Bolaji Ogunmola has spoken candidly about the early challenges she encountered in Nollywood, stating that her looks frequently led to stereotypes and role limitations.
In an interview with social media star and content creator Joseph Onaolapo, also known as Jay On-Air, the actress said that since she is curvaceous and dark-skinned, producers frequently attempted to categorise her.
She claims that during a time when the business favoured light-skinned actors, she was often pushed to perform "side chick" roles rather than being given consideration for more varied roles.
“It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark-skinned. There was a time when light-skinned people were reigning, and they told me I was very curvy and tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles,” she said.
Ogunmola, who had competed in the Next Movie Star reality programme but was eliminated before the final house, said that her journey in the film business was difficult but rewarding since she persevered in the face of obstacles.
“My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said.
Besides acting, the actress stated that she understood she didn't want a typical 9–5 office job, so she purposefully entered the business world at a young age.
She clarified that she has always had a business mindset and that she wanted to create something worthwhile outside of the entertainment sector.
“I never wanted to do 9–5. I will not do 9–5; it’s not just me. Shoutout to people who do it; I applaud you. But for me, I am business-savvy like that,” she added.
Noting that stardom in the entertainment sector can be temporary, Ogunmola also counselled young creatives to go beyond celebrity and concentrate on financial security.
“Life is in phases. You are popular today; you may not be tomorrow. What are you doing to put food on the table? You should be investing,” she said.
She also acknowledged that filmmaker Biodun Stephen, whom she described as her first movie production instructor, had a significant influence on her development.
Bolaji Ogunmola claims that her career and professional perspective were shaped by serving before taking the lead and learning from other producers.