At the end of 2021, Enya Lim left a high-profile job in the financial sector,
a career spanning more than twenty years, to pursue aromatherapy. He even started his own business – a dangerous job for anyone, not just a 40-year-old. But for Lim, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision: it was just a big leap of faith when he realized his finances were stable.
Now 51, she told FMT Lifestyle that she has always been interested in health and beauty. But it was only during the epidemic that he enrolled in a specialist diploma in aromatherapy and realized that he had found what he really wanted to do.
After completing a one-year course, he is now a clinical aromatherapist – one who understands how to identify essential oils for, among other things, specific health conditions. He thus thanked for money and started his business in 2022, calling it phytoE. The name, Lim explained, comes from two words: “phytology,” which means the study of plants, and “essential oil.” Lim handcrafts all of her products using organic ingredients, many of which are imported from Europe. Many of its products, including hair and skin products, are chemical-free.
It even has a “sleep and relaxation” line – one of its best sellers – that includes things like essential oils, essential oil rolls and pillows. “I have treated many insomniacs with good results,” Lim said. He added, however, that the use of essential oils and others should be accompanied by good sleep habits, such as not looking at a screen right before going to bed. Other phytoE sellers include Bulgarian rose face oil, highly nourishing hand cream, and hair care treatment.
One of Lim’s goals is to make self-care easier for busy women. For example, just one drop of facial oil is enough to hydrate the skin! Lim admits that being a new entrepreneur comes with its fair share of challenges.
For example, he had to learn how to market his business on social media, and finally find a way to expand his business. This is why he thanked Persatuan Pembangunan Artisans (PPA), an NGO that helps local artisans promote and market their products through its website, physical stores and various pop-ups.
“They introduced me to the idea of selling through a shop,” said Lim, adding that he is also grateful for the support of PPA CEO Jade Lee, who provides valuable business advice. Overall, lime has no regrets after starting a sweet trip. “This is the second life of my work. Actually, I’m on my retirement plan, a plan without a timeline.
She hopes her story will show other women that it is possible to change careers in the future. “Many people do not dare to do such things because they do not know what they can do. But you can figure it out and you can learn.
