Outside the mainstream workplace, there are always people writing their own life chapters in different ways. Today, let us enter the wonderful world of Ajian, a barber who does not work.
Jian's relationship with pigtails began when he was 18 years old, during his first semester of college, when the pigtail culture was on the rise. Jian was attracted by the braid style of the knife girl in "The Walking Dead". He met a white man who traveled to Chengdu through Douban and began to learn braiding by paying tuition in installments. At first, he just wanted to take care of his hair. Unexpectedly, the next summer, braid culture quickly became popular in China, and Ajian began to take orders based on this skill. From initially serving friends around him to gradually accumulating customers, he achieved financial independence at the age of 19.
During his college years, Ajian also tried a variety of business models. In the second semester of his sophomore year, he opened his own studio, but chose to close it due to rent pressure and other issues. Instead, he teamed up with tattoo artist friends and continued the business on a commission basis. During this period, he not only expanded his business scope and learned piercing techniques, but also set up a stall with his friends to sell handmade earrings. Judging from the fairs held once or twice a month, plus the business of braiding and ear piercing, his monthly income can reach 5,000-8,000 yuan, sometimes even more than 10,000 yuan. Such a generous income is enough to support a student’s travel dream.
Ajian's business talent began to appear as early as childhood. When he was ten years old, he collected the phone numbers of his classmates' parents and made a "classmate directory" similar to a phone book. He sold the book for one yuan and gained the "first pot of gold" in his life. In high school, he got into the sneaker reselling business. This series of experiences made him decide early not to work for others.
After graduating from college, Ajian began a life as a freelancer, and teaching and traveling became the two major themes of his life. He only spends three months teaching every year, mainly during winter and summer vacations. He charges about 8,000 yuan in tuition (prices vary in different cities) and spends the rest of his time traveling around the world. During his travels, he not only enjoyed his free time, but also wore many hats. He will shoot videos, edit materials, and pay attention to business opportunities in various places. If there are students studying, he will also teach locally. In addition, he also earns income from selling things and purchasing on behalf of others.
Although he seems to be living a carefree life, Ajian is also worried about the current situation of the industry. As braid culture became popular, many people saw the profits and flocked to learn it. Some even start teaching after half a year of study. Ajian believes that teaching requires a certain amount of professional accumulation. He himself learned the technique for three years before starting to teach it. He predicts that competition in the braid industry will become increasingly fierce in the next two years.
When it comes to the future, Ajian has clear and diverse plans. On the one hand, he hopes to join the field of program production, experience local culture in depth, communicate with local residents, and shoot real and down-to-earth content, such as going to an African tribe and living with the locals. For a month, record their daily lives. On the other hand, he plans to open a traveling grocery store selling interesting items he finds from around the world. In order to gain experience in opening a store, he plans to work as a store manager in a store and learn how to operate it.
Ajian’s ultimate goal is to visit every country in the world. Whether he opens a store or holds a show, the wealth he earns will be used to support his deeper and further travels. Even if he died in a foreign country in the future, he would have no regrets.
This non-working braided man uses his unique lifestyle to break the rules and explore his own beautiful life between freedom and dreams. His story may bring some inspiration and encouragement to those who are eager to break through the traditional framework and pursue freelancing. What do you think of Ajian's lifestyle? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and don’t forget to share this article with more people who have dreams.
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