In a world where career pivots are increasingly common, few are as compelling as that of Adeola Mushrafat Oyetade, a Nigerian-born creative who transformed her passion for visual storytelling into a thriving career in tech.

Today, Adeola works as a product and interaction designer in the United Kingdom, building digital solutions for government agencies, financial inclusion platforms, and education-focused systems. But just a few years ago, she was behind the camera in Lagos, running Mushmediaa, a portrait and brand photography studio that helped everyday Nigerians tell their stories through powerful imagery.

“I started as a photographer because I’ve always been drawn to how people express themselves,” she says. “But I realised I could bring that same curiosity and empathy into product design.”

Adeola’s transition wasn’t accidental. After earning a BA in English Language from the University of Ilorin, she pursued an MSc in Digital Media Management at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating with distinction. That academic shift became the bridge from creativity to code — and eventually, into key design roles at DWP Digital, Learning Pool, and most recently, GroCred, a fintech startup that helps new UK immigrants build credit through grocery shopping.

“My work has ranged from designing public services that affect millions of citizens, to simplifying credit access for people who are just trying to start a new life,” she explains. “I try to design with heart because that’s what photography taught me.”

Adeola’s journey isn’t just about career progression; it’s also about purpose. She’s currently working on an inclusive, social platform tailored for the neurodivergent community and those looking to stay connected with loved ones both at home and abroad.

“It’s deeply personal. I’m building something that creates space for people to just be themselves without pressure, without exclusion,” she says. “And I can’t wait to share more soon.”