A young entrepreneur's story: taking up mother's chiropody tools

When we talk about Chen Yan" work, we have to talk about her mother Yu Sumei - a National Model Worker and the "people's chiropodist."

During the 1980’s, Yu Sumei was a household name in Xi’an. Yu Sumei worked as a special grade chiropodist in a state-owned bath. Since she started work in 1971, she helped more than 100,000 people over 20 years. Yu Sumei was elected as a National Model Worker twice, in 1978 and 1979. In September 1997, Yu Sumei started her own business and launched the “Yu Sumei chiropody clinic” from her home, accomplishing the transition from a National Model Worker to private business owner, resulting in a heated discussion throughout society. In 1998, Yu Sumei passed away. In 2008, she was recognized as the most influential Model Worker in Xi’an in 30 years of reform and opening-up.

Chen Yan doing chiropody for a customer

At present, Chen Yan has succeeded her mother and runs the “Yu Sumei Chiropody Clinic” and the “Yu Sumei Chiropody Training School,” which has attracted over 40 employees. Chen Yan knows the negative views towards her profession in society: some people believe that holding the feet of others all day is disreputable. Some chiropody clinics are strongly criticized for engaging in prostitution. However, Chen Yan continues to believe that a chiropodist relieves the pain of patients afflicted with foot disease, just like a doctor. Why is treating hemorrhoids considered reputable, but treating foot disease not? Chen Yan takes great pride in working as a chiropodist.

Chen Yan said that she did not think so before. She wrote a composition entitled “My Mother” when she was in the fifth grade. At that time, she considered her mother’s job disreputable, and described her mother’s job ambiguously as a “worker.” She gradually changed her mind after realizing that her mother relieved pain for many people, and was thus respected and recognized by society.

Chen Yan said, “My mother had been in poor health since she fell seriously ill in 1996, but she was worried that no one would succeed her. I was deeply moved after learning my mother’s thoughts, and decided to take up chiropody.” However, most of her relatives and friends were against the idea, because Chen Yan had a stable job at that time. However, Chen Yan was obstinate and did not give up, insisting on learning chiropody from her mother.