#12daysofglam: NANCY ISIME ‘I do not live my life based on how people see me’

Talking to Nancy Isime, it seems the star certainly falls into the category of the reluctant actress. However, there is no denying the exquisite talent that has catapulted her to the forefront of Nigeria’s entertainment scene. The beautiful actress, model, and media personality is on a definite career high as she is not only replaced  Nigeria’sToke Makinwa as the presenter of the popular show Trending on HipTV, she has also starred in so many  movies, including  Road to Yesterday, A Trip to Jamaica , Yes I Don’t, Hire a Man. Also, she has appeared in TV shows including Daddy’s girl, On the real, Mute, Gidi Blues, Royal club, Mute, Tinsel, e.t.c. Her on-screen performance already earned her Best Actress in Short Film at the Eko International Film Festival and a nomination for Most Promising Actress of the year at the City People Award 2017.

Interestingly, despite tasting success in these initial years of her career, she feels she’s still regular. She is humble, down to earth and absolutely real…a huge inspiration. We did not bat an eye in making her GLAM AFRICA’s celebrity feature for Day 4 of #12daysof glam, our 12 days of Christmas giveaway contest courtesy of Amali Cosmetics.

In this short interview, Nancy points out the reasons behind her decision to go into acting and how it has affected her life. She also shares her plans for 2018.

What inspired you to begin a career in acting? Why do you think acting is the ideal profession for you?

N: To be honest, I was never really “inspired” to go into acting. It just happened. It stemmed from my modeling days. I got presented the opportunity and I took it. And I think kind words from viewers, colleagues, directors and generally, people who feel like what I am doing is enough and I am good at what I do, have inspired me to stay on. Initially, I went into acting as a means to make some money to support myself while I was rounding out my OND in UNILAG, but now it has become a passion. About acting being the ideal profession though, I cannot say for sure at the moment. We will just have to wait and see. I love acting, but I’ld rather people watch me and let me know if they think it is ideal for me.

A lot of actors who start as models or beauty queens feel like they need to make a strong break from that image to succeed in the industry. Did you have to do that?

N: No, I have never had to do that actually. When the opportunity to act and to be a TV presenter came, I never really considered the fact that my being a model could possibly have any debilitating effect on my chance at success. It has always been about me doing what I feel is right and best to do at any point in time. I never really thought about my initial image as a model or beauty queen. I wanted to try, and lucky me, it went well. I have never had to bend my back for people to see me in a particular way.

Being in the public eye, you have become a role model especially for young girls. Do you feel like you now have to be careful what you say or do? And if yes, do you hate it?

N: Somehow some way, because you are on TV you have quite a number of following. Some people even go further to put you up on a sort of pedestal;  and yes, you sometimes want to be conscious of what you say or do. While there is the pressure, I wouldn’t say I hate it. I do not live my life based on how people see me. I live my life free. I live the way that I want to anyway. I go to the place I want to go. I walk on the streets when I have to. Yes, sometimes I have to be more careful but I never wake up and hit the road thinking to myself: “Hey, It’s me…celebrity Nancy.”  I really don’t even think of myself as a celebrity. I still do regular things and stay oblivious to the celebrity status. Sometimes I am forced to snap back into reality though, like when I am on the roadside in the middle of the night trying to buy Suya, then someone says my full name and tells me they watch my show; or when in a neighborhood where I don’t think people know me , then someone yells my name…I really do not live my life every day wondering how people see me. I am a very free person. So, while I am honored to be in a position where I am considered a role model, I have never been frustrated by it.

What do you think is the most admirable thing about you?

N: Uhm…I would say it is the fact that I am hard-working. A lot of people commend me for being very diligent and reliable when it comes to work. I stay committed to the task, even when I am worn out and obviously tired or I am stressed and complaining, I keep on. Most people are surprised how I am handling a daily TV show, a soap opera and movie productions on the side all year round. There is also the fact that I am confident in my body and in who I am, a lot of people find that admirable and even inspiring.

Who has had the biggest influence on you in life?

N:  It has to be my aunt. I would say my mother, but I would be lying. She passed on years ago and I have faint memories. My aunt definitely is the biggest influence in my life. She is the kindest and most genuine person I know.

What is No.1 on your wish list at the moment?

N: Definitely, to be happy forever. Happiness in whatever form my heart desires. Just pure happiness.

What are your plans for 2018? What should your fans look forward to?

N: My plans for 2018 would be to kickbox, to be the best person I can be, to be happy, to conquer new goals and to achieve new dreams. Regarding projects for next year, the movie Disguise is one I’m really waiting to share with y fans.  There is also JJC the movie which will be coming out next year.

Next year, I want to do more acting, more hosting. I am not one who says things like “I must do this by so time” so I really do not have those kinds of goals. If someone had said to me that I would be where I am 5 years ago, I would not believe it. It has been a blissful surprise that I am receiving with hard work in hand. I never envisaged that I would be here, in such short time …so, I do not want to restrict God by setting goals with timelines. I am just going to watch him and see his plans for my life unfold.

Stay in touch with Nancy: Instagram/Twitter/Facebook

HOW TO WIN

Comment here & tell us why you found this interview inspiring

Don’t forget to follow us on:

Facebook: GlamAfricaMag

Twitter: GlamAfricaMag

Instagram: GlamAfricaMag