Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has shared candid thoughts on how childhood upbringing influences a person’s attitude towards money, fame and the need for public validation. The actress made the remarks during a recent episode of the podcast Tea with Tay.
Stella explained that growing up in a stable and loving environment creates a different perspective on wealth and attention.
“The truth is, when you grow up in a comfortable home, there’s no amount of money or fame that will move you crazy. When there’s love at home, what is it that anyone wants to do to me that I did not experience growing up?”
She went further to suggest that people who experienced lack during their formative years are more likely to become obsessed with money later in life. Stella clarified that she was not referring to luxury or a lavish lifestyle, but rather the emotional security that comes from a balanced upbringing.
“So when I see people going all crazy because of money, I sometimes think, maybe you’re not used to this. If you’ve grown up with a certain lifestyle, you recognize what feels like an achievement and can be content: ‘This is good. I’ve achieved this. That’s okay. Keep it moving.’”
The actress also criticised the habit of flaunting wealth for validation.
“But when you want the whole world to know, ‘Look at this money, it suffered in my hand—you must see that I have it,’ that’s a mentality.”
Stella’s comments have sparked widespread discussion online, with many agreeing that early life experiences shape how people handle success. Some viewers praised her for highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of celebrity behaviour, while others shared personal stories, in agreement of how poverty or comfort influenced their own relationship with money.