How I sold cakes, did makeup, costuming to survive at UNILAG — Funke Akindele

Nollywood producer and actress, Funke Akindele, has opened up about the different jobs she did to support herself while studying at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). 

She shared the experience during a recent interview with Bella Naija, where she spoke about her early struggles and the businesses she ran to earn money as a student.

According to her, she learnt nail-making by watching people at Yaba before offering the service to fellow students.

“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,” she said.

The filmmaker explained that nail-making was just one of several ways she earned a living while in school. 

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She said she also sold cakes, worked as a makeup artist, handled costume design and sourced costumes for actors.

“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 make-up. 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,” she said.

Funke Akindele further disclosed that she worked behind the scenes in the movie industry as a location manager. 

She also revealed that she earned money by helping students secure bed spaces on campus.

“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 beds pace in UNILAG so I could survive. I am a hustler. That is why I am firm. Life taught me, and I cannot do otherwise.”