By Damilola Fatunmise
Carolyna Hutchings has been a prominent figure in Nigerian entertainment since her 2004 film debut, ‘Deadly Care.’
Beyond her successful acting and producing career, she is also a respected interior designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
In a recent interview with Saturday Sun, she discussed her experiences on “RHOL,” her philanthropic work, and her return to filmmaking.
You returned for the third season of The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL). What can viewers look forward to?
I’m a very realistic person. I’m always myself. You’ll see different facets of Carolyna: as a person, an entrepreneur, a mother, a humanitarian, and a businesswoman. I think I’m more open in season three. In season one, I wanted to get to know the women, but I immediately met with conflict, which I won’t give details of. It didn’t allow me to showcase myself as I would have liked. Instead, I was defensive, protecting my reputation and my family’s. In season three, I’ve found my space. I’m just Carolyna. You’ll see my ups and downs, my vulnerable moments as a divorced woman, a mother, and a businesswoman, among other things.
Many viewers feel the reality show is scripted. How much of it is truly real?
Based on my experiences, I have a lot of genuine content to share, not just to entertain, but to encourage others. I’m as real as it gets. I wasn’t given any scripts. I came as myself. You’ll see my vulnerable side. There are moments where you’ll praise me, applaud me, and even criticize me. The show is truly authentic.
In your own words, what does it mean to be a Real Housewife of Lagos?
A modern Real Housewife is a boss lady, the cornerstone of her home, supportive to her husband and his business, a virtuous woman who cares for her children and staff, and runs a successful business – all seamlessly. She knows her worth, focuses on positive goals and her legacy, and believes in self-development. She redefines the word ‘housewife,’ challenging the stereotype that a woman’s place is only in the kitchen or bedroom. A housewife embodies all the qualities a successful organization desires, while also being a good mother and loyal partner. Lagos women have redefined ‘housewife’ like the queens they are.
Why should audiences watch the third season; and what makes RHOLagos unique?
The Real Housewives franchise is more than just entertainment. You see women from diverse cultures striving to balance their homes and businesses. You witness strong, determined women overcoming life’s hurdles. Regardless of their challenges, they choose happiness, success, and support for other women, dispelling the myth that women don’t support each other. The Real Housewives of Lagos is a must-watch. You’ll relate to the women, learn something, be entertained, and realize life is short. Turn lemons into lemonade.
Until the reality show came up, it’s been a while since we’ve seen you in movies. Does this mean you’ve left acting behind?
Not at all. I’m still very much an actress, though not as active as I was. One of my plans this year is to return to the industry. I recently finished producing a series titled ‘My Fairytale Wedding’ with Chichi Nworah and Taiwo Adebayo, which aired on Africa Magic and is now streaming on Showmax. I also acted alongside Ramsey Noah, Ini Edo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Daniel Etim, Uzor Arukwe, Lilian Esoro, Mercy Eke, Tina Mba, Ayo Mogaji, and Vine Olugu, among others. I’m available. I also had a cameo in Merry Men. I’ll never leave acting or producing. I’ve produced three award-winning films.
You run the Hopeville Foundation. What does your foundation stand for, and what impact has it made?
The Hopeville Foundation is very dear to my heart. It wasn’t created for celebrity status. It stems from my humanitarian nature, instilled by my grandmother. She was a teacher, and my mother was her only child. Growing up as a mixed-race girl, I faced abuse and rejection. My NGO, Hopeville Foundation, has been helping women and children since 2004, solely funded by me. We feed over 3,000 people. The foundation has over 10 partially adopted children (who stay with the orphanage, which also cares for their mentally unstable mothers). I supported the successful surgeries of conjoined twins Amina in Kano and the Ayeni twins, funded scholarships, fibroid operations, and SMEs. My goal is to reach as many women and children in need as possible.
Can you describe your style?
My style is classy, clean, and elegant. Due to my work in oil and gas and construction, I’m often in comfortable clothes, but for special occasions, I love to make a statement with my fashion sense.
Who in your life knows you best, and why?
My kids know me best. They’ve been through everything with me. They understand my thoughts even when I’m silent.
