, kailun@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, She sells her body for a living, posted on 31 July 2020 at 05:00 pm, https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/she-sells-her-body-living


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights

Monday, October 7, 2019

She's seen thousands of female genitals, but she's not a gynae

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/shes-seen-thousands-female-genitals-shes-not-gynae
By Candice Cai, candicecai@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, 04 October 2019


Dion Tan reckons she's spent more time working with — and on — women's vajayjays than your regular gynaecologist.
PHOTO: Dion Tan reckons she's spent more time working with — and on — women's vajayjays than your regular gynaecologist.
PHOTO: AsiaOne
Picture posted by Candice Cai, candicecai@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 04 October 2019

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhycA68qvWaLHF_EwT-lfs4JjvlRjsk4l-hwuJb4ktxjhV6e7-oToLIL9ZetbjOoQlJuHTAfUQx3DcOar4RYk4Hzcw9oUJr8BD5hIEOSBzPwd__e_S_6VqLNlMhjBgL4k9kPnOJ8N18M/s1600/20190930_dion.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/original_images/Sep2019/20190930_dion.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/shes-seen-thousands-female-genitals-shes-not-gynae



Why I Do What I Do is an original AsiaOne series where we showcase people with uncommon professions and what it takes to get there.

Dion Tan reckons she's spent more time working with — and on — women's vajayjays than your regular gynaecologist.

"I generally see more private parts than a gynaecologist," she says. "Even for a gynaecologist, they don’t work on a person for that long."

The 37-year-old Singaporean is a Brazilian-waxing specialist with a decade of experience in the job.

For those not in the know, waxing entails putting soft or hard wax on skin and ripping the hair off in one swift motion, while Brazilian is a style that leaves no follicle untouched — which means you'd basically be left bare, down there.

 

Dion Tan, 37-year-old Singaporean, is a Brazilian-waxing specialist with a decade of experience in the job.
PHOTO: Dion Tan, 37-year-old Singaporean, is a Brazilian-waxing specialist with a decade of experience in the job. waxing entails putting soft or hard wax on skin and ripping the hair off in one swift motion, while Brazilian is a style that leaves no follicle untouched — which means you'd basically be left bare, down there.
Picture posted by Candice Cai, candicecai@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 04 October 2019

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbFsKFYCozJ0d8zxb-Gyth76LB9XfaZqZDkHNhpWHd1yUHHbks2qzTkKelGQIWoZijmk_hGse-FftGhlhMeqYtRIa6aYsepRDlIh488lCKKKnRwRe2wORoY5FqdyobJFS6i_kIeUeZIM/s1600/Brazilian-waxing_1.png
Brazilian-waxing_1.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/shes-seen-thousands-female-genitals-shes-not-gynae



According to Dion, women do it for hygiene reasons as well as for the aesthetics.

What's it like working so intimately with a woman's nether regions? And something we all want to know: are we 'normal' down there?

"When a client comes in to do Brazilian waxing for the first time, they are always curious about what other people look like," says Dion, "and they ask questions like 'am I the worst' or 'am I okay'.

"In fact most people think that theirs is the worst — like they've got the most hair, they've got the worst pigmentation down there, stuff like that."

Ever the professional, Dion has the perfect answer: "It's like a piece of art, it's up to the individual to appreciate.

"My job is to make women feel good about your most intimate area. Everybody is different, but they're unique."



My job is to make women feel good about your most intimate area.
PHOTO: "My job is to make women feel good about your most intimate area. Everybody is different, but they're unique."
Picture posted by Calyxta - Silk by Lay Bare Bikini Waxing

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCkWfKvUYqVIZmC6Toj5onohCjPoqBpOZFSV64wgw8P7XPugy4JBT2IpOYzVHZWUPmUcrSxdSvsQy4Q3D1MOxbmTyqMJ28-Qnq-1qeIryLMaB7b3h4qvs81Ld2rgzn-PtOS30_TpHFbA/s1600/Bikini-and-Brazilian-Wax.jpg
https://www.calyxta.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bikini-and-Brazilian-Wax.jpg
https://www.calyxta.com/shop/services/silk-by-lay-bare-bikini-waxing/



However, the most obvious difference would actually pertain to a woman's "bush", which is ultimately what their job entails.

In industry-speak, Dion lets us in on the analogy of a forest to describe hair growth beyond the bikini line.

"Sometimes we compare it to... 'forest', 'grassland' — we'll use terms like that.

"Many of the new colleagues who join us, sometimes they get shocked by the quantity of the growth down there," she shares.

She speaks from experience. As a newbie, Dion was similarly taken aback when it came to her first-ever client.

She shares: "Hers was really dense as it was her first time doing waxing... the good thing is that both of us managed to finish the treatment".

It took her about 45 minutes to an hour then, when now it would take her just half the time to complete.

