Painting Bold Futures: How 17-Year-Old Danya Adriana Feri Is Redefining Malaysian Art

At just 17 years old, Danya Adriana Feri who is from Malaysia has already turned her passion for painting into a thriving art business. From discovering her style during lockdown to completing large-scale commissions for clients like YTL and Marriott, Danya is proof that age is no barrier to pursuing your creative dreams.

In this conversation, she shares how she balances school with entrepreneurship, the role her mother plays as her manager and biggest cheerleader, and why she’s committed to showcasing Malaysia’s cultural heritage through her bold, vibrant abstract art. Danya also opens up about her vision to inspire other young people to create and her dream of building a community art studio.

• [00:02] Discovering art during lockdown – How Danya began experimenting with abstract painting and found her unique style.
• 
  
• [00:08] First sale beyond family – The thrill of selling her artwork at Art Market Malaysia.
• 
  
• [00:12] Commissions with major brands – Working with YTL and Marriott on large-scale pieces.
• 
  
• [00:16] Balancing exams and entrepreneurship – How she manages schoolwork alongside her art career.
• 
  
• [00:21] Dreaming of a community art studio – Why she wants to teach and inspire young people through art.
• 
  
• [00:25] Staying rooted in Malaysian heritage – How her culture shapes her art and sense of purpose.
• 
  

Key Takeaways

• Passion can start small – Even simple experiments can lead to discovering your creative style.
• 
  
• Support matters – Having a champion, like Danya’s mom, can make all the difference in building a creative career.
• 
  

Heritage is powerful – Embracing your culture can give your art and business a unique voice.

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

Find all links and show notes at Womenpreneur Asia.

From biomedical engineer to wellness entrepreneur, Marie Tuason has reinvented herself through burnout, bold choices and a passion for health.

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, Marie shares her journey from interning in Germany to creating ventures that bridge wellness, community, and entrepreneurship.

She opens up about the lessons of burnout, why she challenges common wellness myths, and how she’s building the Philippines’ first Longevity Social Club.

This candid conversation dives into identity shifts, the importance of bio-individuality, and how personal struggles with self-worth and anxiety became stepping stones toward her mission to help others live healthier, more intentional lives.

Marie’s story is a powerful reminder that reinvention starts with listening to yourself and daring to align your life with your values.

In This Episode:

• [00:02] Growing up in the Philippines and finding resourcefulness without privilege
• 
  
• [05:45] Moving to Germany: discovering slower living, balance, and holistic health
• 
  
• [12:10] Burnout, gap year, and the unexpected pivot into entrepreneurship
• 
  
• [18:50] Building Kaya Connections and the Longevity Social Club
• 
  
• [27:00] Debunking wellness myths and embracing bio-individuality
• 
  
• [35:20] How struggles with anxiety and self-worth shaped her mission
• 
  
• [42:00] Marie’s advice for women on reinvention and health
• 
  

Key Takeaways

1. Reinvention often starts with discomfort — burnout became Marie’s launchpad for transformation.
2. Health is multi-dimensional — beyond food and fitness, it includes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
3. Sustainable change requires identity shifts — becoming someone who values movement, resilience, and balance.

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

Get the full article at WomenpreneurAsia.com

In this episode, Krista sits down with Gabriella or Gabby Yan, a hospitality industry insider turned startup founder to discuss her journey from luxury hotel marketing to founding TRAppe - a platform dedicated to making sustainable travel accessible, aspirational and impactful.

