Beautiful Nollywood actress and producer Toyin Haastrup offers advice to anyone hoping to pursue their “Japa” dreams abroad, using her own experience as an example. According to the Osun State-born actress who now resides in the US, “Japa” is not a win-win situation because there are sacrifices involved and the experience might not be entirely positive.
“I have no regrets in my life’s journey. If my plans don’t work out the way I had hoped, I take what I can from it. To put it another way, I don’t regret it. I always apply the lessons I’ve learned to the following level. I would have gotten married or become a well-known celebrity sooner if I hadn’t left Nigeria for the United States, but that is the price I have made thus far in my career as a woman and an actress. The largest sacrifice, however, is that moving overseas caused me to end a long-term romance.
Now a citizen of the United States, Haastrup acknowledges that Uncle Sam’s nation has benefited her, but she cautions that country life is not a tea party.
“For those who intend to travel to the United States, keep in mind that you are embarking on a completely new journey. You will undoubtedly survive, have savings, and lead a nice life if you work hard, are focused, and pleased with what you have—not living above your means, she said.
Toyin Haastrup
The producer of Osanle, Weyinwo, among other projects, acknowledged that it was incredibly challenging for her to establish herself because she had to live with others and work odd jobs to make ends meet. She claimed that it had a significant impact on her acting career, Toyin Haastrup.