NOT THAT PAINFUL
First-time clients also tend to be tense and fearful of the pain. Some of the misconceptions she's had to debunk are that they'll end up so sore "that they can't even walk"; some think that they won't be able to shower, or that they can't have sex after the treatment.

"If clients do believe they have such a low [pain] threshold, then I do get them to take some painkillers 30 minutes before the waxing even though it's not really necessary. But if it makes them feel more at ease, they can."

On the other end of the spectrum, Dion also sees clients for whom waxing is a regular occurrence and they are much more relaxed.

She shares how some of them are "so comfortable" when they're doing the waxing that they even do a video call with their boyfriends, "just to show them they're doing the waxing for them", especially when "there's a special occasion" on the horizon.



First-time clients also tend to be tense and fearful of the pain.
PHOTO: First-time clients also tend to be tense and fearful of the pain. Some of the misconceptions she's had to debunk are that they'll end up so sore "that they can't even walk"; some think that they won't be able to shower, or that they can't have sex after the treatment.
Picture posted by CeraCare - CeraCare

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g-xa6ajw52zQJLvyA2e5mTtIhW8nfbz57PkY14lFW7b6bT6KpzQctmhrOufpCVEx8NkrC6RqNJ0fGOw3zkllju7x87XVjaBNWRyVcqOhL-1h8hTZN6b3qlKNsbkWmwLX25RivmEDspo/s1600/brazilian_waxing.jpg
http://www.ceracare.nl/cms/images/brazilian_waxing.jpg
http://www.ceracare.nl/cms/index.php/nl/soorten-behandelingen/77-ceracare-articals-category/83-brazilian-wax



More alarmingly, pregnant mummies have also called to make an appointment on the day that they were due to deliver, because they didn't want to be shaved by nurses (a necessary step) before being wheeled into the delivery room.

But after 10 years on the job and an additional five years in the industry as a manager, nothing really surprises Dion anymore. Not even unexpected sounds, smells or bodily fluids that inadvertently make their presence known during a session.

Dion explains: "Most of the customers when they come in for the first time, they don't know — or don't ask — that we do actually wax their butt crack.

 
"After getting over the initial shock, they'll start questioning themselves (if they have hair there), then I'll say, 'Never mind, you just turn over, I have a look for you. If there is, there is, if there isn't, then good for you'."

She continues: "So when people turn over, that's the time when I think their stomach also starts flipping and so sometimes they just let go, unintentionally."

Then what happens?

"Only two things: either you laugh or you keep quiet and pretend nothing happen," says Dion.

And let's not forget the smells.

She confides: "Singapore is very hot, very humid. People come here during office hours, so we don't expect customers to smell like roses.

 
"We do get them to wash up before the waxing, but sometimes they don't wash up in the manner that we think they will wash up, so people do come in with smells as well."

And here's where Dion shares a trick of the trade.

"Sometimes if the smell is really bad, we'll put some essential oil on the mask... it's our back-up."

Dion affirms that she has had to turn away some clients, but not because they smell bad.

"We've turned away customers who are on their period... they still try their luck, they'll go and wash up, and they think that they'll be clean down there during the waxing.

 
"But once they strip, people can tell."

And on one occasion, Dion had to turn away a person because 'she' turned out to be a 'he'.

While the salon that Dion works in does upper body waxing for men, it only caters to female clients for any work around the groin. "We just have to reject them politely. We tell them that we don’t provide [the service] for men and our therapists are not comfortable with it."

MORE THAN JUST A WAXING THERAPIST
Dion sees her role as a therapist in more ways than one. "When people come here, they're willing to strip themselves to show [you] their most private areas, so it comes with a lot of trust from the customers."



MORE THAN JUST A WAXING THERAPIST
PHOTO: MORE THAN JUST A WAXING THERAPIST
Dion sees her role as a therapist in more ways than one. "When people come here, they're willing to strip themselves to show [you] their most private areas, so it comes with a lot of trust from the customers."
Picture posted by Maris Gina

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWOrgekW0pEBBL6wcfp7DBTLr2I7nI0uWU6nXELdieJ4ilKtiUf3FvQlpTvc6VsyEAJO-DUki9tUcXsg5Xi10oBkgC7rvgEZi1FaDFb2-1v3JBe2o1e2dN6ykOXrR8E9RL019JquELP8/s1600/img_006.jpg
http://www.maris-gina.com/cmsb/uploads/img_006.jpg
http://www.maris-gina.com/



She added: "Customers do share a lot of things with us, because when a person is willing to show you their most private area, they are also willing to share a lot of private things with you.

"So part of our job is also to learn to keep secrets, because people do tell us things."

It's these softer skills that make the best waxer and not, say, a strong pair of arms. Although, of course, having the skills is important too.

Dion firmly believes that "anybody can be trained", as long as one has the passion, the patience and, interestingly, "some sympathy".

