Meet ENADO ...On the journey of a thousand miles.

Kindly tell us about yourself and what you do for a living?

My name is Enado Odigie. I hail from Benin city, Edo state. No 5 of 5 kids. A christian and sapiosexual. I’m an old soul who’s in love with nature and it’s elements. I prefer mostly tertiary colours to primary or secondary colours. I love jazz and soul music and a genre of music I like to call ‘old Hollywood’. What I do for a living? I’m an actor, TV Host and a model.....amongst many other things.

ON HER PERSONALITY

What was your childhood like? – Tell us briefly about your family, your hopes and dreams.

I grew up in a family where I was adored. As a last child, I was the object of everyone’s affection. As an old soul, I understood older people more and was a lot less comfortable with my peers. I kind of didn’t fit the mould so I was a loner. I was also multi talented so I participated and thrived in all kinds of activities - from social to sports and to academics. I was raised in a home where laughter was our thing. I was also raised to have integrity and put God first. God is our ‘North star’.

Growing up, I wanted to be a bunch of things at different times. But at every given time, I knew I was going to be a media personality and a guiding light for other people. I also knew I was going to be a non-conformist.

You are a known MEDIA AND ON AIR PERSONALITY As well as an ACTRESS – how did it all begin?

Well, I started acting as a little child - from school to church and everywhere in between. I often would watch a movie or read a book and would go back into my closet to reproduce the act. I would even go as far as adopting the personality of my favourite character for a few weeks. Hence, I stayed away from the Mills and Boons if I was gonna stay out of trouble.

Getting into the industry was by the grace of God and my lovely gift of friendship.

You see, doing a 9-5 was it for me and I thought that was working just fine. So one day, my dear friends and neighbours, Akin and Ope saw a casting call and Ope insisted that I try-out but I wasn’t interested. My dear friends wouldn’t let me be because I was usually the loudest and most demonstrative one in the group. So for extra motivation, she said she’d go with me but I still wasn’t interested. That didn’t deter her. On the said day, she showed up at my house and forced a very grumpy me to shower and dress up. On getting to the auditions, she picked a form for me and filled it out. I auditioned and got the role. The rest they say is history.

Has it been easy achieving your goals and aspirations?

What has been your motivation?

The answer is both Yes and no. No because for a while I tried to do things according to what everybody else wanted or thought was right but not until the moment I began to trust God and my abilities. I began to pay attention to my inner voice. The one that comes from your truest self and then everything became easy. Easy because things began to fall naturally into place. This is not to say I haven’t put in a lot of hard work. This work is hard work in itself. There’s no escaping it.

In getting to where you are now, what did you have go through?

A few disappointments here and there. But I learned to use the disappointment as fuel to drive myself to succeed instead of sitting around and moping or being miserable. I became my driving force. Instead of allowing an occurrence make a victim out of me, I tell myself that I am the champion who was shown how to rise above every let down. So I let myself cry if I have to because s it’s okay to cry but not for too long. I sometimes ask myself – so Enado, what’s the next step moving forward? What's the next strategy? I ask a lot of questions. I’d ask the same question over and over again till I’m sure I understand the answer.

I’m not afraid to try new things and make mistakes as I must keep moving forward. That is not to say I move blindly. I do my research where I can but I have found out that no one can teach you better than life herself. I believe that there is nothing I’d face in life that I have not been pre-equipped to handle. So if I’m facing it, then I have the capacity to deal with it and become stronger.

Describe your personality, what character traits would your friends say you possess?

I’m a happy person- I always find laughter and love to laugh. I like to UNDERSTAND new things, people, phenomena, nature, existence, and the unknown. I balance logic and emotion. I love fashion and I’m a good cook.

If you are to hate one thing about yourself, what would that be?

My inability to pretend. It would seem like pretence is a tradable currency nowadays. I’m never able to do it #storyofmylife.

What was your most frustrating moment in life and how did you overcome it?

Realizing that I don’t know everything and can’t control everything.

That I do not know the future and no matter how smart I am, I can’t exactly plan the future because life will never follow the plan I make. She will take you where she wants to take you and you will go with her whether you like it or not.

How I overcome it? I don’t. I just go with the flow. I live in the now and make the best of what I have and where I’m at ‘TODAY’. I treat people the best way I can because you’d never know where you will meet them again. I try to put myself in other people’s shoe.

You are notorious for dressing exquisitely and gorgeously. What informs your taste and style?

Me! I don’t follow trends unless a trending piece appeals to me. I dress according to my body type. I love things that accentuate my natural curves. That includes the style and cuts of the outfit. Colours..... I love colours. I also dress according to my mood and what I’m trying to communicate to my beholder. I don’t compromise on my comfort in other to prove a point. Overall, I dress the way I want to be addressed.

ON HER CAREER

Describe your first experience on TV, were you in anyway intimidated?

My first experience was a long time ago. No I wasn’t intimidated. I had had many years of experience being in front of large crowds and I had never really been prone to stage fright.

How do you condition yourself for a role? Do you easily get into character?

All I need to do is put myself in the position of the character I’m playing. How would I feel in real life if someone did or said this to me? If it’s a character I can’t relate with, I look around for anyone who can and spend time with them. I also do my research and watch videos.

It’s no news that you also plan events. What has the experience been like? Is there a special talent or skill required for this?

Yes I do and I love it. You have to know how to manage different kinds of people and your time. You have to know how to manage your emotions. Learn to stay in control and keep it together even under pressure because human beings will test you and push your buttons. You have to be able to envision various types of outcomes and where necessary, have contingency plans. That’s being proactive. You have to be able to think on your feet. It’s important to be creative but more importantly, love what you do.

