JJ Khun, WIILMA

JJ, founder of WIILMA, is a passionate community leader, multilingual vocalist and creative changemaker who launched a not-for-profit arts organisation to empower people through creativity to reduce isolation and increase community cohesion. Drawing on personal experience and a deep commitment to inclusion, JJ created a space where people can find their voice and free their imagination through community workshops in world arts, crafts, music, history, heritage and culture.

Starting WIILMA came with all the challenges of launching a grassroots organisation from scratch, particularly one that didn’t fit neatly into traditional categories of business or charity. That’s where Business & IP Centre Waltham Forest stepped in.

“It can be really overwhelming when you’re starting out, especially with a grassroots not-for-profit like WIILMA. The Business & IP Centre staff helped break everything down into small, manageable steps. They checked in regularly, even asking how life commitments were going. I never felt alone in the process.”

JJ received personalised support through regular one-to-one sessions with to clarify priorities and register and protect trade marks. With encouragement from the team, JJ applied for and secured the organisation’s first National Lottery Grant, which funded an innovative Eurovision-themed project, bringing new arrivals together across London through music and community connection.

Now a proud ambassador, JJ continues to advocate for the power of accessible business support and creative community building, as WIILMA’s reach and impact continue to grow. He is also the ‘Workforce and Volunteers’ representative across seven London boroughs in partnership with the NHS, helping ensure community voices shape health and care, and leads WIILMA Health to promote equity through creativity and community.

Check out JJ's website and follow him on social media to keep up to date.

Website WIILMA

Instagram @wiilmamusicarts

Facebook WIILMA