FULL THROTTLE

KIM LIM continues to propel her beauty and aesthetics empire into rapid fire growth, proving her mettle as a burgeoning business mogul. Speaking to Nafeesa Saini, she shares her ambitions for KLHealth Group and how she's learning to slow down for success

Kim Lim is glowing. Dressed in a silk shirt and matching shorts, she arrives on our set au naturale - yet light bounces off her from top to toe. She is well and truly a walking advertisement of her business.

Great efforts are made to assemble her dream team for the day, which includes a masseuse. Despite all her asks and her status, she has an easy charm and a laidback presence. She has no qualms in sharing personal anecdotes with a room full of people, and often breaks out into guffaws. But place her in front of the camera, and her professionalism takes over.

"Let's do it!" shouts Kim with every outfit change. Shots are done within minutes, and we wrap up the photoshoot in two hours. Her efficiency is admirable, and a testament to her work ethic.

MAKING OF A MOGUL 

Kim dived into the world of beauty in 2019, with the launch of hair loss treatment centre Papilla Haircare, two years after giving birth to her now six-year-old son Kyden. Under her holding company, KLHealth Group, she opened Papilla Haircare Home Care Products; medispa Illumia Therapeutics; aesthetics clinic Illumia Medical; and her skincare brand Illumiaskin.

Four years into the business, she shows no signs of slowing down.

"This year has just been filled with work, work, work," says Kim, over an email interview. These days, her Instagram feed and stories often place her at glamorous locations all over the world. "I'm constantly on the hunt for new techniques and technologies, and speaking with industry experts to find the latest gems that I can bring home to Singapore."

I ask if there are plans for expansion abroad. "It is still a work in progress, but everything is going in the right direction. Expanding overseas means starting from scratch, from market research to forging connections."