Woven Spotlight: Weiwei Tan
Redefining home, embracing change, and weaving connection across borders.
Starting the Spotlight Series: My Story
Welcome to the very first instalment of the Woven Spotlight series! As the founder of this initiative, I thought it only fitting to begin with my own story—not because it's extraordinary but because it's real, just like yours. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire others to step forward and share theirs, creating a tapestry where we all feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
A Journey of Resilience and Adaptation
Living abroad has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. Moving from Singapore to Guangzhou was a decision my family and I didn't take lightly.
One of my biggest concerns was figuring out how to maintain my full-time job while navigating this transition. Securing my work visa took almost three months to complete, and during that time, I faced much uncertainty while adjusting to my new environment.
I still remained thankful because ironically, having my job and visa issues to focus on provided much-needed ‘stability’—it kept my mind occupied while I dealt with all the other changes happening around me. I really appreciate my manager and team who supported me through the transition. Their support was a grounding force amid the uncertainty, giving me the reassurance I needed to confidently move forward.
Navigating New Beginnings
When we first arrived in Guangzhou, the world was still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. It was a strange and nerve-wracking time. I remember being consumed by the fear of the unknown, especially when it came to health protocols and how things would work in a new country. Over time, however, I began to see the compassion and kindness that surrounded me.
I quickly learned that many misconceptions I've heard about China were far from the truth. Friends back home used to assume that China was not as advanced, but life in Guangzhou couldn't be more efficient. From robots delivering meals to groceries arriving within minutes, the convenience here still amazes me every now and then. Looking back, if I could offer advice to my past self, it would simply be this: relax. Things have a way of working themselves out, even in the most unfamiliar of circumstances.
Finding Joy in Health and Wellness
As I unpack my mind and allow myself to open to the new life, I realised Guangzhou has also given me opportunities to embrace new habits and interests. Shortly after moving, I became pregnant and started taking Pilates classes to stay active. What began as a way to maintain my health during pregnancy has since become a true passion. For over a year and a half now, I've been practicing Pilates regularly, and it's become a cornerstone of my personal well-being.
Living here has also introduced me to the rich world of traditional Chinese medicine. I've developed a deep appreciation for this healthcare approach, which has completely transformed my previous impressions. Before moving to China, I thought TCM was merely a wellness supplement, but experiencing the correct usage and recommendations from qualified practitioners has shown me how effective it can be for addressing health concerns. These practices have brought a new sense of balance and care to my family's daily life, and I'm excited to continue exploring them.
Holidays and Traditions in a New Home
Celebrating holidays abroad has been a bit different from what I was used to in Singapore. Without extended family nearby, these occasions can feel a little quiet. But instead of dwelling on what's missing, we've started a new tradition of using holidays as a chance to explore China. Whether it was a short trip to a neighbouring city or discovering something new within Guangzhou, these adventures have created lasting memories for our family.
One tradition I've come to love here is the tea culture. Apart from the health aspect of drinking tea, there is also an emphasis on mindfulness and slow living in every cup. It's a simple yet profound reminder to appreciate the present moment, something I think we can all use more of.
Discovering Community Through Connection
Back in Singapore, community was something I never had to consciously build—it was simply there. I had my network of family, friends, and colleagues, and maintaining connections felt effortless. But living abroad changed that. I realised that to find meaningful relationships, I had to be intentional. Whether it was reaching out through mutual friends or inviting someone for coffee to deepen a connection, these small actions became essential in creating a supportive circle of friends here in Guangzhou.
Although my husband and children provided a strong sense of companionship, I came to understand that meaningful connections needed to extend beyond family. Through my husband's colleagues and work friends, I was introduced to different WeChat groups of Singaporeans, which led me to discover ONESG, the Singapore community in China. I also joined Singapore Global Network (SGN) which provided some information about moving abroad, though the direct support was still limited.
As I prepared for motherhood, fellow mums in Guangzhou introduced me to parenting WeChat groups, including a China-wide group for foreigners going through pregnancy (Having a Baby in China, or HABIC). These communities were invaluable during my pregnancy and early parenting years.
Yet despite finding these groups, I often felt something was missing. Many digital communities offered practical information but lacked depth in connection. Conversations often remained surface-level, with members contributing only when they needed something in return. Myself included.
I wondered: if communities already exist all around us, why can't we always find the right ones? And for women like me who might relocate every few years, must we always restart from zero?
The Seeds of Woven: Connecting Rather Than Creating
These reflections planted the seed for what would become Woven. I realised that the solution wasn't to build yet another community—there are already many wonderful communities created and led by women around the world. There is no need for another similar community. Instead, I began to envision a way to help women discover and connect with existing communities that would truly resonate with their specific needs.
As a problem solver by nature, I recognised that before solving a problem, I needed to identify it clearly. What were the gaps in the current ecosystem of support for women abroad? How could existing communities be strengthened and connected? How might women discover the right communities more easily and form deeper connections within them?
I envisioned Woven not as another platform, but as the intertwining threads between these existing communities—mapping what exists, connecting what's fragmented, and creating only what's missing. Building relationships requires effort and intention, and this realisation shaped Woven's purpose. I wanted to create a space where women living abroad could find their way to the right communities, share their journeys, and support one another across borders and cultures.
Lessons Learned and Reflections
Living abroad has taught me so much about myself and the world. The biggest lesson? Home isn't a place—it's a feeling. As long as my family is with me, I can build a home anywhere.
I've also learned to challenge my assumptions and biases. It's easy to let preconceived notions cloud our judgement, especially when influenced by media or hearsay. But living abroad has reminded me to stay curious and open-minded, to seek the truth for myself.
When challenges arise, I find motivation in focusing on what truly matters: my family. They are my anchor and my greatest source of strength. And if I could offer one piece of advice to other women living abroad, it would be this: We are more similar than we realise. Despite our different backgrounds and experiences, so much connects us as women, as mothers, and as individuals navigating this shared journey.
Looking Forward: Weaving Our Future
As Woven grows, I'm excited to map more communities, document success stories, and fill resource gaps. I'm particularly interested in exploring the intersection of travel and living—moving beyond traditional tourist experiences to share the deeper knowledge that comes from truly living in a place, from healthcare and transportation to food and everyday technology.
We have plans for growth in the months ahead, including new ways to connect women with the resources and communities they need most. These initiatives will be revealed when the time is right, but they all share a common thread: strengthening what exists, connecting what's fragmented, and creating only what's missing.
Closing Thoughts & Get Involved
Thank you for reading my story. I hope it encourages you to reflect on your own journey and, perhaps, share it with our growing network. Together, through the Woven Spotlight series, we can celebrate the quiet resilience, adaptability, and courage that define the lives of women living abroad while helping each other find our way through this complex landscape.
Nominate someone for a Woven Spotlight → tinyurl.com/WovenSpotlight
Share your own story for a Micro Feature → tinyurl.com/WovenMicroFeatures
Tell us about communities you love → tinyurl.com/WovenCommunityAtlas
Warmly,
Weiwei