Bukola Adewumi’s story is one of grit, transformation, and the power of seizing opportunities in unexpected places. Growing up in the serene towns of Ogun State, Nigeria, as the last girl in a close-knit family of six, Bukola was surrounded by love and camaraderie. “Being the youngest in a lively generation house, I learned resilience, compassion, and the value of hard work early on,” she says, reflecting on her childhood. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of community and a determination to succeed.
Her academic journey was nothing short of impressive. She attended Remo Secondary School, where her commitment to excellence made her stand out. Driven by a passion for science and discovery, Bukola pursued a degree in Microbiology, graduating as the top student in her class. But the academic honors didn’t prepare her for the reality of the job market after graduation.
“I thought with my degree, I would walk into a high-paying job, but I was met with rejection after rejection,” she shares, a touch of frustration still evident in her voice. “I had no experience, so I kept getting turned away.”
At this crossroads, many might have given up, but Bukola’s drive was only strengthened. “I started teaching myself digital marketing through YouTube tutorials on my Dad’s borrowed laptop,” she says, smiling at the memory. But convincing her father that this wasn’t a waste of time was another challenge. “He thought I was glued to the laptop for the wrong reasons, but I wasn’t doing anything illegal—I was just learning.”
And learn she did. Bukola eventually founded Kriz Luxe Media, a digital marketing agency based in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2019. Her company specializes in web design, social media marketing, SEO, Google Ads, and more. The agency’s success is a testament to her ability to spot opportunities. “I saw that small and medium-sized businesses were missing out on the power of digital marketing,” she explains. She recognized a gap in the market where many businesses were missing a professional online presence, and she aimed to equip them with the tools and strategies needed to succeed in the digital space. “I wanted to help them scale and thrive in the digital space.”
Today, Kriz Luxe Media serves both local and international clients, earning Bukola a Tech Innovator of the Year award that recognized her hard work and innovation. But the journey wasn’t without its struggles. “The early days were tough, especially managing cash flow,” she admits. “There were times I wasn’t sure how I’d pay for courses or ad budgets, but that taught me the importance of financial discipline and always having a backup plan.”
She also learned the importance of networking and mentorship. “Building meaningful connections with others helped me grow my business and gain referral clients,” Bukola says. “Mentorship made a huge difference during tough times.”
As the business landscape evolved, with new technologies and ever-shifting social media algorithms, Bukola had to stay agile. “I focus on staying updated by attending workshops, joining online communities, and using analytics to understand what our clients need,” she says. “It’s all about adapting to the changing landscape and staying competitive.”
Her impact has been felt both locally and internationally. One of her proudest projects was helping Coach Lola Owolabi’s London Fashion Week exhibition gain significant attention, boosting both attendance and sales. “We were able to increase engagement and get more people to attend her event,” she says with pride. Another memorable success was working with a skincare brand that saw a 300% increase in bookings after optimizing their digital presence. Bukola’s work has also helped brands in the U.S. expand into Africa, demonstrating how well-crafted digital strategies can drive international growth.
Beyond her agency, Bukola is passionate about mentorship and sustainability. “I’m currently working on a program for young entrepreneurs in the tech and digital space,” she says. “I want to help them scale their businesses, and the program will launch early next year.” Her focus on empowering others extends to sustainability, where she is involved in initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices and women’s empowerment.
For budding entrepreneurs, Bukola has one clear piece of advice: “Start small but think big. You don’t need a huge budget to get started. Focus on building a strong online presence, learn to leverage free tools, and always put your customers first.” She emphasizes the importance of consistency. “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each one is a lesson.”
As she looks to the future, Bukola is particularly excited about the role AI and machine learning will play in digital marketing. “AI and predictive analytics will change the game,” she says. “I also believe businesses should incorporate more video content and live streaming to engage their audiences.” She’s preparing a webinar for entrepreneurs in the digital marketing space, eager to collaborate with digital influencers like Adeife Adeoye. “There’s so much to learn, and I’m excited to bring together a community of entrepreneurs.”
Reflecting on her journey, Bukola highlights one key lesson: resilience. “Entrepreneurship is full of ups and downs. What sets successful entrepreneurs apart is their ability to keep pushing forward,” she shares. This resilience has shaped her leadership style, as she strives to create a supportive and adaptable work environment for her team. “I believe in fostering a team that is adaptable, supportive, and ready to face challenges head-on.”
Bukola Adewumi’s journey is a true inspiration. From growing up in a vibrant family in Ogun State to becoming a digital marketing powerhouse, she has proven that with resilience, vision, and adaptability, anything is possible. Her story reminds us all that success isn’t a straight line, but a journey full of learning, growth, and determination.