Pumpkin Tales: Meet Maya, a Graphic Designer and Travel Lover

Lagos living, stay stories and all things inspiring! Pumpkin Tales is a peek into the people that make Urban Pumpkin special.

Meet Maya Chukujama, a hospitality-tech designer and travel lover who recently explored Lagos from her Urban Pumpkin home.

Tell us about yourself

MC: My name is Maya Chukujama and I currently work as a designer for a hospitality tech startup. I’ve always loved travelling, exploring new places and cultures. When I’m not working my 9-5, you can find me working on brand design passion projects, learning French or reading a good book.

What’s your creative process like?

MC: I usually start off with some research which consists of reading around the industry I’m designing for to get a good basis for a brand strategy. Then I create a mood board based on my findings. This would include colours, typography and imagery. Afterwards, I’ll head into my Adobe Illustrator and begin working on brand assets like logo, etc which I’ll then test out and present on mockups to clients or for my portfolio.

What do you love most about your job?

MC: The fact that I get to work in an industry that I’m so passionate about alongside really cool people : )

Lagos can be a very busy place, but it has its cool spots. What are some of your must-visit places in Lagos?

MC: I’m honestly just starting to explore Lagos more, thanks to my job lol but so far I’ll say paint and bake for a fun, therapeutic and creative activity,  Kaly restaurant for some good food and great ambience.

How do you create moments of self-care as a graphic designer in Lagos?

MC: I love to draw on Procreate. I find it very enjoyable and calming even if it doesn’t turn out perfect. There’s so many resto-lounges in Lagos right now so I always love to visit with my friends, have some good food and dance! (I really love dancing)

What’s something that inspired you during your recent stay at Urban Pumpkin?

I was really inspired by the interior design of my UP home. I’m super nerdy when it comes to interior design so I’m always observing the little elements that make a space what it is.

Where are you hoping to travel in 2024?

MC: Hopefully Paris and I really want to visit another African country so hopefully Kenya or Morocco.

Share your most played songs at Urban Pumpkin

MC: I played Been So Good by Elevation Worship & Tiffany Hudson.

Which Urban Pumpkin Home would you like to try next and why?

MC: Cactus!!! I’m in love with the interior design.

What’s something you love about staying at Urban Pumpkin?

MC: It’s just so beautiful and cozy.