Rita Lim-Solhaug Brings Herbal Comfort to Norway Through Tea
- Unique Wisdom
- May 21, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 2, 2025
Settled in the serene landscapes of Stavern, Norway, Rita Lim-Solhaug connects nature, healing, and cultural wisdom through her love for food. She shows how embracing simplicity and grounding deeply in heritage can create profound well-being. Rita’s story is a gentle call to remember our roots and honor the earth beneath us.
Hi, I’m Rita, currently living in Stavern, Norway, a beautiful coastal town known for its tranquility and breathtaking sea views.
Cooking is my passion, and my favorite place at home is my kitchen, where I love creating delicious meals for my family and friends. I find joy in experimenting with flavors and sharing food that brings comfort and happiness to those around me.
In mid-2024, I started HerbalT4U, a herbal tea brand inspired by my love for natural wellness. My blend, Dandelion Chrysanthemum Cassia Seed Tea, is crafted with ingredients known for their health benefits. It has been an exciting journey introducing my tea to new audiences, and I hope to share the goodness of herbal tea with more people worldwide.
I moved back to Norway in 2020 with my Norwegian husband after living in Texas. The transition was both exciting and challenging, especially adjusting to a quieter lifestyle in Stavern.
Coming from a fast-paced city like Singapore, I’ve learned to appreciate the slower rhythm of life here. The changing seasons, stunning sea views, and simple pleasures of nature have given me a new perspective on balance and well-being.
Living abroad has also reinforced my love for food as a way to stay connected with my roots. Cooking Singaporean dishes for my friends and introducing them to new flavors has been my way of sharing a piece of home.
I also keep in touch with my family and friends through calls and messages, celebrating milestones and sharing moments despite the distance. Technology has made it easier to stay close to home, even when I’m miles away.
At the same time, I embrace Norwegian culture by enjoying the outdoors, seasonal traditions, and the peaceful lifestyle. The contrast between Singapore’s vibrant city life and Norway’s calm, scenic surroundings has given me a deeper appreciation for both worlds.
I’m part of the Facebook group "Singaporeans in Norway," where fellow Singaporeans share experiences, recommendations, and sometimes even organize local meetups.
However, this hasn’t significantly influenced my journey, as my main connection to home remains through personal friendships and the way I express my culture through food.
My biggest joy comes from inviting friends over for meals, sharing my passion for cooking, and introducing both Singaporean flavors and my herbal tea to people from different backgrounds.
This has been my way of bridging cultures and staying true to my heritage while embracing my life in Norway.
Blending Heritage, Healing, and Connection Through Everyday Moments
Finding My Path
My journey toward my "rainbow" began when I moved back to Norway in 2020 with my husband. Coming from the vibrant and fast-paced life of Singapore, Florida, and Texas, adjusting to the peaceful, quiet surroundings of Stavern was a significant change.
However, this transition gave me the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and rediscover my passion for healthy living and creating food that nourishes both body and soul.
In mid-2024, I launched HerbalT4U, an herbal tea brand inspired by my love for natural wellness.
My goal was simple: to create something that promotes well-being and brings comfort to people, just like a warm cup of tea shared with loved ones. The idea started from my own personal experience struggling with dry eyes and finding relief through a blend of natural herbs.
Seeing how it also helped my family and friends sleep better made me realize the power of simple, natural remedies in our daily lives.
Staying Motivated & Joyful
What keeps me going is the joy of sharing—whether it’s inviting friends over for a home-cooked meal, introducing them to my tea, or simply exchanging stories about health and wellness.
My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment, create, and bring people together.
I stay energized by embracing gratitude and balance. Living in Norway has taught me to appreciate the beauty of slow living, the changing seasons, and the importance of well-being. I remind myself that success isn’t just about reaching the destination but about the connections I build and the experiences I cherish along the way.
Unexpected Discoveries & Learnings
One of the most unexpected joys has been the friendships and connections I’ve made through my passion for food and tea. Sharing a simple cup of herbal tea has led to meaningful conversations, cultural exchanges, and even new business ideas.
It has shown me that food is more than just sustenance—it’s a universal language that brings people together.
Another major learning is that small, consistent steps matter. Whether it’s improving my herbal tea recipes, writing my cookbook, or sharing my creations with others, every little effort contributes to something greater.
Finding Meaning & Fulfillment
For me, fulfillment comes from the process itself—the joy of creating, the warmth of sharing, and the sense of connection that comes from seeing others enjoy what I’ve made. I celebrate small wins, like when a friend tells me my tea helped them sleep better or when someone enjoys a meal I cooked. These moments remind me that my journey is meaningful, even in ways I never expected.
What Makes My Journey Unique?
What makes my rainbow ride special is that it’s deeply personal—rooted in my love for food, my Singaporean heritage, and my newfound appreciation for nature and slow living in Norway. It’s about blending cultures, embracing change, and finding beauty in simplicity.
I celebrate milestones—big or small—by gathering friends and family, sharing a meal, and raising a cup of herbal tea to toast to the journey ahead. Because at the end of the day, the real magic lies in the shared experiences and the warmth of human connection.
Creating with Heart, Growing Through Change, and Nourishing Others Along the Way
Visionary Thinking:
My journey started with a simple yet powerful belief—that food and natural remedies can heal, nourish, and bring people together.
