Rising Nollywood actress Chiamaka Enwena has made it clear that tomboy-style outfits are off-limits for her, unless absolutely required for a role. The actress shared her strong personal fashion preferences in an exclusive interview with Potpourri, where she also reflected on her journey into acting and the sacrifices she has made to build her career.
Enwena was categorical about the kind of looks she refuses to embrace.
“Outfits you can never catch me wearing—maybe unless it’s a costume—is dressing like a tomboy. You can’t see me wear those kinds of outfits like baggy jeans, t-shirts, and slides. You can never see me do that.”
Despite her firm stance on personal style, she hinted at a possible future in the fashion space.
“I might as well venture into fashion sooner or later.”
The actress comes from a religious background, with her father serving as a pastor. Like many young talents in Nigeria, she faced initial parental resistance when she expressed interest in acting.
“My parents initially resisted my involvement in acting due to typical African parental concerns.”
However, Enwena had been involved in drama from a young age, participating in school and church productions before deciding to pursue it professionally.
On the challenges of breaking into the industry, Enwena highlighted the significant personal and financial sacrifices she has made.
“My greatest sacrifice, which I am still doing, would be literally leaving the work I was doing back then to focus on acting. And despite acting not paying because I was still starting and didn’t know my way around the industry back then, I had to quit my job. I was not really getting paid and the visibility I wanted, compared to how I am now. Getting underpaid just because of the visibility and meaningful connections that comes with it.”
Her comments reflect the realities many emerging actors face in Nollywood, where early career stages often require giving up stable income for exposure and long-term growth.
The interview has generated positive engagement online, with supporters appreciating her clear sense of self and willingness to share the less glamorous side of building a career in entertainment. As a rising talent, Enwena continues to carve out her space in the industry.