"Because when customers lie down, they show you their private area, they're very vulnerable and they're in pain. The last thing you should do is smile at them," she shares.

She goes on: "You should [show concern], ask if they're alright, or if they need a break."

The satisfaction of the job comes from getting repeat customers, because that's when they know that they're doing something right. 

"I have personally handled clients who had a bad waxing job done somewhere else so they come here for me to salvage the situation," says Dion.

If you're considering going for a Brazilian for the first time, here are some tips to prep beforehand:

  • You may trim your hair, but don't cut it too short "because we do need some hair for the wax to grip".
  • Never shave (for the same reason above).
  • Don't come during your period. Besides the obvious mess it might make, "that's the time where you'll be feeling sore as well".
  • There's no downtime so you won't need to take any leave and, don't worry, you'll be able to walk out of the salon.
  • If you're particular about cleanliness, you can bring your own vaginal wash (your therapist may thank you too).

Why I Do What I Do

Posted by Candice Cai, candicecai@asiaone.com, AsiaOne on 04 October 2019
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/shes-seen-thousands-female-genitals-shes-not-gynae



NOT THAT PAINFUL
PHOTO: NOT THAT PAINFUL
She shares how some of them are "so comfortable" when they're doing the waxing that they even do a video call with their boyfriends, "just to show them they're doing the waxing for them", especially when "there's a special occasion" on the horizon.
Picture posted by Fox2006 on 08 March 2017 - Gentle

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_SKfx0nlOgbdRZO8lCMXCcJ0HEant6uDCZfc-sKvmpgyjszXm5rU1xoAgEdTY8AxmFvkoAdFtvtXQZdCjEVBxoxmg2jVbAlRmZP00pTiUzV3C7ecEFs1kUNsDsy8UtnIuBMtjcQcH2g/s1600/gentle_by_fox2006_db1ia9p-fullview.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/57f044be-7127-4245-b050-a30534fb832d/db1ia9p-63067049-e511-411a-9759-b44167cf1fac.jpg/v1/fill/w_1024,h_1024,q_75,strp/gentle_by_fox2006_db1ia9p-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9MTAyNCIsInBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzU3ZjA0NGJlLTcxMjctNDI0NS1iMDUwLWEzMDUzNGZiODMyZFwvZGIxaWE5cC02MzA2NzA0OS1lNTExLTQxMWEtOTc1OS1iNDQxNjdjZjFmYWMuanBnIiwid2lkdGgiOiI8PTEwMjQifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6aW1hZ2Uub3BlcmF0aW9ucyJdfQ.eDuzq7S5J3ddUNCrhwBcl2_hcVL4r2IOfXD4DILJtJI
https://www.deviantart.com/fox2006/art/Gentle-667660669
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/he-takes-photos-of-people-having-sex.html

 

Because when customers lie down, they show you their private area, they're very vulnerable and they're in pain.
PHOTO: "Because when customers lie down, they show you their private area, they're very vulnerable and they're in pain. The last thing you should do is smile at them," she shares. She goes on: "You should [show concern], ask if they're alright, or if they need a break."
The satisfaction of the job comes from getting repeat customers, because that's when they know that they're doing something right.


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15).
Picture posted by johnhacht on 04 March 2019 - An angel in the woods, a dream.....
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFayhyphenhyphenLoONyXrAJflxFeM2UWChRA2JOT5EN9_C1AQHS-vl-Tw04aZgr0E6rCjzc8zQTi3ooB1EdEnIiyitp8kzoa4k4TZXzMvkEcsUJgw9RxPIqb0pi7XmgY4rUgoQCBiZxv3FW3N5M0/s1600/dd16lt1-8a20b2dc-64c0-48fc-9808-15edfa3e6dcc.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/d6326c8d-36b6-48ba-8490-82c4cef126e1/dd16lt1-8a20b2dc-64c0-48fc-9808-15edfa3e6dcc.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2Q2MzI2YzhkLTM2YjYtNDhiYS04NDkwLTgyYzRjZWYxMjZlMVwvZGQxNmx0MS04YTIwYjJkYy02NGMwLTQ4ZmMtOTgwOC0xNWVkZmEzZTZkY2MuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.pVGjWW28UBW-OaIvlKtig9DFAcCVkAzPLYeuXLBRS6Y
https://www.deviantart.com/johnhacht/art/IMG-5735-web-788048101


By Candice Cai, candicecai@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, 04 October 2019




Other story of Why I Do What I Do is an original AsiaOne series


He takes photos of people having sex and his wife is totally okay with it, posted on Thursday, 19 September 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/09/he-takes-photos-of-people-having-sex.html



Reference
[1] Candice Cai, candicecai@asiaone.com, AsiaOne, She's seen thousands of female genitals, but she's not a gynae, posted on 04 October 2019, https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/shes-seen-thousands-female-genitals-shes-not-gynae


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.