Bright future

Zhou Lan, 34, is one of the hearing-impaired baristas whose life has been transformed by the Beijing Starbucks' branch.

Before joining Starbucks, Zhou worked in the kitchen of a fast-food chain where she rarely had the opportunity to interact with customers. The work was dull and monotonous.

Noticing the opening of the Starbucks sign-language store at the end of 2020, Zhou signed up immediately as she wanted closer interaction with people.

Over two years she went from being a novice to practicing latte art at home and becoming a "coffee master" who wears a black apron. At first, it was difficult to remember all the flavors of different coffee beans, she said.

Zhou said she now views latte art as a form of artistic creation, much like painting, adding it is also a means of communication and expression.

Last year, she took part in the Beijing Disabled Persons' Vocational Skills Competition. Her performance impressed the judges and she was selected in the Beijing team to participate in the 8th National Disabled Persons' Elite Job Skills Competition, which took place in late February in Hengyang, Hunan province.

The Beijing delegation came second among 34 competing teams. Zhou's coffee art and warm smile during the beverage competition left a strong impression on the judges. She drew a maple leaf shape in the latte froth — a design she said she had practiced hundreds of times — and finished fourth.

Liu said since taking part in the competition, Zhou is more confident when she communicates with people.

Zhou said she enjoys competitions and plans to take part in more. "I have met many excellent competitors and I am also becoming a better person," she said via sign language.

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