Actress and skit maker, Folakemi Babatunde, popularly known as Pretty Fola, tells VERA ALKALI about her career, personality, relationships and ambitions
What was the first step that made you realise you could build a career for yourself in the public space?
I joined a film school around 2018 or 2019. From there, I realised that if I stayed consistent and trusted the process, I could probably make it.
What has been the biggest turning point in your career so far?
The moment I started content creation, everything changed for me. It gave me the little visibility I have, and from there, producers started noticing me and offering me movie roles, which, in turn, helped more people discover me.
What has been the most challenging part of building your career in an industry where visibility can determine opportunities?
It is trusting and hoping that someone will take a chance on you and give you a substantial role someday. The waiting period can be very challenging, just like every waiting period in life, whether you are waiting for a child, success or a breakthrough. That is why I said content creation has really helped me gain the little visibility I have.
What is one career decision that looked risky at the time but ultimately changed the direction of your journey?
Switching from acting to skit making. I thought it was the end of my career as an actor, but, as I said earlier, content creation and skit making turned out to be the turning point of my career.
How intentional have you been about turning your social media presence into a career and brand?
I have been very intentional. For me, it has never been just about numbers or visibility. I have been working on understanding what makes my personality, style and creativity unique and how to translate that into meaningful opportunities.
I have also been moving beyond content creation and positioning myself for brand collaborations, modelling, acting and other creative opportunities. I am constantly thinking about how I present myself online, the kind of brands I want to work with and the long-term image I want to build.
Social media can make success look effortless. What has your journey actually cost you?
Nothing, really. But if I think about it on a deeper level, maybe my freedom.
Have you ever felt pressured to maintain a particular lifestyle or image online because of people’s expectations of Pretty Fola?
Never! Maybe it is because of the kind of upbringing I had. I do not feel pressured to live up to any standard because of people’s perception of me. I just do me.
On a deeper level, I am a highly introverted person. If I were not an actor, I would probably be working peacefully in a corner of an organisation.
What is one misconception about you or your career that you wish people would stop believing?
It is the idea that I am outspoken. I am a very shy person. Everything I do, except acting, is just to secure a source of income. I am passionate about acting, so whatever role I play comes from the depth of my heart.
However, the characters I play in my skits are nothing like who I am in reality. I am shy, I cry easily, I am soft-hearted and I detest trouble.
How much of Pretty Fola online is the real you?
I would say 50 per cent. There are so many reasons for that. First, I am an introvert, but my characters suggest otherwise. I am soft-spoken, but my characters suggest otherwise. I am a bit reserved, but some of my characters are the opposite. I do not like abusing people, but my characters do.
The part of me that is real is probably the fantastic actor in me. I act very well, both on and off screen. The fashion side of me is also real, among other things.
I also do not like facing crowds, especially when it comes to public speaking and addressing people. But my characters suggest otherwise, which makes people wonder how I can be so shy despite all the drama I create online.
What is the funniest or most ridiculous assumption a stranger has made about you because of what they have seen online?
People assume I am married. They ask about my friend all the time simply because we create couple-related content. They always ask, “How is your husband?”
Some people are also shocked when I speak good English. They ask how I am able to communicate so fluently because I speak the typical Ibadan dialect very well.
Have you ever posted something and regretted it?
No, never. I do not involve myself in controversial issues, and that has saved me a lot of stress and tension over what people might say whenever I post a particular video.
Has your confidence ever got you into trouble when people mistake it for being difficult or stubborn?
I would not say it has ever gotten me into trouble. In reality, I do not regret anything in life. I genuinely know what I want and go for it. When people mistake my confidence for being difficult, I choose to believe they misunderstand me or that it is simply their perspective.
What is one thing you cannot tolerate from people, even if they are close to you?
Disrespect! I place a high value on respect. I do not tolerate disrespect, and I do not dish it out, either. I believe that if we all respect one another, the world will be a much better place.
What can make you lose your composure?
When I am around my family at home, I tend to overplay, and we all do that among ourselves. So, I would say I lose my composure around my brothers.
As your visibility has grown, has it become easier or harder to trust people around you?
I do not trust people easily, so being wary is a personal trait rather than something my career has influenced. I am also a loner. The people you have known me with for years will probably be the same people you will still see me with years from now.
Has being known on social media ever made you realise that someone you called a friend was actually just a fan?
Being slightly known, because I would not call myself famous yet, can isolate you if you are not careful. I have only a few friends, and they are “real Gs” who love and support my craft. I do not know if that makes them fans, though.
Have you ever had to choose between keeping the peace and standing your ground?
Yes. I used to be someone who stood her ground, but these days, I choose to keep the peace as I grow because I have realised that everyone knows what they are doing. So, I would still choose to keep the peace.
Does being Pretty Fola make dating easier or harder for you?
It makes dating harder because men think I am too pretty to be single. They have already concluded on my behalf that I am in a relationship, even when I am not.
Which version of you would surprise your fans the most?
My romantic side. I am not always lucky when it comes to relationships, but I believe most of my followers would never imagine how good I am at this love thing because of the side of me they see online.
What is the next level you are determined to reach professionally?
I want to become the “best actress” someday. I also hope to become a brand ambassador for top and reputable brands. I want to see myself on billboards across all 36 states and build projects of my own.
What should people expect from you?
I am stepping into a new chapter where I am taking my creativity, acting, modelling, fashion, beauty and lifestyle more seriously. I want to tell better stories, work on bigger projects, collaborate with brands that align with my vision and create opportunities beyond social media.
There is a lot I have not shown yet, and I am excited for people to see the woman, creative and brand that PRETTYFOLA is becoming. This is only the foundation, by God’s grace.