Nollywood actress and TV presenter Olaide Olaogun came into limelight when she featured in Wale Adenuga’s Superstory series entitled, ‘Soul Sisters’.
Later, she delved into movie-making and became a brand ambassador for Lux beauty soap, Diva hair extension, Fuman juice and UBA.
In this interview, Olaogun reveals how marriage has slowed down her acting career.
She also talks about her new project and plans for the music industry. Enjoy it.
Who is Olaide Olaogun?
I am married, so I am now Olaide Olaogun Emmanuel. I’m an actress but now a part time actress. Before marriage, I used to be a full time actress but now I work as a fashion stylist. I was also a TV presenter and model. I modeled for a couple of brands like UBA, Fuman juice, Lux beauty soap and Diva hair extension.
How did you come into acting?
I have always had passion for entertainment, even though I wasn’t sure of the area of entertainment I was going into. I love music. I do sound tracks for movies but I dropped it along the line because of the many things I had on my hands. I came into acting in a soap opera produced by Wale Adenuga Productions.
Between acting and TV presenting, which one do you prefer?
I wouldn’t say I like one more than the other/ They are both scripted and they work together.
It’s been a while we saw you on the screen, is it because of marriage or motherhood?
After graduating from the university, I got a job almost immediately with an oil and gas firm. And of course, you know what it is having an 8 to 5 job, so I had little or no time for movies. Don’t forget that you have to be on a movie location for days. So the time available for me was just my annual leave. And now that I am married, I have to think of my family first.
Are you considering dropping acting for marriage?
No, I am not dropping acting for marriage. Presently, I’m looking for a way to balance it. Most times when they invite me for movie roles, I don’t accept because I am nursing a baby. But when he’s fully grown and I know he’s already in school, I can then have time to act. So, when the time comes you will see me.
How have you been coping with marriage, motherhood and business?
I think everything has to do with plans. You draw out your time and you don’t overdo what you shouldn’t do. We all know we have 24 hours in a day so, what I do mostly is to plan myself; and by God’s grace, I have been managing it well. When it’s time to be with my family, I make sure I don’t compromise.
How did you meet your husband?
One day, I was traveling to London and I was driving from the Island to the mainland. On the third mainland bridge, I had a flat tyre. I was thinking of what to do when I saw a man packed his car, alighted and walked towards me. Initially, I was afraid I had fallen victim of the armed robbers people talk about on the third mainland bridge. But he turned out to be a Good Samaritan. He did his best to ensure my flat tyre was fixed. Afterwards, we exchanged numbers and the friendship started. We dated for three years. Of course, he knew what he wanted and he never gave up on me. Here we are today.
How have you been coping, running your new fashion outlet?
I have always loved fashion. I’m creative when it comes to fashion. I have a unique sense of fashion. In my new fashion outlet called Ready To Wear by Olaide or RTWO Fashion, we don’t follow the trend. We don’t do what other people are doing. Basically, at RTWO Fashion, we do ready-to -wear dresses. We have our label and deal in UK and US sizes. We have retailers all over the world.
Did you train as a fashion designer or it’s just your creativity?
To be honest, I didn’t go to any fashion school. But I sketch, draw and cut all by myself. Anytime I get the inspiration, I just make sure I sketch it out and then work on it.
What are your fears?
Personally, I would say fear of failure scares me a lot. I hate to fail in whatever I lay my hands on. That drives me a lot.
What is the secret behind the success of your marriage?
I take things very easy. I’m not an extrovert. Honestly, that’s one thing I would say is helping me. I’m not the partying. type. If anyone invites me to a party, I would see it as a big deal and I guess it’s one of the things my husband appreciates about me.
Sure, you will always have those little fights but once you respect men for who they are, you know, men are egocentric by nature, so why not give it to them for peace sake? And as a married woman, you can’t always be everywhere. Just be in the middle, don’t be at the extreme.
How do you intend to celebrate the first anniversary of your fashion outlet?
We are looking at going into artiste management. A lot of people have approached me on this, so with God on our side, we are going into musical talent discovery. Oh yes, I was born into music; my parents were once music directors. I was once into music too, so is my brother. All my life, I have been involved in music.
[Saturday Sun]
