Interview with Kim Lim
In the world of beauty and wellness, Kim Lim stands out as a founder who truly cares about results and her clients. From her early love of skincare to travelling the world in search of the best treatments, she has turned her passion into two international brands: Illumia and Papilla. Now bringing her expertise to London, Kim Lim talks about the journey that shaped her vision, the challenges of building a business abroad, and her mission to offer personalised, effective, and safe treatments for everyone.
I really liked the vibes of your launch, and after trying the products, I was impressed, especially the All 1N OneSunscreen Stick. One of my first questions is: you are an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and now an international brand founder. How do you balance it all?
There’s no formula to balance. I take things step by step, day by day. I have a clear sense of purpose—what I want and where I want to be in five years—so I focus fully on my businesses while managing smaller things daily.
And how did your personal journey shape the vision for Papilla?
Since I was 16 or 17, I loved skincare and beauty. I read magazines, tried different treatments, and even flew around the world to test them. In Singapore, we don’t have as many advanced treatments as places like Korea, so after visiting Korea, I wanted to bring those innovations back. That’s how Illumia came about—a hub for the most advanced, results-driven treatments in Singapore. Now we’re expanding to Bangkok and London.
Why bring your clinic to London now?
I used to live here from age 12 to 17, so London holds a special place in my heart. It’s also a hub for international people. With the rise of Asian skincare, especially Korean, it felt like the right time to bring our expertise here. It wasn’t overly technical—it was more of a feeling that now was the moment to do something new.
How was the process of expanding internationally?
Not easy—every country has its own culture and way of doing things. We faced roadblocks, but we’re learning how to customise treatments for each market. For example, every country has different skin and scalp conditions. Opening a company abroad also meant adapting to local culture. Luckily, I have a good team, but it’s a constant learning process.
What was the biggest challenge—starting or maintaining your business?
Maintaining. Starting is one thing, but keeping a business running is the toughest part. The past six years have had many ups and downs. That’s been the most challenging part of my journey.
The beauty and wellness market is competitive. How will your clinic stand out in London?
I believe there’s space for Asian beauty here. My research shows we have unique, non-invasive, result-driven solutions not yet found in the UK. For example, our hair treatments target scalp health without injections, using advanced machines and serums. With consistency, clients see real results—something that sets us apart. For skin, we also have innovations coming soon.
When choosing ingredients, what drives your decisions? Do you have a favourite?
Exosomes are my current favourite—they’re effective for both skin and scalp. But there are many types, so I travel globally to test and source the best. My process is long: I test products, analyse ingredients, and then work with labs to create safe, effective formulas.
How important is personalisation in Papilla’s approach?
Very important. Everyone’s skin and scalp are different, so treatments must be customised. We analyse each client and tailor their plan. Even with products, I test extensively before releasing them. There’s no one-size-fits-all in skincare.
What at-home scalp care would you recommend?
First, water quality is key—UK water can be harsh. I sometimes use bottled water to wash my hair. At home, use a good scalp scrub before shampooing. Removing excess oil unclogs follicles and prevents hair loss. Think of it like exfoliating your face—you need to cleanse deeply, not just wash.
What’s the key to staying authentic in the luxury beauty industry?
Passion and genuinely caring for customers. Results should come first, profit second. Clients can sense authenticity. If you care and don’t take shortcuts, they’ll keep coming back.
Who has inspired your approach to beauty and wellness?
My travels, especially to Korea. My first experiences with Botox and skin boosters amazed me and sparked my passion to learn more and bring those innovations home.
Finally, what legacy do you hope to leave?
I want Illumia and Papilla to be known for customizable, results-driven, safe, and affordable treatments. I want people to say: “For skin and scalp, Illumia Papilla is the place to go.” That’s the legacy I hope to achieve.
