Nollywood star Deyemi Okanlawon has opened up about his humble beginnings, revealing that before fame, he sold bread and cakes for two years to support himself.

In a recent interview with Channels TV, Deyemi shared how he nurtured a love for drama while studying Chemical Engineering, balancing his passion for acting with working in his mother’s baking business, supplying schools like Babcock University and YABATECH.

He quietly embraced stage performances, often through his campus Christian fellowship.

After graduation, with bills to pay, Deyemi took an unexpected turn—joining his mother’s baking business. For two years, he sold bread and cakes at schools like Babcock University and Yaba College of Technology, all while holding on to his dreams.]

In his words:

“My mum said I was so good at it, why not join her? So I did. That taught me marketing for 10 years.”

Despite early rejections, Deyemi Okanlawon stayed committed to his passion. After failed attempts to become an on-air personality, he took a chance on acting, landing two roles at his first audition.

He later trained at the New York Film Academy, which boosted his confidence and skills. In 2011, he made his feature film debut in ZR-7: The Red House Seven, followed by roles in short films and web series like Blink, Gidi Up, and Knock Knock.