Meet the researcher who became Canberra's balloon genius

When Dr. Chloe Lim discovered her hours as a molecular biologist and epigenetics researcher were being reduced due to funding cuts, she never imagined a request to twist balloons at a church event would transform her career path. Yet six years later, she's the award-winning owner of two thriving Canberra businesses that blend scientific knowledge with creative entertainment.

From laboratory research on DNA's "light switches" to founding Giggly Wiggly Balloons and Twistific. What began with YouTube tutorials quickly evolved into professional training with world-class balloon artists. Today, she creates everything from simple animal balloons to commissioned two-meter sculptures for the National Gallery of Australia.

Recently transitioning to a company structure, she aims to expand both businesses while developing Twistific as a social enterprise addressing gender equity in STEM. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? "Put yourself out there" and "keep persisting and think outside the box when things aren't working."

This episode is supported by CareSuper.