Funke Akindele Recalls Painful Slap from Customer During Her UNILAG Nail-Making Days

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has shared memories of her struggles as a student at the University of Lagos, revealing the many jobs she took on to survive.

In a recent interview with BellaNaija, she disclosed that she taught herself nail artistry by watching professionals in Yaba and would offer services from her hostel corridor.

She recounted a painful moment when a client slapped her after being dissatisfied with her work.

The award-winning filmmaker revealed that beyond nail-making, she also sold cakes, did makeup, handled costuming, and customised outfits for notable figures like Aunty Bukky Wright and Iyabo Ojo. She also worked as a location manager and even sold bed space in UNILAG to make ends meet.

Reflecting on her journey, Funke described herself as a hustler, adding that life taught her to be firm and she cannot be any other way.

She said: "When I was at 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 by watching people make nails in Yaba. I would buy them, stay in the corridor, and ask people to come and get their nails done."

"I was selling cakes. Bimpe Onakoya, the talented make-up artist, was buying cakes from me. She would make me up. I learnt from people making hair. I did make-up. I did costuming. I used to customise for Aunty Bukky Wright. Even Iyabo Ojo then. I would go to Yaba and buy costumes and iron them."

"I was a location manager. I would go to houses and knock. If they paid the owner N100,000, I could 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."