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing entrepreneurs today?

Finance and human resources. By finance, I mean funding. In terms of human resources, I’m referring to having trustworthy people with the technical know-how. There’s also information. A lot of people are poorly informed.

In view of your achievement and experience as an actress, what ‘bitter truth’ would you give someone who is aspiring to be like you?

Sadly, talent is no longer enough in this superficial place that the world has become. Packaging now matters a lot. The bible says God looks at the heart but man looks at the outward appearance aka package. People are more receptive when you look nice.

1. Have an alternative source of income at least for a while.

2. People will try to take advantage of you particularly if they think you’re desperate.

3. Don’t believe everything you see on social media, life here is not perfect or a walk in the park.

4. Being here comes with its own set of challenges.

Fans often view celebrity life as all glamorous and void of heartaches.

Would you say this is true? Kindly give reasons.

Not it’s not. Celebrities are also ORDINARY HUMAN BEINGS and they are JUST LIKE YOU. The only difference is that they are known by a lot more people. They hurt and bleed. The eat food and their digestive functions are same as everyone else’s . 32 set of teeth, 2 eyes, one brain, one heart, red and white blood cells, skin, flesh and bones. My point is, they are human. Slap an ordinary person and slap a ‘celebrity, ‘they’ll probably feel the same pain and probably react the same way. If a gun is shot here, we will all react in fear and take off - celebrity or not,

The bottom line is celebrities are everyday people like you and me. Life is not only about the grandeur flashed over media. As a matter of fact, it’s more hype than reality. As a celebrity, life doesn’t go easier on you, it even make things tougher as you now have an audience. This creates pressure for most. Unfortunately, now you can no longer fail quietly, make mistakes or just be you because everyone is now watching. Your actions are judged by self appointed judges {without pay} over matters they don’t completely understand or are authorized to weigh in on.

Social media hasn’t helped by making the unsolicited contributors faceless, thereby making them bolder and more vicious. You have no idea of the pressure.

What sacrifices have you made for your career? Would you say they were worth it?

The list is long. But I’d name a few. The freedom to do whatever without worrying who is watching or seeing me. Your relationships suffer and by relationships, I mean relationships of all kinds. Family, friendships etc. Endless sleepless nights because you work either late or all night. You miss out on occasions, gatherings and holidays. You hardly have time for yourself.

What’s the one thing your fans do NOT know about you?

I’m a very down to earth person.

What your next big thing?

I have a few mind blowing projects that would be out within the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2017. This year is gonna be epic.

ON FAMILY/ Relationships

What’s your take on Marriage?

Marriage should be a product of love but not just love alone. It’s a choice you make with someone who you are willing to put in the work with. When you shut out all the noise and pressure, ask yourself ‘am I willing to go to war for and with this person? When the flame of romances burns out or burning low. Is this person my friend? Do I admire his/her personality? Do I like how their brain works? Can I have conversations about mundane stuff and still feel great about this person? Does he/she bring out the best or worst in me? Is this person selfish?’ There’s a long list of questions you need to answer before going into marriage but more importantly, you need to ask yourself some very important questions too. You have to be truthful to yourself about what you truly want and not what anybody else says or wants.

Has being a celebrity affected your family life or relationships in anyway?

Not really. I keep both very separate but I give my family and relationships a priority most of the time. Sometimes, work tries to get in the way but because I keep things open, I have a lot of understanding and support

What’s your idea of the ideal man?

He has to love God, have respect for every kind of person. Be a big dreamer, someone who knows what he wants and where he’s going. Put me 1st, not because he is weak or effeminate but man enough to realize that elevating his woman doesn’t diminish his manliness. Hard working but knows how to play. A person who let’s me be and encourages me to grow and shine. My best friend. A man for and with whom I am ready to fight. Forgiving. Funny. A man with whom I’d do great things. We’d conquer the world together

Do you sometimes wish you were not in the spotlight?

I really don’t bother myself with such thoughts. Life will lead exactly where it’s meant to lead you. I do wonder about it sometimes but it is what it is.

ON Lighter Note

What makes you frown?

Lies. When people think they are too smart. Being disrespected

What’s your most embarrassing moment ever?

I had never seen the Islamic greeting ‘Salaam Alaikum’ (not sure if this spelling is correct) but I was introduced to the Client via email. For some reason, I thought that was his name and addressed the new Client as ‘Mr Salaam Alaikum’. When I was corrected, I thought I was going to evaporate for shame.

If you could eliminate one smell, what would that be?

Body odours.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement in life?

Coming to terms with who I really am. Accepting me for me. No holds barred. Being true to myself. Understanding and appreciating my uniqueness, strengths, weaknesses and understanding that they all come together to create a really beautiful specimen with a special purpose

If you could only save one thing in your handbag, what would that be?

My phone

If you could retract one lie you’ve told, what would that be?

That I was incapable of becoming all the things I ever dreamed.

What would I find in your refrigerator?

Floss, apples, pineapples, ginger, lemon, smoked chicken, freshly squeezed juices, stew and some type of vegetable soup.

If you had the power to make a difference in the world, what would you do?

Change mass conformism - mentality. I would want the world to be more tolerant of people’s differences and embrace it. More love and tolerance.

Photography by Ellis Mbeku for EMSTUDIOSng

www.emstudiosng.com

#HelenOdigie #Enado #FruitTreeMagazine #JanuaryEdition #Interview #Exclusive