Q&A with Joanna Nicola, Founder & CEO of Tocu

We spoke with founder and entrepreneur Joanna Nicola about the experiences, ideas and values that inspired Tocu.

What inspired you to create Tocu?

Living with coeliac disease for many years made me more conscious of my everyday wellness choices and the different product formats available.

During the first lockdown, I was pregnant and going through a particularly challenging period. That experience encouraged me to think more carefully about self-care and the importance of simple, consistent routines.

I had previously discovered wearable wellness products and loved their convenience, so I decided to create my own range. I’m passionate about helping people make time for themselves, and that became the idea at the heart of Tocu.

We know ingredient selection is important to you. What was the development process like?

I wanted to create a varied range that could complement different lifestyles and daily routines. Each Tocu patch therefore has its own carefully considered combination of vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts and other ingredients.

Goal Getter, for example, features ingredients including ginkgo biloba, acetyl-L-carnitine and magnesium. Other patches have different formulations inspired by themes such as rest, beauty and taking time to pause.

It was important to approach every formula thoughtfully and give each product its own identity.

Why did you choose botanical and familiar wellness ingredients?

I have always been interested in botanical ingredients and like to understand what the products I choose contain. I try to maintain a balanced lifestyle, and health and wellness have long been personal interests of mine.

Tocu gave me the opportunity to combine that interest with modern, convenient product design.

Why patches rather than tablets or capsules?

I wanted a format that felt simple and easy to incorporate into daily life. Patches do not require water, measuring or mixing, and they provide an alternative for people who dislike swallowing tablets or capsules.

They are also compact and discreet, which makes them convenient for busy days and travel. Apply a patch according to the accompanying directions and wear it for the recommended period.

For me, their greatest appeal is that they make a daily ritual feel straightforward.

Can you share any teasers about upcoming patches?

We already have a varied selection of patches, with products inspired by different moments and lifestyles—from Count to Zen and Today Is Rest Day to our menopause-focused and beauty ranges.

We are also working on an exciting new Energy-themed patch, which we look forward to sharing soon.

Which patch has been the most special to you?

Goal Getter is my personal favourite. I love making it part of my morning ritual before a busy day of balancing children, work and everything else.

For me, it is a simple reminder to set my intentions, organise my priorities and show up for the day ahead.

What do you hope people take from Tocu?

I hope Tocu encourages people to make small, sustainable moments of self-care part of everyday life.

Wellness can sometimes feel complicated or overwhelming. I wanted to create products that feel approachable, convenient and easy to fit into real routines. Ultimately, Tocu is about helping people show up for themselves in a way that feels manageable and personal.