How I Got Here: Molecular biologist and balloon artist Dr Chloe Lim
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Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you want to know about the secrets of career success.
This week, we meet Dr Chloe Lim, fresh off a trip to Singapore, where she was part of an international team of more than 90 balloon artists from 13 countries, brought together to build the record breaking Forest of Wonders.
Molecular biologist and balloon artist? Yes, you read that right. Here’s how she got here.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Dr Chloe Lim, a PhD-trained molecular biologist with over 14 years in medical research and I now work for the government as a regulatory scientist. But I am also a balloon artist, children’s entertainer, and science communicator.
My creative entrepreneurial journey started with Giggly Wiggly Balloons where I entertain kids (big and little ones) at parties and events as a kid’s entertainer using advanced balloon twisting. Then, I founded Twistyfic where I create interactive science shows, workshops, and performances that use storytelling and balloon art to spark curiosity in children.
My work sits at the intersection of science, creativity, and community, and I love showing people that you don’t have to fit into just one box.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
Not at all. As a child, I loved learning and was drawn to science subjects like maths and chemistry, but I didn’t grow up thinking, “One day I’ll be a balloon artist.” I was interested in helping the world through health, which eventually led me to a PhD and a career in medical research and government. Arts was not a strong subject of mine; I much prefer working on maths equations to drawing a landscape.
However, I’ve come to realise that science in itself is a creative endeavour, in terms of problem-solving and coming up with novel ways to answer a scientific question. In fact, I’ve married both curiosity and creativity in my science storytelling, so I’m still doing science but with a bit of a twist!
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
About seven years ago, I volunteered to help twist balloons at a church community event. Just by teaching myself through YouTube, I discovered a love for balloon twisting and started a party entertainment service to bring joy to people with balloons!
As I delved into the party entertainment industry, I discovered balloon storytelling shows and loved the concept of using balloons to engage children in stories. In the same year of starting my balloon business, I also published my first children’s book, What Makes You Unique, which introduces children to DNA.
While developing the balloon storytelling shows as part of my service, I thought, “Why not merge balloon storytelling with my science book to create a science show?”
I tested my first show at my twin daughters’ childcare, and they loved it! I had lots of fun doing it too and I was thrilled as this was a great opportunity to bring science to the community in a fun and creative way. I applied for National Science Week grants, and since my first grant in 2021, I have been successful in winning National Science Week grants every year to bring my science show to the community for free. From there, I have taken my science shows into schools, libraries and most recently, Floriade!
What fires me up is when I see the joy and wonder of children as they learn about science and how it works. It is so important for children to feel that science is for them, especially those who are underrepresented in our community. Science is for everyone, regardless of your age, gender, and background.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
As my business was growing, the COVID pandemic hit in January 2020. With lockdown measures in place, I could not operate at all. No gatherings meant no parties. No parties meant no balloons. But when restrictions began to ease, I pivoted my business model to offer balloon deliveries, which allowed people to celebrate their special someone and bring joy to people during a challenging time. Building a business is hard, and it is so important to persevere and stay resilient, especially through tough times. I’m really thankful that my business survived the pandemic with the support of the Canberra community.
There have definitely been moments where I’ve questioned whether juggling a government career, business, creative projects and motherhood was all just too much. When things feel hard, I remind myself of why I started. I’m not doing this just to entertain. I’m creating joyful and memorable experiences, be it celebrating a birthday party or learning science with hands-on experiments. When you focus on serving others and seeing the bigger picture of what your work can do, you’ll find the energy to keep going despite the challenges.
What was your biggest break?
Being a contestant on Channel 7’s Blow Up was definitely a big break that was quite surreal for me. I was the only one from ACT and despite being a newcomer and having less experience than the other contestants, I proudly emerged as one of the top five finalists. This achievement wasn’t just about balloons; it was about providing visibility and representation for Asian migrant women in science and in business in mainstream media. I showed that one can be a scientist, a balloon artist, and a businesswoman simultaneously. I showed that it is possible to do what you are passionate about, be recognised for the excellence in what you do, regardless of the path you choose.
