Funke Akindele’s Hustle: How Nails, Bed Space, And Cakes Funded Her UNILAG Journey

Award-winning filmmaker Funke Akindele has talked candidly about the odd jobs she took on to make ends meet while attending college, including a humiliating incident in which a client slapped her for having shoddy nail art.

The 48-year-old actress, who frequently sits in school hallways to draw clients, disclosed in a recent interview that she learned nail art and makeup artistry while attending the University of Lagos.

“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 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.

“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.”

In the end, we often have no idea what struggles and sacrifices individuals endured before reaching fame. Funke Akindele’s story is a testament to the fact that perseverance and determination can turn even the toughest circumstances into triumphs. Life is rarely easy from the start, but with unwavering commitment and resilience, success is achievable.

Their journeys remind us that setbacks are only stepping stones toward greater heights, and with persistence, we too can overcome challenges and fulfill our dreams.