Mina Horsfall I admire powerful and intelligent women

                                                             Mina Horsfall


Mina Horsfall is one of the cast in Tinsel. She is also a model, former beauty queen and entrepreneur. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, the actress takes you into her world, turning point and more.

What is life as an actress like?

I would say that it is quite interesting. It is great sometimes because of the special privileges, opportunities, recognitions, invitations and the other things that come my way. On the other hand, you find that most times I am perceived in different light, sometimes positively and negatively or wrongly. It is sad to note that you can be quickly judged due to a tiny mistake or just lumped up with the character of other controversial actors. However, it is important to say that in all it is a blessed life that I live as an actress.

What are the most memorable moments in your career as an actress?

There are a number of memorable moments and it includes when I had my first lead role in 2004 with fantastic actors, directors and crew by Andy Best and it was directed by Chike Obi. That period of life witnessed so much fun and it was a very hard working process. That was an eye-opener for me and it was also a time when I had even more regard for top actors. I came to the realisation that filming is not a joke, it’s serious business.


Tell us how it all started and the initial challenges

I must say that my career didn’t start on a platter of gold. In 2003 was when I officially kicked off my acting career. Interestingly, I got the contacts of marketers and producers from CD posters and gradually I began to get invitations to audition. First, I started from minor roles to supporting and leading roles in both TV series and movies. I would say this was easy, thanks to my style of delivering my roles and I remember that I was always applauded by the crew that I worked with then. That made it easy for them to also refer me to others and so on and so forth. Looking back now, I would say that it has been rough but worth the efforts that I put in.

Over the years, I have had to cope with a whole lot of challenges that actually made me stronger. These include working without being paid or sometimes I get picked for a job and lose it to someone else at the dying minute. That is not all. You also have situations where you discover that you are being antagonised by already established names on set who are insecure while working just to make you uncomfortable. Interestingly, I had that experience twice and the lady in question is a B list actress; we just never got along. So, I always make an effort to be as calm as I can be to avoid being disrespected by upcoming and established names while filming.

What was the turning point for you?

When I had my first lead role titled ‘My house help”. It helped to launch my career in 2004 and also the Next Movie Star reality show in 2012 was also a very exciting period and turning point for me. Interestingly, at that point, I went down due to my studies, death of my dad and some health challenges.

What are the other things that occupy your time?

I am an entrepreneur and I run a company called Mish Concept Ltd.

We organise events, pageants, festivals for states, local governments and I also sell properties. In addition to all these, I still hire my face to brands for endorsements.

Who or what will you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

Jesus Christ and my father are the greatest influence in my life.

Let’s talk about some of your role models and women that you admire

I admire strong, powerful, successful and intelligent women like

Agbani Darego, Mo-Abudu, Isabella Ayuk, Hillary Clinton, Kris Jenner, Omotola Ekehinde, Genevieve Nnaji and Benita Nzeribe.The list also includes Mrs. Ibiwari Horsfall, my beloved mother. I would also like to say that I am my own role model because I learn from my mistakes. My life is a teacher to me.

What is your definition of style?

Style, to me, is comfort, happiness and peace. It might sound weird but the truth is if you have to dress up then be sure to be happy and at peace with what you are wearing.

If we take a peep into your wardrobe, what are the things we would find in your wardrobe?

I am more of a casual chic, so if you get there you will find more of tees, pants, maxi gowns and blazers.

What is your assessment of our designers?

They are doing a lot of interesting things these days and they have things that can be described as collector items. I’m super impressed with the things that I see around now. Our designers have become more creative and use even better fabrics and colours.

Where do you hope to be in the next five years?

In the next five years, I would like to be one of the best actors in Africa and to have my movies premiered in Cannes. In addition, I would also love to have been nominated for an Oscar Award, Emmy and making Africa proud in the international scene as a humanitarian ambassador and style icon.

If you have to advice young people what would you tell them?

For young people, I would say that it is very important for them to hold on to their dreams and not give up. Most importantly, my advice to them would be to be prayerful because this industry is full of so much drama, too many clean and unclean spirits are involved, so put God first and have a clean heart. To move to the next level, it is better to celebrate rather than envy successful people and success will be yours too.

Apart from acting, what are the other things that occupy your time now?

Currently I am working on a cultural event for Rivers State, Port Harcourt, where I come from. It is something that will project our culture. It’s difficult getting sponsors. However, it also involves the state government because nobody is ready to assist and it is something I have to do on my own then hopefully interested sponsors will come on board. There also Miss Goodwill Ambassador’s beauty pageant coming up in November at the Transcorp Abuja and also the 2016 Goodwill Ambassadors Awards coming up later in the year.

This will be followed with what I call the Big Charity give-back event in Nigeria, where we will be visiting lots of IDP camps and orphanage homes. Here, I will be supported by some of my colleagues and they are Ambassador Chris Odey, Queen Isabella Ayuk, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2012.