When I moved back to Norway in 2020, I embraced a slower, more intentional way of living, which deepened my passion for cooking and wellness. This led me to create HerbalT4U, a herbal tea brand that embodies my love for natural healing. I envision it becoming a trusted source of wellness for people looking to improve their health through natural ingredients, just as it has done for me and my loved ones.
Beyond that, I’m working on my cookbook, which is my way of blending flavors, culture, and wellness into a meaningful creation. I hope my journey inspires others to embrace the joy of healthy living while staying connected to their roots.
Courage:
Starting HerbalT4U was a big step out of my comfort zone. While I had always been passionate about food and wellness, turning it into a business was a new and uncertain challenge.
There were moments of doubt—Will people appreciate herbal tea the way I do? Will I be able to bring my vision to life? But what kept me going was my belief in the power of natural wellness and the support of my loved ones who encouraged me to share my passion with the world.
Resilience:
One of the biggest challenges I faced was adjusting to life in Norway after living in Singapore, Florida, and Texas. The cultural and lifestyle differences were significant, and at times, I felt isolated. Additionally, starting a business in a new country where I was still learning the language and understanding the market was daunting.
But these challenges taught me resilience—I learned to trust the process, embrace learning curves, and find joy in small wins. Each obstacle became a stepping stone, reminding me that success is not just about achieving a goal but about growing through the journey.
Curiosity:
Curiosity has played a huge role in my rainbow ride. It has led me to experiment with different herbal blends, explore new food recipes, and connect with people from different backgrounds who share my passion for wellness.
By being open to learning and trying new things, I’ve discovered unexpected opportunities like sharing my tea with international friends, learning about different herbal traditions, and developing my cookbook idea.
Curiosity keeps my journey exciting and ever-evolving.
Optimism:
Even during difficult times, I remind myself why I started—to create something meaningful that improves people’s well-being. Seeing my friends and family enjoy my herbal tea and share positive feedback fuels my optimism.
A "brighter sky" moment for me was when my loved ones told me how my tea helped them sleep better, feel more energized, or improve their health. These moments reassure me that I am on the right path, and they keep me motivated to keep pushing forward.
Adaptability:
Adapting to a new country, a new lifestyle, and an entirely new business venture required me to stay flexible and embrace change. I learned that things don’t always go as planned, but being open to adjustments and new approaches leads to growth.
For example, when I first started HerbalT4U, I had to adjust my marketing strategies and learn how to introduce herbal tea to a Norwegian audience who may not be as familiar with these ingredients. This experience taught me that adaptability is key to success, and every challenge is an opportunity to improve.
Joy:
What brings me the most joy is the process of creating and sharing—whether it’s a new tea blend, a meal cooked with love, or a heartfelt conversation over a cup of tea. I celebrate the small moments, like when a friend enjoys my food or when I see the positive impact of my tea on someone’s health.
For me, joy is found not just in reaching the destination but in the connections, creativity, and learning that happen along the way.
Collective Strength:
While I embarked on this journey independently, I’ve been uplifted by the encouragement of my family, friends, and community. Their belief in me has given me the confidence to keep going, even when faced with challenges.
Although I am part of the Singaporeans in Norway Facebook group, my biggest source of strength comes from the people who have supported my passion—whether by trying my tea, sharing their feedback, or simply encouraging me to pursue my dreams.
This journey has shown me that success is not just about individual effort but about the people who walk alongside us, sharing their wisdom, kindness, and belief in our vision.
Trusting the Journey, Growing Through Challenges, and Finding Joy in Every Step
Take the first step, even if you don’t have everything figured out. The journey will unfold as you go, and you’ll learn so much along the way. Whether it’s starting a new business, pursuing a passion, or moving to a new country, trust in your vision and allow yourself to grow through the process.
Don’t be afraid to embrace the unknown—it’s often where the greatest opportunities lie. Be open to learning, experimenting, and adjusting your path as needed.
Challenges are part of every meaningful journey. They test your resilience, shape your character, and push you to become stronger. When things get tough, remember why you started. Go back to the passion that first inspired you and let it fuel you forward.
Lean on your support system—whether it’s family, friends, or mentors—because you don’t have to do it alone. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Progress isn’t always linear, and setbacks don’t define your journey—your perseverance does.
The Most Important Lesson from My Rainbow Ride:
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that small, consistent steps lead to big results.
You don’t need to rush—just keep moving forward. Success isn’t measured only by achievements but by the growth, joy, and connections you experience along the way.
Staying True to Yourself and Your Vision:
Amidst the ups and downs, I stay true to myself by focusing on what brings me joy and fulfillment. It’s easy to get caught up in external expectations, but at the end of the day, your journey is yours alone. Stay connected to your purpose, and don’t be afraid to take a different path if it feels right for you.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Riders:
If I could pass on one message, it would be this: Follow your passion, stay curious, and never stop learning. Success isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about finding meaning in what you do and sharing it with others.
I hope to inspire others to embrace health, wellness, and the joy of creating, whether it’s through food, herbal tea, or any other passion they hold dear.
Gratitude and Its Impact on My Journey:
Looking back, I am most grateful for the people who have supported me, the lessons I’ve learned through challenges, and the ability to do what I love every day. Gratitude has helped me stay positive, appreciate small wins, and see every obstacle as a stepping stone rather than a setback.
My Personal Motto:
"Trust the journey, embrace the process, and find joy in every step."
I remind myself that the beauty of life isn’t just in reaching goals but in the moments, lessons, and connections we create along the way.
Stay Connected
Website: https://www.norsing.com