A journey marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose has shaped the remarkable career of Karen Precioso Villar. As a licensed realtor, financial advisor, and CEO of KREALM, she exemplifies how passion and determination can turn childhood dreams into impactful enterprises.
Karen, a Filipino with Spanish and Mongolian heritage, describes herself as having a “strong mindset and powerful aura.” Her early years were marked by curiosity and creativity, which fueled her love for beauty, fashion, and entrepreneurship. “Growing up, my curiosity and creativity fueled my passion for beauty and fashion,” she shared with The Global Filipino Magazine. “Experimenting with skincare, makeup, and sketching designs laid the foundation for KREALM’s innovative approach.”
Even as a high school student, Karen displayed remarkable determination, balancing her studies with work. At just 18, she entered the real estate industry, gaining experience with prominent developers like ETON Properties, Century Properties, SMDC Group, and Robinsons Land Corporation. By 2023, she was serving as AVP in sales at Brittany Corporation.
Her passion for entrepreneurship began to take shape at 20 when she launched her own company. “With the help of good people around me, I gained a network and connections that helped my business grow,” she said.
In 2018, Karen introduced KREALM, a brand she describes as her “legacy.” KREALM aims to provide sustainable work opportunities and promote quality, affordable products. Initially a trading company, KREALM has since expanded into beauty, fashion, food, and construction. Each division embodies Karen’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social impact.
KREALM Beauty was inspired by Karen’s love for natural remedies, a passion rooted in her childhood. “I used to create facial masks from rice and shampoo from moringa extract in our backyard,” she recalled. These personal experiments grew into a full-fledged beauty line offering natural, high-quality products. A portion of the profits is allocated to street children’s welfare programs, reflecting Karen’s dedication to philanthropy. “Witnessing the struggles of street children deeply resonated with me. Allocating a portion of KREALM’s profits to support their education aligns with our core values,” she explained.
KREALM Fashion focuses on delivering high-quality yet affordable clothing. Inspired by her grandmother’s dressmaking skills and her own childhood memories of designing gowns with friends, Karen has made KREALM Fashion a platform to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship.
During the pandemic, Karen ventured into food with KREALM Food, which will officially launch in 2025. This division emphasizes organic, delicious products sourced from local farmers. “I believe health is the real foundation of wealth,” she said. Her father, who has been in the food business since 1997, serves as her inspiration for this endeavor.
Lastly, KREALM Build, set to launch in mid-2025, will handle government and non-government projects in partnership with Korean contractors and investors.
Philanthropy is at the heart of KREALM’s mission. The “KREALM Cares” initiative supports street children through education, economic empowerment, and self-esteem-building programs. Karen’s vision extends beyond business success; she seeks to create opportunities for Filipinos, particularly women and children. “Providing access to quality education and fostering confidence are essential to transforming lives and communities,” she said.
Karen’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges. From financial constraints to navigating market competition, she faced numerous hurdles. “Building KREALM presented challenges like bootstrapping resources and balancing vision with effective team management,” she shared. However, these experiences shaped her leadership style. “Resilience, innovative thinking, empathy, and strategic planning have been critical to overcoming obstacles.”
Looking ahead, Karen envisions KREALM as a global brand that integrates business success with social responsibility. By 2025, she aims to expand the brand’s reach and impact, introducing technology-driven innovations in beauty, fashion, food, and construction. “Through KREALM, I want to empower street children, provide opportunities to workers, and inspire entrepreneurs to prioritize philanthropy,” she said.
