My height doesn’t stop me from being fashionable –Shade Olona

Shade Olona

Petite Yoruba actress, Shade Olona, tells us about her style and career

When did you become an actress?

I actually started acting professionally in 2007 when I joined Adebola Tijani’s group. I graduated in 2012 and since then, I have been a full-fledged actress and I have been trying my best in the industry.

What could have made you decide to be an actress?

Since I was a little child, I have always loved acting. People would tell me I have the talent. But then, I had an aunt who discouraged me from being an actress. She said she didn’t like what she used to hear about actors and actresses and as such, she wouldn’t want me to be a part of them. She said she wanted me to be a wife and a mother and not an actress. I didn’t grow up with my parents. My dad is late. I grew up with my aunt.

So how did you become an actress if your aunt was against it?

I had to tell my elder sister that I would love to be an actress. I saw an advert that asked anybody who wanted to be an actress to contact a certain person through a telephone number provided by the advert. That was how I called the number and it was Adebola Tijani’s group. They told me the rules and regulations of the group and that was how I joined.

And how did your aunt feel when she eventually learnt you had joined an acting group?

She was totally against it! She didn’t like it one bit. But I had to explain to her that not all actresses are wayward as she had thought. I made her understand that being wayward is an individual thing and doesn’t have anything to do with your profession. And since I joined the industry, she has come to realise that I have not changed, I am still me. My mum also supported me. She said I should always remember where I am coming from and not get carried away by the things of life.

How has your career been?

It has been here and there. No profession is easy. But the beauty is that I enjoy what I do. With the help of God and hard work, I can say I have managed well in the industry.

Didn’t you further your education?

I am currently in school. I am studying Mass Communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.

You play more of sub lead than lead roles, why?

It is basically because of my stature. I am petite. I have a baby face too. As such, I would hardly play the role of a ‘madam’ in a movie because of my looks. But I had to tell myself and my God that my stature will not deny me of my success in this industry. I produced my first movie in 2011 and I played the sub lead. But when I produced my second movie, I had to play the lead role. Since then, people have come to realise that my stature is not a barrier.

Are there times you feel bad about your stature?

No way! Everything in life is about timing and destiny. When it is time for you to shine, nobody would even remember your height or face, everything would just be working out fine for you. I am so happy about my stature. But I am human too. At times, I may feel bad especially when I get rejected for a role because of my height.

Why did you decide to become a producer?

It was actually my friend and colleague, Mosun Filani, who encouraged me. She told me I should not be waiting around for people to call me for a role; instead, I could do my production and invite people. That was how I started. Adebola Tijani also encouraged me. He is like my demigod. I respect him so much.

Being a Muslim, are you restricted in the kind of things you wear?

No. Acting is my job; it is what I do for a living. For me to interpret any role, I would need to do it very well so that people would think it is real. We are like pastors, we preach to the world with our movies. If I am playing the role of a prostitute, I would need to dress the part so that people would think I am a real prostitute.

But in real life, does your religion stop you from dressing fashionably?

I am a fashionable person but I also like to be casual. My mood determines what I wear. If I have to go for a function, I always try as much as possible to be dressy. There are some clothes I wear in movies that I can’t wear in real life though. That said, I don’t also have to cover my head and face as a Muslim but I still observe all the prayer times as a Muslim.

How often do you make your hair?

I change my hair-do every fortnight. There are times I just mat my hair and maybe wear a wig.

What do you always like to wear all the time?

I love to wear jeans and polo. I also love leggings a lot. If I wear leggings, I could just go anywhere and I wouldn’t be bothered. My height can’t stop me from looking good as well. I wear what I feel like wearing.

Do you repeat clothes?

Of course I repeat clothes. I am not among the actresses who don’t repeat dresses. There are some clothes I know I can’t do without because I love them so much.

What is your favourite fashion item?

I love perfumes and wristwatches. I could just go to the shop to buy perfumes and wristwatches.

Why don’t you have tattoos?

I love them so much but I have not imagined having one on my body. My religion doesn’t permit it but there are some who don’t mind. However, as for me, as much as I like it, I can’t wear one on my body. I like it on people though. There are things you like but you know you can’t do such.

What do you wear that people commend you so much?

I always get appreciated and admired anytime I wear a long dress. I don’t normally wear such but each time I step out in a long dress, people are always wowed.

What is the best part of your body?

I love my lips and people love them as well.

Do you encourage bleaching?

It is an individual thing. Some people think bleaching makes them finer while some people don’t even go near such.

What do you like your boyfriend to wear all the time?

I love him on jeans and a tee shirt or a polo shirt. I would rather he wears corporate outfit if an event calls for such.

What does he love you to wear?

I don’t know if I should say this. Anyway, he loves me to wear bum shorts whenever he is around. But he would not allow me to wear such outside the house.

Must you wear designer labels all the time?

I buy them if I have to, it is not always. I love Givenchy bags and belts anyway.

Have you made fashion mistake before?

I don’t think so. I wear what I am comfortable in and I don’t think I have made a fashion mistake before. I take my time to dress. I wear what can fit any event even if I didn’t plan attending the event.

Do you wear things in vogue?

I could do such once in a while. I don’t like wearing common things. However, if I must wear trending things, such attire must be exceptional.

Do you make your clothes or you buy already made?

I have a fashion designer that makes my dresses and she makes them perfectly. I don’t even choose designs for her. She creates things that are wonderful.