Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has spoken about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her acting career, revealing that she was often stereotyped and restricted to certain character types based on her looks.
Speaking during an interview with content creator Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On-Air), Ogunmola said film producers attempted to confine her to “side chick” roles, largely influenced by industry beauty standards at the time.
She explained that her skin tone and curvy physique contributed to how she was initially perceived in the industry, noting that such stereotypes nearly boxed her into limited roles.
“It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark-skinned. There was a time when light-skinned people were reigning, and they told me I was very curvy and tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles. My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said.
The actress also praised filmmaker Biodun Stephen for playing a key mentoring role in her development, describing her as an important influence during her early days on set.
“Before you lead, serve. A lot of the things I learnt were from other producers. Biodun Stephen was my first teacher when it comes to movie production. Every time I am on set, I am watching her,” she added.
Ogunmola further revealed that she ventured into business early because she wanted independence and purpose beyond traditional employment.
She said she had no interest in a conventional 9–5 job, emphasizing her preference for entrepreneurship and staying active in business ventures.
“I just wanted my life to have meaning at that time. I am not somebody who likes to sit at home; I wanted to do something. I never wanted to do 9–5. I will not do 9–5, it’s not just me,” she said.
She also advised creatives to prioritize financial planning and diversification, stressing that success in the entertainment industry can be unpredictable.
“Life is in phases. You are popular today, you may not be tomorrow. What are you doing to put food on the table? You should be investing and positioning yourself,” she noted.
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