Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lika Torline. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The Birth of In The Weeds: A Story of Resilience, Passion, and Purpose

In May 2010, I graduated from Texas State University – San Marcos with a degree in Consumer Sciences in Interior Design and a minor in Technology. The future looked bright, but life had other plans. The economy was struggling, and finding a job in my field was nearly impossible. Eventually, I landed a physically demanding role as an assistant display manager at a furniture store, tasked with creating stunning displays across a three-acre showroom. It was tough work, but I loved it—until a workplace injury changed everything.

In April 2011, a painful accident left me with a debilitating back injury, sparking a chain of challenges I never saw coming. The injury became a test of my endurance—physically, emotionally, and financially. Physical therapy, countless medications, and chronic pain consumed my life. I felt stuck and isolated, struggling to find a path forward while coping with skepticism from colleagues and even loved ones who couldn’t see my invisible pain.

Despite the darkness, I found a glimmer of hope: my passion for helping others. In esthetics school, I discovered the alarming number of chemicals in skincare products. I became determined to create natural alternatives. Armed with my art background, love of self-care, and new knowledge of essential oils, I began experimenting. My first product, Dollface—a sugar scrub with a blend of essential oils—was born as a class project. The rave reviews from friends, family, and even my teacher gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith.

What started as a small venture selling products in recycled Gerber jars quickly grew into something bigger. I invested every ounce of myself into learning about entrepreneurship, crafting high-quality products, and sharing my story. Winning a $5,000 grant from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce validated my vision and allowed me to officially launch In The Weeds in 2013.

The name reflects a term from my days as a cocktail waitress: “in the weeds,” meaning overwhelmed and trying to catch up. It perfectly symbolized my life at the time. But it also spoke to resilience—the idea that even when buried in challenges, growth is possible.

What sets In The Weeds apart is the deep care and thought I pour into every product. I test everything extensively, often on myself, ensuring it’s safe and effective for even the most sensitive skin. My customers’ trust and stories of transformation fuel my passion every day.

Through this journey, I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities for growth. My injury may have derailed my original plans, but it ultimately guided me toward a path of purpose. Life handed me lemons, and I made Dollface. Today, In The Weeds is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of natural solutions.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Every product carries a piece of my story, and I hope it brings as much joy and healing to you as creating it has brought to me.

With love and gratitude,
Lika Torline

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not have heard of me or In The Weeds before, let me introduce myself. My name is Lika Torline, and I’m the founder of **In The Weeds Premium Botanical Products**, a brand that marries my passion for natural beauty with my drive to help others feel confident and cared for. The journey to this business began during a challenging period of my life when I was recovering from a serious back injury. That struggle became the catalyst for an incredible transformation—not just in my own life but in the lives of those I now have the honor of serving through my work.

### How I Got into the Industry
Before founding In The Weeds, I was navigating a path filled with uncertainty and pain. My background was in interior design, but a workplace injury left me unable to continue in that field. During my recovery, I enrolled in esthetics school and learned about the harmful chemicals lurking in many skincare products. Coupled with my own journey of detoxifying my body and focusing on health, I became determined to create products that were safe, natural, and effective.

What began as a simple school project—a homemade face scrub—sparked something much bigger. My first product, Dollface, gained traction among friends, family, and even my esthetics teacher. Encouraged by the results people were seeing and the demand for my creations, I officially launched **In The Weeds Natural Skin Care** (now **In The Weeds Premium Botanical Products**) in 2013. Since then, it’s been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and connection.

### What We Offer
In The Weeds specializes in **handcrafted, natural skincare and wellness products** made from botanical ingredients. Our offerings range from cleansers and scrubs to serums, moisturizers, candles, and more. Each product is designed with care and a deep commitment to quality, using ingredients that are thoughtfully sourced and formulated to enhance skin health while being kind to the planet.

We take pride in solving a variety of skincare challenges, from acne and sensitivity to dryness and aging. Our formulations are especially loved by those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to avoid harsh chemicals. Beyond skincare, we aim to offer an experience—a moment of self-care that feels luxurious and nurturing.

What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets us apart is our **commitment to transparency and authenticity.** Every product is made in small batches, ensuring the utmost care and attention to detail. Our ingredients are 100% natural and often inspired by my personal journey, like the fresh, vibrant components I first discovered while juicing during my recovery.