Gabby shares the challenges she faced as a solo female founder, the problem of economic leakage in tourism and her vision for travel that benefits people and local economies.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Gabby’s background in hospitality and how that insider knowledge inspired her to start TRAppe
• The problem of economic leakage and woefully underpaid local staff in tourism
• The three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, Economy
• Challenges of fundraising as a solo female founder with no tech background and no tech co-founder
• How TRAppe works in creating authentic, community-focused travel experiences
• Why sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all and the importance of local context and nuances
• The business model: e-guides and a membership platform
• Tips for travelers to make more conscious, impactful choices without the guilt
• The importance of amplifying Asian thought leadership and Asian perspectives in the Asian travel industry

Practical Takeaways:

• Stay, eat, and buy local to ensure your travel spending benefits the community
• Book accommodations and experiences directly, not just through online travel agents or commercial platforms
• Look for farm-to-table restaurants and artisan souvenirs that benefits the locals
• Ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden gems like restaurants, hotels and experiences that contribute to more local prosperity
• Take time to learn about the culture and needs of your destination
• Traveling better is about thoughtful choices, not perfection

Resources & Links:

• Trappe: trappetravel.com

Shoutouts:

• Special thanks to Michelle Coulson of Remote Rebellion for connecting Gabby and Krista

Connect with the host and the show:

• Host: Krista Goon on LinkedIn
• Full article about this episode on: Womenpreneur Asia

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

What if the path to your true calling isn't a straight line, but a winding journey across countries, cultures, and careers? For Rahel Podobsky-Stucki, embracing her Swiss-Filipino heritage became the key to unlocking her purpose, as she navigated from being a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BANTAYnet, an initiative that's revolutionizing digital literacy education in the Philippines.

In this inspiring episode, Krista sits down with Rahel, a changemaker whose journey spans continents, careers, and cultures.

From her early days as a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BantayNet—a digital literacy initiative in the Philippines—Rahel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing life’s nonlinear paths.

She shares how her diverse experiences, struggles with identity, and mental health challenges ultimately led her to her true calling: empowering Filipinos to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

About Our Guest:

Rahel Podobsky-Stucki is the Founder & CEO of BANTAYnet,, an initiative dedicated to promoting digital literacy and online safety in the Philippines. Drawing on her Swiss-Filipino heritage and a background in law, interpreting, and digital communication, Rahel creates accessible educational content and leads community workshops to help people of all ages stay safe online.

What We Discuss:

• Rahel’s multicultural upbringing and the contrasts between Switzerland and the Philippines
• The challenges and strengths of a nonlinear career path
• Overcoming identity crises and mental health struggles
• The founding story of BantayNet and its mission
• Digital literacy challenges in the Philippines: scams, fake news, and online safety
• Strategies for effective digital education and community engagement
• The realities of building a nonprofit and exploring social enterprise models
• Lessons in resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose

Key Takeaways:

• Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful or impactful
• Embracing your unique background and experiences can become your superpower
• Digital literacy is essential for everyone, especially in a rapidly changing online world
• Vulnerability and openness about challenges can empower others
• Sustainable impact often requires creative approaches and community involvement

Connect with Rahel & BantayNet:

• Facebook: BantayNet
• Website: BantayNet.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Womenpreneur Asia on your favorite podcast platform.

Share this episode with friends who might be inspired by Rahel’s story, and join us next week for more empowering conversations with Asian women entrepreneurs!

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

For more inspiring stories and resources, visit Womenpreneur Asia.

How does a Japanese entrepreneur transform her passion for social impact into a cutting-edge fintech company in Malaysia?

In this episode, Krista Goon sits down with Fumiko Inada, founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, to explore her inspiring journey from volunteering in Vietnam and Bangladesh to building a digital microfinance business that’s changing the game for small and micro-entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Fumiko’s early experiences with NGOs and what sparked her interest in economic empowerment
• The challenges and lessons learned from starting over in a new country
• How Bee Informatica is using technology to make microfinance faster, fairer, and more accessible
• The realities of raising funds as a woman founder in fintech
• Why Fumiko chose business over the NGO route for sustainable impact
• The importance of resilience, mission, and community in entrepreneurship
• Practical advice for women entrepreneurs and anyone looking to make a difference

About Fumiko Inada:

Fumiko is the founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, a digital microfinance company based in Malaysia. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, she’s dedicated to empowering small businesses—especially women entrepreneurs—through innovative financial solutions.

