GlobalShe was born smaller than most babies and grew up between physical therapy sessions and recovery rooms. Today, she runs her own handmade brand and travels from market to market, shaping a life with her own two hands.
This is Yu-An — an artist, an entrepreneur, and a person living with osteogenesis imperfecta.
“I don’t like sales pitches, so I won’t do that to others.”
When you visit Yu-An’s market booth, don’t expect a loud welcome. She’ll softly say “Hello!” and then leave you to explore at your own pace.
“When I go shopping, I don’t like being pushed to buy either.”
Thoughtful and honest is our first impression of this young entrepreneur.
A Fragile Body, but a Strong Mind
Yu-An was born with a rare condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. It causes her bones to be very fragile. She grew up surrounded by braces, casts, and rehab sessions, where she learned to endure pain — and, more importantly, not to complain.
Despite her condition, she attended public school like everyone else. She couldn’t join PE lessons and often faced alienation from classmates.
“Sometimes I wished I’d get sick, just so I didn’t have to go to school.”
That was her childhood coping mechanism — until one day, she discovered her passion through art and design class.
From the Art Classroom to Building a Business
After high school, she didn’t find a university major that sparked her interest. So, encouraged by her sister and a supportive teacher, she decided to take a different path — using her hands to start her own business.
Her very first vendor experience at an artist’s market was during a long weekend holiday. Her sister accompanied her on day one. On day two, she said:
“You don’t have to come — I can go on my own.”
That was the beginning of her journey as a full-time market vendor.
Her Wheelchair Isn’t Just Mobility — It’s Freedom
Yu-An got her first power wheelchair during her high school years. With support from her rehab team and family, she was fitted for her first customized KP-12T at KARMA’s headquarters.
Years later, when KP-12T retired, she upgraded to the long-distance power wheelchair Saber GT. With a lithium battery, suspension system, USB ports, hooks, and a custom tray table, it’s a perfect fit for her lifestyle as an outdoor artist. While her friends call her power wheelchair her Ferrari, she prefers to see Saber as her identity.
“It represents the independent part of me. When I take great care of it, it will take great care of me.”
To her, a wheelchair isn’t just a device — it’s an extension of her freedom.
Market Life Is Not Always Sunshine and Smiles
Since 2013, Yu-An has traveled across Taiwan to join artisan markets and pop-up events in department stores.
She has met all kinds of people: shoppers who criticize her designs, kids who bite her artworks, and grumpy men who shout at her. But also… she’s met lots of kind-hearted customers, loyal fans, and even a stranger who once asked:
“Which one’s your favorite? I’ll buy it for you as a gift.”
She laughs:
“When I was younger, I took discrimination too personally — like, ‘Why are people treating me this way?’ But now I know, making a living isn’t easy. I’ve learned to let it go.”
Her humor and grace keep her going, one booth at a time.
“Try to Do What You Love, While You Can.”
Even with her passion for creating, she admits sometimes she wonders what she is doing all this for. But she doesn’t want to stop.
To her, success isn’t about making big money — it’s about having a small, stable corner to call her own.
A space where she can keep crafting, keep chatting with people, and simply keep being herself.
Yu-An’s Message
“I can eat and shower by myself. That means a lot to me.”
Yu-An values her independence deeply. Through her artwork and her presence at markets, she hopes more people can get to know her — and understand her.
When asked what she’d say to others with disabilities, she pauses and smiles:
“Go for what you want to do. Don’t be afraid of regret!
But also, it’s okay to regret — that’s life.”
This is her humor. This is her honesty.
She is Yu-An — a creator, and a spirit that refuses to be boxed in. If you ever run into her at a market, don’t just say hello. Also say: “You’ve got this.”
📍 About Yu-An
- Name: Yu-An, Yang 楊寓安
- Role: Artist & entrepreneur living with osteogenesis imperfecta
- Wheels: Saber GT power wheelchair
- Market appearances: Handmade events all across Taiwan
- Follow her: Instagram
- Signature creations: Handcrafted hair band, wool pom-pom keychain
- Loves: Quiet creating, chatting with people, and cheerful vending days
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