Humanity often shows up in small deeds that mean a lot to someone, and Erna Okanović, owner of the Tuzla-based “Barber shop Erna,” demonstrated this.
She visits residents of the Retirement Home in Tuzla to give them free haircuts, offering not only her time and skill but also attention that means a great deal to them.
In an interview with Tuzlanski.ba, Erna said that this has been going on for a while now, and that the idea came up spontaneously after a conversation with a friend who works as a social worker at the Retirement Home.
“He asked me if I would be willing to come to the Retirement Home and give haircuts to residents. I accepted his proposal without much thought, given that in my own salon I have been offering free haircuts for years to certain individuals who need help. When I went the first, second, and third time, I really bonded with all those people. They expect me to come now, and when I am gone for a longer time due to annual leave or other obligations, they immediately ask where their hairdresser is and when she will arrive,” Erna emphasized.
Over time, she added, a sense of closeness and trust has developed between her and the residents of the retirement home. Each visit opens an opportunity for conversation, a smile, and the fulfillment of their small wishes. As she said, the residents have their own preferences when it comes to hairstyles, and she tries to accommodate everyone and make them feel beautiful and satisfied.
“They want to look good and pretty with their new cut. You know yourself how different it feels when you freshen up, let alone how much it means to them when someone dedicates their time to them,” Erna says.
For her, this is a small gesture, but she is aware that it means much more than a haircut to the residents. For this reason, it makes her especially happy to be able to fulfill their wishes and make their day, at least for a moment.
She emphasized that this has nothing to do with a promotion, but a sincere need to help those who need attention.
“When someone makes time for them and tries to fulfill their small wishes, a trifle to me, but it probably means much more to them. I am happy I can offer something when I go there; at least to make them feel nice. I like making their small wishes come true and brightening their day,” she stated in the interview for tuzlanski.ba.
At a time when it is often forgotten how much attention, conversation, and a little dedicated time can mean, Erna shows through her example that it doesn’t take much to do good deeds. Sometimes it is enough to do something that brings a smile to others and makes them feel valued, noticed, and important, Radio Sarajevo writes.
