British-Nigerian entrepreneur and former NHS nurse Cass Uk (Cassandra Sonma Ukaobi) has secured external investment for her fast-growing wellness company, Tolicious, marking a significant milestone in her journey from Nigeria to the UK. The investment will accelerate the company's next phase of growth, including product development, operational strengthening, and expanding its national footprint.
From Nigerian Roots to UK Nursing
Born in Nigeria, Cass grew up in an environment where healthcare was part of everyday life. Her mother ran a maternity clinic and pharmacy, exposing her early to the importance of caring for others. This foundation led her into nursing, and after relocating to the UK, she built a successful career within the NHS.
After years of caring for patients, Cass recognized a growing need to help people prioritize their health before illness occurs. "I realised that many people only start thinking about their health when something has already gone wrong. I wanted to build a brand that encourages everyday wellness and self-care," she said.
Tolicious: A Nurse-Led Wellness Brand
That vision became Tolicious, an award-winning nurse-led wellness company offering supplements, skincare, and wellness products designed to help people build healthier daily habits. Since launching, the company has grown rapidly, serving thousands of customers across the UK while expanding its product range and building a loyal online community.
The latest investment will help accelerate the company's next stage of growth, including expanding product development, strengthening operations, and increasing its national presence. The funding also reflects growing investor confidence in founder-led wellness businesses with strong community impact.
Empowering Nigerian Entrepreneurs
For Cass, the achievement represents far more than business success. "As a British-Nigerian woman, I hope my journey shows that where you start doesn't determine where you finish. Nigerian entrepreneurs are some of the most resilient people in the world. We can build globally recognised businesses while staying connected to our roots," she said.
Her story has become increasingly recognized across the UK, with appearances in national media and growing recognition as both a wellness entrepreneur and advocate for women's empowerment. Alongside Tolicious, Cass is also the founder of The Blueprint Academy, where she mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, hosts the Healing Chat podcast, and regularly speaks about business, wellbeing, and resilience.
A Mission for Preventative Healthcare
Cass believes representation matters, particularly for young Africans who may not see themselves reflected in the world of venture-backed entrepreneurship. "There are so many talented Nigerians building incredible businesses around the world. I want young people back home to know that it's possible to dream globally while remaining proudly Nigerian," she said.
As demand for preventative healthcare and wellness continues to grow, Cass says her mission remains unchanged: helping people understand that self-care is not a luxury but an essential part of living healthier, more fulfilling lives. From a childhood in Nigeria to the wards of the NHS and now the boardrooms of British investors, Cass Uk's journey reflects a new generation of African entrepreneurs building businesses with global impact while proudly representing their heritage.
