Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola has opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career, revealing how she was frequently typecast into limited roles because of her appearance.
In a recent interview with media personality JayOnAir, Ogunmola recalled how industry standards around complexion and body shape influenced the roles she was offered.
“It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark-skinned. There was a time when light-skinned actresses were dominating the industry, and they told me I was very curvy, so they tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles,” she said. “That went on for a while, and I didn’t like it.”
The actress, who once competed in the reality show Next Movie Star but did not make it into the final house, described her journey in the entertainment industry as difficult but rewarding.
“My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said.
Ogunmola also spoke about launching a side business early in her acting career, explaining that she was never interested in a traditional 9-to-5 job and preferred building her own financial path.
“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. Shoutout to people who do it, I applaud you. But for me, I am business-savvy like that,” she added.
Speaking on financial discipline and long-term planning, the actress stressed the importance of diversification and preparing for life beyond fame.
“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 from now. I have always been that kind of person, so I always have something else I am doing,” she said.
Ogunmola also highlighted the value of humility and continuous learning on set, crediting filmmaker Biodun Stephen as a major influence on her growth in movie production.
“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 noted.
