Popular Nollywood actress Ariyo Oluwakemisola Apesin, widely known as Aunty Sidi, has opened up about a deeply personal experience that made her reassess her career path as a single mother.
In a heartfelt interview on Talk To B, the actress revealed the difficulties she faced trying to juggle motherhood with her demanding entertainment career. In an effort to create more financial stability, she ventured into bridal makeup.
“I noticed the growing trend in bridal makeup, so I decided to upgrade my skills by learning from professionals outside the industry. I even opened a shop,” she shared. “But I had to stop because it took too much time away from my children. As a single mother, I needed to be more present for them.”
Apesin added that the demanding nature of film work made parenting more difficult.
“We resume on set the first day and don’t leave until the last. I may get home one night and need to resume another location the next morning. I had female children and couldn’t put them in anyone’s care because it’s dangerous,” she explained.
Despite the low pay, Apesin continued with on-set makeup jobs because she loved the work and the opportunity to act, even if it was just one scene.
But everything changed after reading a piece her child wrote at school.
“My daughter did an exam in school where they asked her to write a story. She wrote, ‘There is this lady who is an actress and a makeup artist; she doesn’t have time for children.’ I read it and I was sober,” she recalled.
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