Having said that, there wasn’t one magical moment that changed everything. My path has been built through many smaller breaks – grants, partnerships, community performances, media opportunities, and people opening doors because they believed in what I was creating. Each one helped me move forward in building my business to where it is today.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin. That advice has stayed with me because so many of us wait until we feel completely ready, but clarity often comes through action. Some of the most meaningful parts of my career only happened because I was willing to start before I felt certain. It’s about being willing to experiment and then troubleshoot when something does not work. Even when you get to a finished product, you are still iterating because you want to keep improving. Get out of your comfort zone and do that thing that you’ve always wanted to do!
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
From my experience in academia, government, business, balloons, and science communication, it is the people who make it worthwhile. I was recently part of team that created Singapore’s Biggest Balloon exhibition, where we broke two records in the Singapore Book of Records. The only reason we can pull this off is because we have a team of over 90 balloon artists from 13 countries working together to bring this to life. Teamwork makes the dream work. Balloon artists are a super fun bunch and we love having fun while creating amazing art!
As for my science work, I love that my work allows me to create wonder. There’s something incredibly special about seeing a child’s face light up when science suddenly feels fun, understandable and exciting. When a child makes up her own song about DNA, that makes me want to sing too!
What makes me want to pull my hair out is that creative and educational work is often underestimated. People see the final performance, but not the years of training, planning, refining, practice, and emotional labour behind it. Specifically, my science education work is a preventative measure as I’m reaching children in preschool and primary schools and the results are not tangible like revenue and profits. It is a long-term investment in our children’s future and the society overall. We need more people who can think scientifically, with analytical and critical thinking skills important in decision making. Starting science education from a young age builds the foundation for a future workforce that is adaptable and resilient to the changes in the world.
What was your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment?
Giving a TEDx talk was definitely one of those moments. Standing on that stage and sharing my story felt surreal, especially when I thought about how many times in life I had doubted myself or wondered whether I was “too much” or too unconventional. When people shared how the story inspired them to get out of their comfort zone, I know that there is value in my story, and a deeper belief in the great things that I can into the world. It was a reminder for me to keep shining my light. As Marianne Williamson says, ‘And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.’ Let your light shine brightly in the world to inspire courage and change in others.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
I consume a mix of science, business, creativity and storytelling content. I follow women in business, educators, performers, and science communicators who are doing interesting work. I listen to podcasts, keep an eye on LinkedIn, read widely, and pay attention to what’s happening in the education, science and creative sectors. I also learn a lot from being in conversation with people like other entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and community leaders. Sometimes the best insights come from listening closely to what people need and where the gaps are.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I’d love to be running my creative businesses full-time and expanding the reach of what I’ve built. I see Twistyfic growing into a bigger platform for science storytelling through live shows, books, workshops, and partnerships. I’d love to be creating more original productions, reaching more schools and communities, and building work that has a national impact. I’m also building a team of balloon artists and, eventually, science communicators so we can expand the reach of our science work. At the heart of it, I want to keep helping children think scientifically, creatively and confidently.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
I believe everyone has their own paths to their life purpose and doing what fulfils them. I hope that my story gives people permission to create a path that reflects who they really are and how they can use their gifts. You don’t have to choose between your different interests or wait for someone else to validate your idea. Some of the most meaningful careers are built by combining your skills, values and curiosity in ways that are uniquely your own. If my journey shows anything, it’s that hidden talents can become powerful tools when you’re brave enough to develop them.
What advice would you give your past self?
Stop underestimating yourself. You don’t need permission to take your ideas seriously. Start earlier, be bolder, and trust that the things that make you different may become your greatest strengths. Also, don’t be so afraid of outgrowing old versions of yourself. Growth can feel uncomfortable, but it’s often a sign that you’re heading in the right direction. Finally, think BIG! No one is helped by you playing small.
