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Chika Russell
Businesswoman & CEO of CHIKA’S Foods - Business Mentor to Startups - Champion of Women in Business ➠ Public Speaking ➠ Business Success ➠ Global Branding
Chika Russell is an international entrepreneur, mentor, and speaker who founded CHIKA'S Foods, a successful snack company introducing West African flavors to the UK market.12 Born in the UK as the youngest of seven children, she has a background in finance and banking, having worked for 10 years and qualifying as a management accountant before launching her business.13
Business Journey
In 2014, while on maternity leave, Russell identified a gap in the UK snack market for Nigerian food, inspired by her family's roots and her love for Nigerian cuisine.3 She started CHIKA'S Foods by creating hand-toasted and flavored peanuts and plantain crisps, initially preparing and packaging them at home.3
Key Business Milestones::
- Appeared on BBC's Dragons' Den in 2015, delivering what Deborah Meaden called "one of the best pitches ever"12
- Secured listings in major UK retailers like Waitrose, Ocado, Whole Foods, and Holland & Barrett13
- Raised over £800,000 from high-net-worth investors3
- Secured a $9.8 million Series A investment in 20212
Social Impact
Russell is passionate about social causes, particularly women's education. She:
- Launched a "snacks for change" program to support girls' education1
- Partnered with World Vision to empower girls, aiming to support 38,000 girls by 20251
- Represents female-led SMEs at 10 Downing Street's Women in Business events12
Recent Achievements
- Recognized as one of the Top 30 Inspiring UK Entrepreneurs in 20191
- Named a 'Consumer Business Rising Star' by the Black British Business Awards1
- Expanding CHIKA'S Foods to Nigeria, with plans to become the largest independent snack company in West Africa by 20272
Her company now operates with 12 permanent employees in the UK and 155 in Nigeria, with ambitious growth plans.3
