The founder and namesake of Kens Apothecary opens up about finding contentment amidst life’s challenges.
COVER STORYTM |
COVER STORYTM | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 202018
“I am successful as I amhappy with what I’ve achieved.Yes, retail can be stressful andbusiness-wise, there’s alwaysroom for improvement but whenit comes to my personal life,I am very happy.”To this day, Lim keeps San’s work philosophy inmind. “Sonny has been in the industry for so long andpeople really liked him. He was a businessman who’s notafter fast money, making an effort to establish rapportwith the people he met. It’s important to build bridgesand remember the good that people have done for you.That’s what I’ve learnt, and it is one of the key factorsto success.”That is why he found the Movement Control Order(MCO) due to COVID-19 particularly challenging.“What I missed most during MCO was hanging outwith my best friends. As I grow older, I have a smallerpool of friends, these are the people who matter, whom Itruly missed during lockdown.”His Proudest AccomplishmentAsked to name an accomplishment he’s most proud of,Lim ponders for a while. “When I am interviewedby the media on being a success, I clarify that I don’tthink I am super successful. To me, the definition of anaccomplished person is someone who has truly made adifference in the world.”“For me, I am successful as I am happy with whatI’ve achieved. Yes, retail can be stressful and businesswise,there’s always room for improvement but when itcomes to my personal life, I am very happy.”Best of all, Lim adds, after all those years sincehe ventured into the beauty biz, he’s still consideredrelevant to the market. “I think that in itself is quite anaccomplishment. One of my dear friends Catherine Laialways tells me; you have to be relevant in the market sothat people want to know you or your brand.”Recognising that trends are always changing, Limsays it’s all about staying a step ahead, and forecast what’scoming. “Initially, I only brought in brands I wantedto use. Now that I am 49, I use anti-ageing products.19 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 | TM
