20 March 2023
Product Designer, Paystack
Chinonso’s ambition to have a greater impact led her on a fascinating journey from fashion styling to product design. As a problem-solver, she has tackled a range of impactful projects while achieving financial stability and personal fulfilment.
BY MITCHELLE CHIBUNDU
I'm a Product Designer currently working at Paystack. The most rewarding aspect of my work is the ability to use my skills and knowledge to solve problems and make a meaningful impact.
Tell us about your current role and the most rewarding part of your work
After completing my Bachelor's in Microbiology, I worked as a fashion stylist for a few years. Although I enjoyed the work, I wanted to make a more significant impact and earn more money. I was still determining what career path to pursue, but I had always been interested in technology and design. Through a friend who worked as a designer, I learned about User Interface design and saw the impact it could have on people's lives. I was inspired to pursue this field and haven't looked back since.
What did you do before what you stated above?
I've always had a passion for problem-solving and creativity. Design allows me to combine those interests and create solutions that look great and function well. Additionally, the flexibility of a design career, opportunities to work on various projects and financial stability were also a consideration. Still, the chance to work in a field that aligns with my values and provides both financial and personal fulfilment inspired me to pursue a career in design.
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
Chinonso on her way to her workstation
My contribution to the design of Paystack's commerce tools, which I worked on starting in 2020. My focus was creating a simple and elegant way for creators to sell their products and services. As a product designer, I designed the user interface and user experience. It was a great feeling to see my work come to life on a platform that helps entrepreneurs was a great feeling.
What is something you designed, built or contributed to that you’re utmostly proud of?
I enjoy spending my time in different forms depending on what interests or inspires me. I've recently been enjoying painting, working out, fine dining, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
How do you enjoy spending your time when you’re not working?
Chinonso’s paintings
Through my work as a product designer, I have been fortunate to contribute to several projects that have significantly impacted the larger community. For example, as part of the Paystack Commerce team, we developed user-friendly ways for creators to sell their products, enabling more entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.
I also contributed to the design of the Backdrop app. This app has helped to promote tourism and support local businesses by highlighting lesser-known but beautiful locations that people might still need to discover. It empowers people with information about beautiful third spaces they could visit near them.
Lastly, I was involved in the design of Getcards. This platform allowed people to buy gift cards worldwide using Naira bank transfers, making accessing services like Spotify and Apple Music easier. It had a positive impact on Nigerians, especially coming during a time when payment methods for these services were limited.
How has your work impacted the larger community or ecosystem?
“We should advocate for policies that address unconscious biases and discriminatory practices in hiring and promotion processes, actively seek out diverse candidates for positions, and support initiatives to increase women’s access to education and resources.”
Acknowledging that systemic barriers can prevent women from succeeding in design and other fields is crucial. While mentorship and networking opportunities can be helpful, we must address the more significant structural issues contributing to inequality.
We should advocate for policies that address unconscious biases and discriminatory practices in hiring and promotion processes, actively seek out diverse candidates for positions, and support initiatives to increase women's access to education and resources.
What, in your opinion, should be done to make more women in design visible?
Social media can be a great way to stay informed about the latest advancements in my field. To leverage this, I curate my social media feeds to follow accounts that provide valuable insights and information. Whether through endless scrolling or targeted searches, I can learn passively about new developments and trends that can inform my future work. Sometimes I seek out more active and engaging forms
of learning, like reading design blogs or taking courses on topics that interest me.
How do you continue to develop your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in design and technology?
Any books or website that you’d like for everyone to check out?
Misfits: A Personal Manifesto by Michaela Coel
Chinonso exploring other creative interests
Looking back on my career, I realise that due to my non-traditional path into product design, I used to put too much pressure on myself to know everything and prove myself in every situation. I now understand that I can still make valuable contributions without having all the answers. Focusing on delivering high-quality work speaks for itself.
Another lesson I've learned is that discipline and hard work are more important than having natural talent. Instead of relying solely on my analysis, I now use the many available tools and resources to improve my work. Overall, I wish I had been more compassionate towards myself and recognised my unique path.
Is there something you know now, that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
What is an interesting and possibly unexpected fact about you?
I'm pretty strong. Lol
I would wear an outfit that makes me feel confident and comfortable for a meeting that could change my life. I'm currently in love with midi skirts, so I would likely build my outfit around one of those.
What would you wear to a meeting that could potentially change your life?
For women who feel stuck in their design career journey, I suggest taking a step back and assessing the situation. Identify the areas you struggle with and the resources you need to improve. Reach out to mentors or other professionals for guidance and support. Consider taking courses or attending workshops to expand your skillset and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
It's also important to remember that everyone's career journey is unique, so don't compare yourself to others or feel like you have to follow a specific path. Stay true to your goals and aspirations, and be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of the journey.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing a design career who feel stuck in the journey?
Continue reading
Akachi Ogbonna
As a child, she enjoyed doing hands-on art
with her mom and designing her own outfits, today she’s getting paid from designing products and creating art.