Award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has reflected on the hustle and determination that shaped her early years, revealing some of the jobs she took on to support herself while studying at university.
Speaking in a recent interview, the 48-year-old disclosed that she learnt nail-making and makeup artistry during her time at the University of Lagos and would often sit along the school’s corridors in search of customers.
She said: “When I was in the University of Lagos, I used to make nails. I made nails for a girl one day, and she slapped me because they were rubbish. I learnt from watching people make nails at Yaba. I will buy them, stay in the corridor, and ask people to come and get their nails done.”
“I was selling cakes. Bimpe Onakoya, the talented makeup artist, was buying cakes from me. She would make-up for me. I learnt from people making hair. I did makeup. I did costuming. I used to costume Aunty Bukky Wright. Even Iyabo Ojo then. I will go to Yaba and buy costumes and iron them,”
“I was a location manager. I will go to houses and knock. If they pay the owner N100,000, I can take 30 and pay the person 70. I sold bed space in UNILAG so I could survive. I am a hustler. That is why I am firm. Life taught me, and I cannot do otherwise.”
Akindele recalled one particularly embarrassing experience from that period when a dissatisfied client slapped her over what was considered a poorly done nail job.
Despite the incident, she continued working and improving her skills.
The actress also revealed that she ventured into baking, with renowned makeup artist Bimpe Onakoya as one of her regular customers.
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Beyond that, Funke said she worked as a costume designer for established Nollywood stars, including Bukky Wright and Iyabo Ojo, long before she rose to fame herself.
