Born with “epidermolysis bullosa simplex” (Dowling-Meara type), this rare disease leaves the skin extremely fragile and prone to blistering.

She didn’t even have the ability to stand until she was 12 years old, and never received a formal education.

Today, at 36, she is the founder of Heartworks Solution, a virtual assistant service provider that helps single mothers, stay-at-home mothers, caregivers and those with disabilities, earn a living from home. She shared her inspiring journey with FMT Lifestyle.

“My parents told me that when I was born, my entire skin was very red. As the minutes went by – and I emphasise minutes – my skin started peeling off,” she said.

Holding up a baby photo of herself wrapped in bandages and looking “like a dumpling”, she added: “My body was wrapped because they had to protect my skin.”

Because of her skin condition, she spent most of her childhood indoors. When she did go out, many unkind remarks were made about her skin. But these only toughened her up, she added.

Although she couldn’t attend school, she had a hunger for learning and often read her brothers’ books.

Asked why education mattered to her, the bubbly Tan replied: “Because I’m very small, heavy work is not suitable for me. So, I believe if I can’t use my strength, I need to use my brain!”

She was 12 when doctors finally diagnosed her condition – and there was no cure. She had trained herself to stand and walk by then, if only for a short while. This was when she started thinking about attending school.

But many schools were reluctant to accept her because of her disability, so her parents hired a private tutor instead. Although this satisfied her need for an education, it still left her sad about missing out on school life.

She prepared to sit for the SPM examination as a private candidate, but before she could, she and her brothers were roped-in full-time to help with her parents’ failing business.

She handled everything from sales to administrative work. As it turned out, the experience proved invaluable, and after about 10 years, she was able to seek work elsewhere. Then the pandemic hit in 2020, and her employer could no longer pay salaries. So, she resigned.

Finding work was tougher during this period, so she enrolled in the “Global Online Workforce” programme by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, which helps participants become successful digital freelancers.

Eventually, a UK client hired her as an administrative officer to help set up his business in Malaysia. Soon, more clients followed.

As her workload grew, she considered sharing it with other struggling freelancers. However, several entrepreneurs confided that hiring freelancers was risky as they could disappear without notice.

That sparked the idea for a service connecting reliable remote workers with entrepreneurs who needed support. And so, in April 2021, Tan set up Heartworks Solution.

Initially, the company was simply a way to support herself. But her first virtual assistant – a single mother – gave her a glimpse of a bigger purpose.

“She told me, ‘Fiona, I’m really grateful to you. With my age and a dyslexic son to care for, it is very hard for me to go back to corporate life. Now, you have provided me with flexible work, so I can still be useful. I can take care of my child while also earning an income’.”

It made Tan realise how Heartworks could change people’s lives – for the better. Today, she has 26 independent contractors, mostly women. They include single mothers, stay-at-home mothers, those with disabilities and caregivers. One of them is even 75 years old!

Thanks to her, they’re able to earn an income from the comfort of their homes. “I never thought someone like me could help others.”

Looking back, Tan shared that her key to finding hope and staying resilient through life’s darkest moments. “I just believed that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Learn more about Heartworks Solution here.