Every entrepreneurial story begins with a spark, a moment when determination meets purpose. For Datin Sri Abby Lau, Founder of Multiflora TCM Spa, that moment came in her early twenties, when she realised that life should be built not merely around survival, but around meaning. What began as a modest slimming and skincare centre has, over two decades, blossomed into a wellness brand that marries the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern science.
Today, Multiflora stands as a reflection of Abby’s values – faith, love, and integrity – and of her belief that true beauty and health must start from within.
A Young Dreamer’s Leap of Faith
Abby’s journey into entrepreneurship began when she was just 22. At the time, she was working long hours, ten to ten, day after day, with little room for rest or self-discovery. Those demanding years taught her an important truth: she was spending her time completing tasks rather than creating meaning. That realisation became a turning point; one that inspired her to build something of her own, driven not by routine, but by purpose.
Rather than continue on a path that felt limiting, Abby made a bold decision: she would create something of her own, something that reflected her values and vision. With little more than passion, courage, and a desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, she founded what would eventually become Multiflora TCM Spa.
The early days were challenging. As a young woman in business, she faced scepticism from both clients and employees who questioned her leadership. At times, she even avoided revealing that she was the owner. But through persistence, sincerity, and hard work, Abby proved herself, not through titles, but through trust.
“Whenever I personally served a customer, they trusted me so much that they refused to let anyone else take over their therapy,” she shared.
Those small acts of faith laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong mission: to help others heal and rediscover confidence through holistic wellness.
Integrating TCM into Beauty and Wellness
While Multiflora began with slimming and skincare services, Abby’s concept of beauty was never just skin-deep. “I realised that true beauty must come from within,” she shared. This conviction deepened during the SARS outbreak, when business slowed and she had time to reflect.
During that quiet period, childhood memories surfaced: her grandmother performing gua sha with a ceramic spoon, and her mother using a coin-and-glass remedy to ease stomach pain. These family traditions planted a seed of curiosity and reverence for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Abby realised that healing, much like beauty, was both practical and deeply personal.
Gradually, she began incorporating TCM philosophies and treatments into her spa services. When almost 80% of Multiflora’s therapies adopted traditional methods, she knew the brand’s identity needed to evolve. That was when the name Multiflora was born.
“It took me a few years to find the name. I discovered my Chinese name, ‘Wei,’ comes from a type of rose. The characteristics of the rose are graceful, resilient, gentle yet strong, which are qualities I aspire to become. When I translated it into English as ‘Multiflora,’ it felt fitting, as it also reflects the many healing herbs in TCM, each with unique properties that together represent the harmony of nature, health, and overall well-being,” Abby explained.
This new identity marked not just a rebranding, but a rebirth. Her business was no longer just about skincare; it was about cultivating inner and outer well-being in harmony.
Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones
Every entrepreneur faces tests of resilience, and Abby’s story is no exception. Some of her earliest lessons came from mistakes and betrayals.
One defining moment was her first newspaper advertisement. Nervous yet eager, she accidentally left out the number of sessions included in a promotional package. Instead of panicking, she turned the oversight into an opportunity, creating a flexible tiered structure on the spot, one that would become a sustainable business model for years.
Later, she experienced the heartbreak of seeing trusted staff leave and start competing businesses. It was a painful betrayal, but Abby chose to treat it as a lesson rather than a defeat. “I learned that loyalty cannot be forced and that not everyone who starts the journey with you will finish it with you,” she reflected.
These experiences could have hardened her. Instead, Abby chose to grow with grace. Each challenge became a lesson in discernment, empathy, and endurance.
Through faith, she found meaning in every misstep. “Those mistakes taught me not to panic, but to pause and listen — to my customers, my team, and most of all, to Jesus. I realised success doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly, but from having the courage to adapt, the humility to learn, and the faith to keep walking forward with grace.”