Connect with Fumiko:

Website: fundingbee.my

About Your Host:

Krista Goon is the creator and host of Womenpreneur Asia, a podcast that uncovers the stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs to inspire and guide you on your own entrepreneurial journey.

Enjoyed this episode?

Subscribe, rate, and review Womenpreneur Asia on your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with a friend who needs some inspiration!

What does it take to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days — and then return home to lead a movement transforming the future of work in the Philippines?

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I talk to Mench Dizon, marathoner, changemaker, and Country Head of YGG Pilipinas.

Mench shares her incredible journey of completing the World Marathon Challenge, a test of endurance, resilience, and grit that pushed her to her limits both physically and mentally.

She reflects on what it taught her about facing life’s literal and metaphorical climates, from minus 25-degree chills to the tropical heat, and how those lessons carry into her professional life.

As the leader of YGG Pilipinas, Mench is committed to empowering Filipino talent by creating opportunities in gaming and technology, building communities, and helping Filipinos thrive in the digital economy.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The mindset that helped Mench conquer the World Marathon Challenge
• Why she believes “how you do one thing is how you do everything”
• How she’s building opportunities for Filipinos through YGG Pilipinas and Metaversity
• The importance of leaning into discomfort and seizing opportunities before you feel ready

Mench’s story is a powerful reminder that the limits we set are often the ones we choose to accept — and that growth comes from daring to push beyond them.

Links & Resources:

Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing.

Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.

What does it take to reinvent yourself and start fresh in a new city?

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I sit down with Carmen Salameh, a podcaster and entrepreneur who made the bold move from Paris to Hong Kong to create a new chapter in her life.

Carmen is the founder of Asian Business Owners, a podcast where she shares raw, honest conversations with entrepreneurs across Asia, and Octo Gen, a social media marketing agency that helps businesses grow with purpose-driven content.

In our conversation, Carmen opens up about:

• Why she chose to leave the familiar behind in Paris for the challenges of Hong Kong
• How she built two businesses from scratch in a new city
• What reinvention really means and how to take charge of your own destiny
• The importance of aligning work with values and purpose

If you’ve ever felt the pull to reinvent yourself, to pursue a challenge that stretches you, or to take ownership of your destiny, Carmen’s story will inspire you to make bold moves and write your own next chapter.

Links & Resources:

Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing.

Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.

Join Krista Goon in a compelling episode with Gen Z entrepreneur, Dun Concha, the CEO of Work Beyond Borders in the Philippines.

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, Dun Concha shares her unexpected journey from a freelance copywriter to a business owner, remote work advocate and social impact leader.

She discusses the challenges and rewards of running a completely remote marketing agency, leveraging digital tools, and her passion for fostering digital literacy through her non-profit, Yabong.

Dun emphasizes the importance of authenticity, overcommunication, and understanding different priorities and dreams of employees.

She also delves into her personal background, driven by a single mother, and her philosophy of using technology and AI to create opportunities and bridge the digital divide.

In this episode, Dun shares about

00:10 The Path From Copywriter To Entrepreneur

01:59 Challenges and Realities of Remote Work

06:11 Balancing Business and Community Initiatives

12:31 The Concept of Authenticity

14:28 Remote Work and Digital Nomad Lifestyle

18:53 Building a Supportive Remote Team

26:36 Tools and Productivity Hacks for Remote Work

29:44 Prioritizing Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix

30:59 Introduction to Yabong: A Platform for Youth Advocacy

33:25 Digital Literacy and Youth Empowerment

35:33 Social Media Strategies for Business Owners

41:23 Reflections on Starting a Business and Personal Growth

46:36 The Future of Digital Trends and AI

48:01 Final Advice on Remote Work and Personal Authenticity

Links & Resources:

Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing.

Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.