Former NHS nurse Cassandra Sonma Ukaobi creates a wellness empire helping thousands heal naturally before they get sick.
The hospital ward was quiet except for the steady hum of machines and the soft shuffle of nurses making their rounds. Cassandra Sonma Ukaobi, known affectionately to colleagues as “Cass Uk”, paused between patient visits, watching yet another person struggle with preventable health issues rooted in stress, poor diet, and neglected self-care. In that moment, she made a decision that would transform not only her own life but thousands of others: she would find a way to help people feel good before they ever got unwell.
That late-night revelation in an NHS hospital would eventually lead Cass Uk to leave her secure nursing career and launch Tolicious, a holistic wellness brand that’s now reshaping how people approach self-care across the UK and beyond.
From Hospital Wards to Herbal Healing
Years of witnessing firsthand how lifestyle choices affected her patients’ wellbeing planted the seeds for what would become Tolicious. “I loved nursing, but I felt called to help people in a different way,” Cass Uk reflects. “Working on hospital wards taught me that prevention and self-care are just as powerful as treatment. I wanted to create something that would help people feel good before they even got sick.”
The transformation began modestly in her kitchen, where she started crafting herbal detox blends with her father’s support. What started as a side project to combat her own stress and fatigue quickly evolved into something much larger when friends and family began requesting her homemade wellness concoctions.
But the leap from nurse to entrepreneur wasn’t without its challenges. Leaving the security of NHS employment meant sacrificing a steady income and venturing into uncharted territory. “There were moments of doubt,” Cass Uk admits. “But every time someone told me how my products helped them feel like themselves again, I knew I was on the right path.”
The Tolicious Philosophy Takes Shape
What sets Tolicious apart in the crowded wellness market isn’t just its product line, it’s the philosophy behind it. Rather than focusing on quick fixes or superficial results, the brand takes a holistic approach that addresses skincare, nutrition, and emotional balance simultaneously.
“As a former NHS nurse, I understand real wellness, it’s not just looking good, it’s feeling good from the inside out,” Cass Uk explains. “Tolicious blends skincare, nutrition, and emotional balance to help people heal holistically, not temporarily.”
This comprehensive approach resonates deeply with customers seeking authentic transformation. One customer living with endometriosis shared that Tolicious Detox Tea was the only thing that truly helped ease her bloating, a product gifted by her mother during one of the brand’s popular TikTok Live sessions. Another customer wrote, “Your tea helped me feel like myself again after postpartum,” a message that reminded Cass Uk that her mission extends far beyond business metrics.
Award Recognition: Tolicious Named Best Female-Led Wellness Brand in the UK of 2025
Tolicious recently received the prestigious title of Best Female-Led Wellness Brand in the United Kingdom of 2025, awarded by Best Of Best Reviews. This recognition celebrates Cass Uk’s unwavering commitment to wellness and her ability to transform the industry. Under her leadership, Tolicious has revolutionized the wellness landscape, combining passion, purpose, and a holistic approach to help individuals heal naturally.
Reflecting on this achievement, Cass Uk shared, “This recognition reflects not only my journey but also the incredible dedication of the Tolicious team and community. It’s a testament to the power of holistic wellness and the impact we’re having.”
Recognition and Rapid Growth
The authenticity of Cass Uk’s approach hasn’t gone unnoticed in the business community. She was recently recognized as a finalist in the Best CEO Awards, receiving praise for her leadership and the tangible impact her work has had on Tolicious’ growth and market positioning.
Today, Tolicious offers a comprehensive range of products designed around the principle that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. From signature detox teas and Keto ACV gummies to natural skincare products, protein shakes, and wellness journals, each item carries the same core purpose: helping people feel their best naturally.
Building Community Through Authentic Connection
What truly differentiates Tolicious from competitors is its founder’s willingness to share her journey openly and authentically. Through social media platforms and live sessions, Cass Uk connects with customers on a personal level, discussing not just products but the real-life experiences that inspired their creation.
“While others sell products, we sell transformation,” she emphasizes. “Tolicious is built on compassion, honesty, and a mission to make self-care a lifestyle, not a luxury.”
This authentic approach has cultivated a loyal community that extends far beyond traditional customer relationships. The brand’s success on platforms like TikTok and Instagram demonstrates how genuine storytelling and real results create lasting connections with audiences seeking meaningful wellness solutions.
The Science Behind the Success
Every Tolicious product combines carefully selected natural ingredients backed by research and inspired by real-life results. The detox teas feature herbal blends designed to support natural body processes, while the Keto ACV gummies incorporate green tea to help with bloating, metabolism support, and calorie burning.
The skincare line, which Cass Uk initially developed on her kitchen table, uses fruit extracts and natural ingredients to nourish skin from the outside, while the nutritional products work from within. This dual approach reflects her nursing background’s emphasis on treating root causes rather than just symptoms.
Customer testimonials consistently highlight not just physical improvements but emotional transformation. “After using Tolicious products, she finally felt like herself again,” one customer shared. “She said our products gave her back her confidence inside and out. Hearing that reminded me exactly why I started Tolicious.”
A Movement Beyond Business
For Cass Uk, Tolicious represents more than a successful business venture—it’s a movement born from compassion, courage, and care. The brand’s mission to help people glow inside and out using a holistic approach has created ripple effects that extend well beyond individual customers.
“My story is about transformation, from hospital wards to herbal blends, from caring for patients to empowering a global wellness community,” she reflects. “Ultimately, it’s about hope and healing. Tolicious proves that when passion meets purpose, wellness becomes a way of life, and every person has the power to rewrite their own story.”
As the brand continues to grow and reach new audiences, Cass Uk remains committed to the principles that guided her transition from NHS nurse to wellness entrepreneur. Her journey demonstrates that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most meaningful rewards, not just for the risk-taker, but for everyone whose lives are touched by authentic purpose-driven business.
About Tolicious
Founded by former NHS nurse Cassandra Sonma Ukaobi (Cass Uk), Tolicious is a UK-based wellness and beauty brand dedicated to promoting detox, balance, and body confidence through natural, results-driven products. The brand offers detox teas, Keto ACV gummies, natural skincare, protein shakes, and wellness journals, all designed with a holistic approach to help people glow inside and out. Connect with Tolicious on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to join the wellness community.
