Wellness brand energised for growth with funding lift

A wellness brand says it is fit for growth after securing £50,000 funding.

Tolicious is set to create jobs, expand its range and scale nationally.

Founder Cassandra Sonma Ukaobi says the “significant milestone” investment from the North East Accelerator Programme “validates years of resilience, sacrifice and belief in the vision”.

The backing also represents a personal landmark for Cassandra, with the Newcastle-based entrepreneur becoming the first black female founder to secure investment through the North East Accelerator Programme, which is backed by Mercia Ventures.

Founded by Cassandra after almost a decade working as a nurse across the Caribbean and the UK, Tolicious produces supplements, detox, skin and haircare products, and is also known for workplace wellbeing programmes.

Cassandra said: “Founded in London and raised in the North East, Tolicious has grown from a vision into a nurse-led wellness brand with a mission to make science-backed preventative wellness more accessible. 

“This investment will help us accelerate our growth, expand our product range, strengthen our team and continue building from the North East.

“The support from the North East Accelerator Programme and Mercia Ventures demonstrates the power of backing ambitious founders with innovative ideas, regardless of their background. 

“I hope our journey encourages more women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to believe that their ideas are worthy of investment.”

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