We believe in **educating our customers** about what they’re putting on their skin and why it matters. Our brand is about more than just products—it’s about building trust and empowering people to feel good in their own skin, naturally.

Additionally, In The Weeds reflects a piece of my heart. The name itself comes from the restaurant industry term “in the weeds,” symbolizing the feeling of being overwhelmed but working hard to rise above. It’s a nod to my past and a reminder of the resilience that fuels this brand.

### What I’m Most Proud Of
I am incredibly proud of how far this business has come—from baby food jars filled with handmade scrubs to being a featured vendor at markets, hosting pop-up shops, and even having our first commercial on Hulu! But the most rewarding part is seeing the confidence and joy our products bring to our customers. Knowing that something I’ve created helps people feel better about themselves is what drives me every single day.

I’m also proud of the community we’ve built. In The Weeds is not just about products; it’s about connection. I’m honored to inspire others, particularly women and aspiring entrepreneurs, by sharing my story of turning setbacks into opportunities.

### What We Want You to Know
At its core, **In The Weeds Premium Botanical Products** is about care—care for your skin, your well-being, and our planet. We pour love, research, and intention into everything we make. When you support our brand, you’re supporting a mission to bring natural, effective, and sustainable products to more people.

We’re not just a skincare brand; we’re a movement toward mindful beauty. Whether it’s our best-selling Dollface Face Scrub & Mask, our seasonal candles, or our latest creation, the Resting Vegan Face Cleanser, every product is crafted to bring a little more ease and beauty into your life.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about In The Weeds. Your support means the world, and I hope you’ll join us on this journey to natural beauty and wellness. Together, we can celebrate the little wins, the silver linings, and the joy of caring for ourselves and others.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn as an entrepreneur was the idea that you could eventually “arrive” at a place where everything is smooth sailing. Early on, I thought there was a point where I’d have it all figured out, where I’d be comfortable, and everything would feel easy. The truth? That moment never really comes—and that’s okay.

What I’ve learned instead is that growth is inherently uncomfortable. At every level of success, there are new challenges that demand you to learn new things, adapt, and step into the unknown. Whether it’s scaling production, navigating marketing trends, or learning how to manage finances on a larger scale, there’s always something to figure out. And the bigger the dream, the more you have to stretch yourself.

Another lesson I had to unlearn was taking rejection personally. When you’re passionate about your business, it’s easy to pour your heart into every pitch, product, or opportunity. Hearing “no” can feel like a blow to your confidence. Over time, I’ve come to understand that “no” is not the end—it’s just part of the journey. I’ve been told no so many times, whether it’s a potential retail partner passing on my products or an idea not landing the way I hoped. But each “no” taught me something valuable and often led to an even better “yes” down the line.

Being an entrepreneur means embracing uncertainty, being open to constant learning, and building resilience in the face of rejection. It’s not always easy, but the rewards of growth and the joy of creating something meaningful make it all worthwhile.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In November of 2021, my life changed in an instant when my best friend passed away suddenly. She was so young, full of life, and such a bright light in my world. Her death was completely unexpected, and it shook me to my core. Losing her left a hole in my heart that I didn’t know how to fill, and for a while, I wasn’t sure how to move forward.

During those dark days, my business became more than just work—it became a lifeline. Pouring myself into creating, connecting with customers, and growing my brand gave me a sense of purpose when everything else felt so uncertain. It wasn’t about avoiding my grief but about channeling it into something meaningful. Staying busy with my business helped me keep going when I felt like I could have easily crumbled under the weight of my loss.

Through that experience, I learned just how much resilience is built in the moments when life feels the hardest. I realized that my business wasn’t just about making products—it was about creating connections, building a community, and finding strength in the process of showing up every day.

My friend was one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I like to think that she’d be proud of the way I’ve honored her memory by continuing to move forward, even when it felt impossible. Her loss taught me to hold the people I love closer, to live with more intention, and to find strength in unexpected places.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopintheweeds.com
• Instagram: @intheweeds.botanicalproducts
• Facebook: @intheweedsbotanicalproducts
• Linkedin: @intheweeds
• Other: Tiktok: @in.the.weeds

Image Credits

Product images: Kathleen V. Day
Headshot: Melissa Evans