Empowering People Through Love and Learning
At the heart of Multiflora’s success is Abby’s philosophy of leadership: lead with love. She views her employees not as staff, but as family. “When you water your team with love, they bloom beautifully, and the company grows together as a result,” she says.
Abby invests heavily in her team’s development. From in-house workshops that deepen their understanding of TCM to overseas training sessions and global exhibitions, she ensures her employees continue learning and growing. International experts are also invited to share knowledge, enriching the team’s skills and perspective.
This investment extends far beyond technical expertise. Abby cultivates a culture of respect, empathy, and excellence. “Our therapists take the time to listen, and treat every customer with love. They don’t just focus on performance; they focus on the person,” she says with pride.
Blending Tradition with Technology
Even as Multiflora honours its traditional roots, Abby believes that innovation is essential for growth. She has embraced digital transformation, from implementing online booking systems to engaging clients on social media. “It’s more personal, more transparent, and more powerful,” she notes.
Now, she’s taking another bold step by exploring AI-driven diagnostic tools to complement TCM assessments. These technologies help improve accuracy and reduce reliance on manpower, enhancing the overall client experience.
Still, Abby remains grounded in her core belief: “Technology is not a replacement, but a partner to TCM. It can support growth and efficiency, but it cannot replace passion, vision, or the human touch. In TCM, people still want to feel cared for — and that’s something no AI can replace.”
Her forward-looking approach ensures Multiflora remains relevant in an ever-changing wellness landscape, while preserving the authenticity that defines its soul.
A Vision Beyond Business
Abby’s commitment to wellness goes beyond commercial success. To her, entrepreneurship is a calling, one rooted in service, integrity, and impact.
Through Multiflora, she regularly organises free wellness workshops, community health talks, and discounted therapy sessions for those in need. These initiatives aim to make holistic care accessible to all.
Sustainability is another key focus. Multiflora prioritises natural, plant-based products and minimises paper usage through digital systems. These eco-conscious practices align with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, reflecting Abby’s belief that wellness must extend to the environment too.
Many of Multiflora’s employees are women, and Abby makes it a point to create an empowering workplace where they can thrive.
To Abby, ethics and transparency form the foundation of responsible business. Whether it’s selecting suppliers, ensuring compliance, or maintaining open communication with staff and clients, her guiding principle remains simple: do what is right, even when no one is watching.
Relationships Built on Trust
Ask Abby what keeps clients coming back after all these years, and she’ll answer without hesitation: sincerity and trust.
“With our customers, we focus on long-term care and genuine connections,” she says. “We listen to their needs, follow up on their progress, and always ensure they feel at home.”
This same sincerity extends to her business partners and suppliers. By prioritising fairness and open communication, Abby has built long-standing partnerships based on mutual respect.
In an industry where trust can’t be bought, Abby has built it the only way possible: through years of consistency, compassion, and integrity.
What the Young Should Know
To Abby, entrepreneurship is not about certainty; it’s about courage. It’s the courage to move despite uncertainty, the resilience to persist through difficulty, and the humility to adapt as you learn.
She encourages young founders to “Dream big with purpose. Build with integrity. Lead with love. Anchor yourself in faith.” For Abby, these principles are the true foundation of lasting success. “That is the kind of business that will last — and the kind of legacy worth leaving behind.”
She also reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that they don’t need to have everything figured out from the start. “You grow as you go,” she often says. Every step brings new clarity, and even mistakes can become stepping stones when embraced with humility and faith.
For Abby, the entrepreneurial journey is not only about achieving milestones, but about becoming stronger, wiser, and more grounded through each experience.
Website: https://multifloranoibara.com/
AUTHOR BIO
ALAN KOH
Alan Koh is the Founder and CEO of Impossible Marketing, a group of companies renowned for hyperlocal marketing strategies tailored to businesses in Singapore. His professional journey began in the banking sector, where he quickly rose through the ranks, garnering eight industry awards in just four years.
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