I’m Nicolina, the founder of Matka Botanicals. “Matka” means “journey” in Finnish, where my roots are, and that’s exactly what this brand is—a journey to clean skin, deeper healing, and reconnecting with nature’s wisdom.

I started Matka Botanicals because I’ve always believed that skin health isn’t just about what you put on your skin but also what’s happening inside your body. I’m a cosmetic formulator, an herbalist, a registered holistic nutritionist, and certified aesthetician, and my approach is rooted in the idea that true beauty comes from balance—balancing the gut, the nervous system, and the body’s natural rhythms.

My journey into this industry started when I was studying advanced aesthetics in Helsinki. I saw firsthand how loaded cosmetics were with chemicals—many of them toxic, irritating, and completely unnecessary. I couldn’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on products filled with synthetic concoctions that did more harm than good. So, I started experimenting and formulating my own skincare at home, using natural ingredients that worked with the skin instead of against it. Friends and family started noticing my creations and wanted to try them for themselves. Word spread naturally, and before I knew it, the business found me rather than the other way around.

Later, I realized that skin health isn’t just about what we put on it—it’s deeply connected to what’s happening inside the body. My own struggles with IBS, chronic constipation, estrogen dominance, and heavy periods made me aware of how inflammation, gut imbalances, and toxins show up on the skin. That led me to study holistic nutrition at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, so I could better understand this connection and help others heal from the inside out. That’s how Matka Botanicals was born—not just as a skincare brand, but as a full-body approach to beauty and wellness.

Matka Botanicals is different because I don’t just sell skincare—I teach people why their skin is reacting and how to support it from the inside out. I create natural, high-performance skincare made in small batches in my studio in Nanaimo, using only the cleanest ingredients. I also offer nutritional coaching, detox programs, and inner beauty rituals because healthy skin is an inside job.

I solve problems for people who feel stuck—those struggling with breakouts, inflammation, or dull skin, who have tried everything and feel like nothing works. I help them understand that their skin isn’t the problem; it’s a messenger. Once we address the root cause—whether it’s gut imbalances, toxic overload, or stress—the skin naturally clears, glows, and thrives.

I’m most proud of building something that is honest, intentional, and actually helps people feel better in their skin—not just temporarily, but for the long run. What I want people to know about Matka Botanicals is that this is about more than skincare. It’s about remembering forgotten wisdom, reconnecting with nature, and creating rituals that nourish not just the skin, but the whole body.