The Fruit of Red Soil: A Conversation With Toks Aruoture

The Nigerian Hustle

Toks Aruoture is the founder of The Baby Cot Shop, a luxury baby furniture brand located in Chelsea, London. She has established herself as a significant figure in the luxury baby furniture market, focusing on craftsmanship and luxury. Her entrepreneurial journey began after leaving a career in pharmaceutical sales to launch her interior design business, which eventually led her to establish her first retail store in the United States. The 2008 financial crisis led her to relocate back to the UK, where she identified a gap in the market for luxury baby furniture, leading to the establishment of her company as an online destination for expectant parents. Years later, she transitioned the business into a brick-and-mortar store.

Her influence extends beyond her business ventures. She is an inspirational speaker, sharing her expertise and experiences at conferences and corporate events, with a client list that includes notable names like PricewaterhouseCoopers and Spring Fair, UK. She has been recognized for her work, being one of fifty business owners selected by the UK Government in their GREAT Inspirations Campaign for her remarkable response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her commitment to personal and professional growth is evident in her various initiatives, including hosting the acclaimed podcast "Living Inside Out with Toks," which focuses on entrepreneurship, faith, and mindset. Through her speaking engagements and coaching, Toks helps women in business identify and overcome limiting beliefs, allowing them to maximize their gifts for exponential growth.