Born with a rare condition, Fiona Tan took back control of her life and founded a startup that empowers others

Sep 19, 2025

Cover Entrepreneur Fiona Tan turned adversity into strength, starting a business that offers remote working opportunities to others who need it most (Photo: Natalina Zainal/Tatler Malaysia)

Entrepreneur Fiona Tan turned adversity into strength, starting a business that offers remote working opportunities to others who need it most (Photo: Natalina Zainal/Tatler Malaysia)

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After losing her job, entrepreneur Fiona Tan turned adversity into strength, starting a business that offers remote working opportunities to others who need it most

Fiona Tan can teach us a thing or two about confidence.

Armed with a sunny smile, a can-do attitude and a resilience that most entrepreneurs can only dream of, Tan has faced her share of adversity in life. But instead of backing down, she fought back.

After losing her job during the pandemic, Tan took a bold step to start her own company. Today, she runs a team of remote workers at Heartworks Solution, a company that equips women from underserved communities with the tools to succeed as virtual professionals, from administrative support and customer service to content creation. Thanks to her, women with disabilities, stay-at-home mums, single mums or other remote workers can achieve financial independence from the comfort of their homes.

For many of us, a job like this is a benefit, a bonus and a privilege. But it’s so much more that that for people with disabilities (PWD) or mothers of PWDs for whom mobility is a significantly greater hurdle to overcome than most of us can imagine.

Thanks to the efforts of Heartworks Solution, a previously overlooked and underserved group of women are now open to a world of opportunities thanks to the connectivity of high-speed internet, a personal laptop and a comfortable desk at home.

Above After losing her job during the pandemic, Tan took a bold step to start her own company (Photo: Natalina Zainal)

After losing her job during the pandemic, Tan took a bold step to start her own company (Photo: Natalina Zainal)

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“Many talented women in Malaysia face significant barriers when re-entering the workforce, often due to childcare responsibilities, mobility limitations or societal expectations,” Tan shares. “As someone who has personally navigated these challenges, I recognise the importance of designing work opportunities that are not only accessible but also flexible”.

Tan was born with a rare skin condition that makes it impossible to walk for more than a few minutes without experiences terrible pain in her limbs.

During the pandemic, she was let go from her job and was faced with grim circumstances, from watching her savings deplete to juggling personal loans and more commitments.

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“I believe change begins with mindset—choosing to grow even when it's difficult or uncertain,” Tan says. “I've faced many challenges, from physical limitations to self-doubt, but taking small steps forward has always led to meaningful impact. Change gives us purpose and keeps us moving. Start Heartworks Solution wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the turning point that helped me channel my experiences into something meaningful.”

When she’s not posting job opportunities on LinkedIn or busy running her business from her home office, Tan makes an effort to attend entrepreneurship conferences and networking sessions. Throw her a challenge and watch her tackle it with aplomb—she’s a one-woman powerhouse and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Above Fiona Tan at Tatler Malaysia’s BMW x Front & Female drive to Bamboo Hills in 2025 (Photo: Fady Younis)

Fiona Tan at Tatler Malaysia’s BMW x Front & Female drive to Bamboo Hills in 2025 (Photo: Fady Younis)

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“The most rewarding part of my work? Helping women (especially PWDs), stay-at-home mums and single mums achieve financial independence. I also help business owners grow and recognise the untapped talent in underserved communities, which I believe are hidden gems. It’s fulfilling to see both individuals and businesses thrive,” she muses.

Although Tan doesn’t claim to have everything figured out, she is eager to make a difference in the lives of women who have ever felt excluded, overlooked and powerless.

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“I often share my journey and encourage stay-at-home mums, single mums, persons with disabilities and virtual assistants to see remote work not just as flexible, but as a real path to financial independence,” she adds.

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“Whether just starting out or restarting, women should never become too detached from the world. Earning, learning, and growing are essential. Financial independence is not just income, it is dignity, freedom and choice.”

In the coming months, Tan hopes to grow Heartworks Solution into a platform that helps its users achieve financial independence and also restore work-life balance in a time when careers often feel all-consuming and job security is never a guarantee.

“Work should be fulfilling, flexible, and empowering, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully while balancing personal commitments. Life, like work, is about overcoming challenges with grace, continuously learning, and using our experiences to help others. I believe in making a positive impact, no matter how small, and empowering others to realise their full potential.”

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Topics

Fiona Tan Heartworks Solution Entrepreneurship Front & Female Awards 2025 Front & Female Awards

Tania Jayatilaka

Digital Editor, Tatler Malaysia

Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.