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Fiona Tan isn’t just building a business—she’s building pathways.
As the founder of Heartworks Solution, she’s creating remote work opportunities for women who are too often left out of the workforce: stay-at-home moms, single parents, persons with disabilities.
Fiona leads with empathy, lives with intention, and reminds us that inclusion isn’t a trend—it’s a commitment.
Let’s go behind the scenes with Fiona.
🌻 How do you set your vibe for the day?
I start my day by playing an hour of Buddha mantra music as my background sound—it helps me center myself, alleviate unnecessary stress and anxiety from overthinking, and ease into a calm, focused headspace.
It’s my little daily ritual before I set my goals and begin work.
🛋️ How do you relax?
I relax by lying in bed with soothing Chinese traditional instrumentals playing in the background—sometimes I just rest my eyes, other times I unwind with a light movie or anime.
When I really need to blow off steam, nothing beats catching up with a close friend and chatting for hours.
💼 How would you describe your work to someone outside of your field?
In the simplest terms, I'm like a 'bao ka liao' remote office admin—I handle all sorts of behind-the-scenes tasks to keep businesses running smoothly.
On a bigger scale, I run an agency that provides long-term, quality business support by hiring women from inclusive groups like stay-at-home moms, single moms, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). With my years of experience, I personally train and guide them so they can thrive while helping businesses grow.
💜 What’s one success story from Heartworks that stands out to you as particularly rewarding?
One success story that stands out is when we matched a single mom VA with a truly appreciative client. The VA was able to earn a stable and sustainable income while still having the flexibility to care for her son.
At the same time, the client’s business has been growing steadily since we started supporting them in 2023. Seeing both sides thrive—that’s the kind of impact we live for at Heartworks.
⚖️ How have your experiences living with a rare condition and starting a business during the pandemic shaped your leadership style?
Living with a rare condition and starting a business during the pandemic have deeply shaped my leadership style. I lead with empathy and trust, recognizing that everyone carries their own challenges.
For many, earning an income is not just about ambition—it's about survival and self-sustainability. I believe in open communication and leading by example, often saying, 'If I can do it, I believe you can too—especially when we support each other.'
Kindness and genuine support are at the core of how I lead, because I’ve seen the incredible impact they can have.
🌅 From your experience, how can able-bodied people better support those with disabilities in the workplace and in daily life?
From my experience, able-bodied people can better support those with disabilities by being more helpful and understanding.
Treat us equally, but with kindness and consideration—small gestures like holding the door open, offering to help reach something out of our grasp, or simply asking, 'Do you need help?' go a long way.
I believe this approach doesn’t just apply to people with disabilities but to everyone. A little empathy and respect can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
🌱 What’s a personal ritual that helps you stay grounded amid the challenges of running Heartworks?
One personal ritual that helps me stay grounded is learning to take short breaks when needed, even if it means disconnecting from social media or the outside world for a day. I retreat to my 'cave,' read motivational stories or quotes, and remind myself of my mission and vision. It helps me recharge—I might be tired and need rest, but I know I won’t easily quit.
🌟 How did it feel to be featured as a winner on Tatler’s Front & Female Awards 2025?
I was incredibly surprised and honored to be featured as a winner at Tatler’s Front & Female Awards 2025. I never imagined I’d even be nominated, let alone win. It feels like a great source of fuel and an opportunity to expand my reach to more inclusive groups while helping business owners benefit from the services I provide.
I’ve always believed that social impact isn’t just about charity—it’s about creating mutual growth, where both businesses and individuals can thrive
🤝 Do you enjoy networking?
I really enjoy authentic networking, where the goal is to connect and get to know people from all walks of life—not just for business, but also for personal growth.
I particularly enjoy networking events like those hosted by Female Founders in Malaysia and Southeast Asia (FFMYSEA) and MOLE because of their intimate, curated personal touch and creativity.
However, I tend to avoid purely business-focused networking events, like those in the BNI style, as they don’t align as much with my approach.
🌐 Best encounter at a networking event?
One of my best encounters at a networking event was when some key opinion leaders (KOLs) approached me, saying they had heard my story. They invited me to speak at their events, offered to engage my services, and have since become good friends. It was incredibly rewarding to be recognized and connected on such a personal level.
💖 What's your favourite thing about Mole?
I love how MOLE makes networking fun and meaningful. Their Startup F*ckups event was a blast, and the customizable NFC namecards are a game-changer—no more bulky cards or manual contact saving! Plus, the founder’s vision and the team’s energy really set MOLE apart from the usual business crowd.
🎧 What are you listening to now?
Trails Kiseki OST
🍧 Favourite snack or dessert?
Terengganu kerepok Ikan for snack. Dessert: Anything yummy like cheesecake, ice cream and chocolateeee
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Fiona Tan is the founder of Heartworks Solution, a virtual assistant agency built on empathy and inclusion. Born with Epidermolysis Bullosa Dowling Meara Simplex Type (EB), a rare skin condition that causes daily pain and limited mobility, Fiona knows firsthand how inaccessible traditional work can be.
After losing her job during the pandemic, she turned adversity into purpose—creating remote job opportunities for women often left out of the workforce, including stay-at-home moms, single parents, and persons with disabilities.
What began as a personal necessity in 2021 has grown into a mission-driven business helping women earn sustainably and on their own terms.
Fiona’s belief is simple but powerful: supporting women isn’t just a good thing to do—it’s a smart investment in society. Her work with Heartworks challenges traditional norms of employment and champions a future where work is more inclusive, compassionate, and adaptable to real life.
In recognition of this impact, she was awarded the Social Impact Award at Tatler Asia’s 2025 Front & Female Awards, an honor given to those redefining what leadership and progress look like in Asia.
Fiona continues to grow Heartworks not just as a business, but as a community. Her story reminds us that networks built on empathy, authenticity, and shared values can spark transformation—not only in individual lives but across society.
For Fiona, success isn't just measured by growth or revenue; it's about how many women get to rewrite their own stories because someone dared to do things differently.
Fiona welcomes connections from individuals and organizations passionate about empowering underserved communities, supporting women in the workforce, and driving social impact through innovation.
Whether you're looking to collaborate on meaningful projects or simply share in her mission of creating a more inclusive future, Fiona is eager to connect with like-minded changemakers.
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