Born with a skin disorder, Fiona rises above the odds

Free Malaysia Today

Despite no formal education, Fiona Tan founded Heartworks Solution, a company that helps single mothers, stay-at-home mothers, caregivers, and those with disabilities earn a living from home.   Story by: Sheela Vijayan  Shot by: Hizami Safri  Presented by: Theevya Ragu  Edited by: Maheshan Morgan    Read More: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2025/11/16/born-with-a-skin-disorder-fiona-rises-above-the-odds   Free Malaysia Today is an independent, bi-lingual news portal with a focus on Malaysian current affairs.    Subscribe to our channel - http://bit.ly/2Qo08ry   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Check us out at https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com  Follow FMT on Facebook: https://bit.ly/49JJoo5  Follow FMT on Dailymotion: https://bit.ly/2WGITHM  Follow FMT on X: https://bit.ly/48zARSW  Follow FMT on Instagram: https://bit.ly/48Cq76h  Follow FMT on TikTok : https://bit.ly/3uKuQFp  Follow FMT Berita on TikTok: https://bit.ly/48vpnQG  Follow FMT Telegram - https://bit.ly/42VyzMX  Follow FMT LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/42YytEb  Follow FMT Lifestyle on Instagram: https://bit.ly/42WrsUj  Follow FMT on WhatsApp: https://bit.ly/49GMbxW  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Download FMT News App:  Google Play – http://bit.ly/2YSuV46  App Store – https://apple.co/2HNH7gZ  Huawei AppGallery - https://bit.ly/2D2OpNP   #FMTLifestyle

Transcript

00:00Fiona Tan has endured challenges most people never encounter in their lives.

00:08Yet, she continues to rise above them.

00:12She was born with epidermolysis bullosa simplex,

00:15a rare disease that leaves the skin fragile and prone to blistering.

00:21From the story of my parents, I was told when I was birthed, I was born,

00:26my entire skin was very red, right?

00:29So, as the minute goes, I emphasize, as the minute goes, my skin starts to peel off.

00:38Yeah, so when I show you my baby picture was a dumpling, right?

00:42It's wrapped because they have to protect my skin.

00:45Unable to stand, she spent much of her childhood indoors and could not attend school.

00:51When she did go out, people made unkind remarks about her skin.

00:56Still, Tan says that the negative comments only made her stronger.

01:01After training herself to stand and walk, she asked her parents about school.

01:07She wanted an education just like other kids.

01:11Because I'm very tiny, so heavy work is not suitable for me.

01:15So I believe if I can't use my strength, I need to use my brain.

01:19But many schools were reluctant to accept a student with a disability.

01:24So, her parents hired a private tutor instead.

01:28Although this fulfilled her desire to learn, it didn't erase the sadness she felt about missing out on school life.

01:36While preparing to sit for her SPM examination, she was faced with another setback.

01:42Her parents' business had run into difficulties and she and her brothers were roped in to help full-time.

01:49Although sorely disappointed at having to skip the SPM examination, she poured herself into helping the family business in any way she could.

01:59It turned out to be an invaluable experience and after about 10 years, she was able to find work in other companies.

02:07Tan eventually started HeartWorks Solution, a virtual assistant service provider.

02:13Although it began as a way to earn a living for herself, her first virtual assistant, a single mother, helped her see a bigger purpose.

02:22She told me, if you're not, I'm really grateful for you because, you know, with my age and I have a son that I have to take care of,

02:31very hard for me to go back to corporate, you know.

02:34So now you are providing me flexible working, I can still be useful and earning side income for my child, right?

02:43I can take care of my kids, which is a delicious while also earning income.

02:49That moment showed Tan HeartWorks Solution's potential to change lives for the better.

02:55Today, her team of mostly women includes stay-at-home mothers, single mothers, caregivers and individuals with disabilities.

03:04Thanks to Tan, they can now earn a living from the comfort of their homes.

03:09I never thought someone like me could help others.

03:14Looking back, Tan shares how she stayed resilient even during the darkest moments.

03:21I just believe there's a light in the end of the tunnel.

03:24Divya Ragu and Sheila Vajin, FMT.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended