I Was Chased Out Of Nollywood – Actress Stephanie Oduenyi

The Nigerian movie industry called Nollywood is one regarded by some people as very scandalous. Some parents have even vowed never to allow

their children delve into the industry because of the various negative reports that are unleashed regular from the industry.

For an up and coming fashion star named Stephanie Oduenyi, she was pushed out of Nollywood by her ‘shyness’, having only featured in three films, which she did not even know whether they were later released by the producers. 

Stephanie, who was at an event recently held in Lagos, in a recent interview how she found love in fashion. The lady, a gorgeous plus-size lady, stormed the event in a beautiful short dress she designed by herself.

A first glance at Stephanie shows a picture of a movie star, unfortunately, the damsel could not make name for herself in that industry. 

Stephanie graduated from Madonna University-Okija Anambra State and she is presently the CEO of ‘Makani Couture’. She has been in the fashion industry for two-and-a half years. Her collection she says speaks volume about how a woman should embrace her curves no matter her size.

You have a stylish outfit there, can we meet you?

My name is Stephanie Oduenyi. I was supposed to be an actress, but after doing two to three films, I ran away
Why did you run away?
I ran away because I am really a shy person. So, I don’t think it was my calling to be in Nollywood. I rather have friends that are in the movie industry but for me, I am not.
So, what movies did you feature in before you left the industry? 
Well, I never saw them actually
Why was that? 
Yeah, because I am a designer, I had to go into something I am comfortable with, something I actually love doing. So, I started designing. I have attended many fashion shows and I have won the best designer for ‘Anambra Fashion Week’. That is just it; I have been designing, going for events and so on.
Did you designer the outfit you are wearing? 
Yes I did.
Does your dress have a name? 
Well, it doesn’t, but it is part of my 2014 collection called the ‘DaringDiva’. I have a fashion show coming up soon, where I will be showcasing my designs, which is the Nigerian Students Fashion Design Week (NSFDW), set to take place in June. This dress is part of my collection, so it is just like unveiling one of them. The rest of them will be showcased on the 5th of June at the event.
What is your style? 
I like simple, very edgy and very complicated style. Instead of being plain, I like to come out and put in things that make and add statement to my piece.
What is your view about the Nigerian fashion designers and designs presently? 
Nigerian designers are really going places, there is nothing like promoting what we have you understand. It has gone beyond promoting Nigerian fabrics, like when I started, I started with the ‘ankara’ fabric and the rest, but then, I noticed that it has to go beyond that. The most important thing is pushing the market to the forefront.