Why I chose hustle over comfort – Actress Blessing Jessica Nze

During a chat on Tope Olowoniyan TV, the mother of one reflected on how her resolve to stand on her own started taking shape during her university days.

She said, “I decided to be financially independent in my final year at university. Before then, I was already doing something, but it became more organized at that point. I sold Mary Kay products on campus and became quite well-known for it. I even supplied women in major markets.”

Nze, who is married to talented actor Stanley Nze, credits her motivation and resilience to her mother, whom she describes as highly hardworking and resourceful.

“Growing up, I watched my mother juggle multiple roles, from teaching to trading, all to give me a better life as her only child. Watching her hustle inspired me to start something of my own while I was still a student.”

However, after graduation, her mother had lovingly planned her return home, with plans including securing a stable government job and eventually marriage. She chose a different route.

“I knew that if I went back home, I would become too comfortable and lose my drive. I needed to keep pushing myself. Also, my mother would have gotten me a job with the Lagos Government and, of course, started looking for how to connect me with a church brother for marriage,” she recalled.

Now a successful actress and filmmaker, Nze is passionate about motivating young women to take control of their financial futures. She stressed that independence is not just desirable but essential in today’s world.

“Every young woman should aim to be financially independent. Don’t depend on any man. Be whole on your own because even the man you want to rely on is still trying to figure things out for himself. Marriage is meant to be a partnership. If you bring nothing to the table and rely completely on your partner, you risk being seen as a mere property,” she advised.