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By Rita Okoye
Stephanie Ebere is a fast-rising Nigerian actress and former beauty queen who held the title of Miss Coal City Nigeria, representing Enugu State. In this interview with Sunday Sun, she talks about her journey into Nollywood, her reign as a beauty queen, her brief departure from the entertainment industry, the loss of her father, and plans to make a remarkable comeback.
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
I am an entrepreneur with a background in event management and the pastry business. I am creative, ambitious and family-oriented. I value personal growth and meaningful connections.
I enjoy writing, travelling, and fashion because they allow me to express my creativity, explore new places and appreciate different cultures and styles. I believe in continuous learning, hard work and making the most of every opportunity.
My goal is to bring my books and creative ideas to life, using them to inspire, educate and positively impact people. I also hope to help preserve and promote our culture, values, and beliefs through my work. I want my creativity to tell meaningful stories, encourage others and make a lasting impact on society.
Ultimately, I am passionate about building my dreams, exploring new possibilities and becoming a better version of myself.
How was your experience as a beauty queen?
My reign as Miss Coal City Nigeria was a remarkable and meaningful chapter of my life. To me, wearing the crown was more than holding a title or being recognised for beauty. It was an opportunity to serve, inspire others and make a positive impact in my community.
One of my proudest achievements during my reign was writing a book, which I made available free of charge to encourage learning, share knowledge and inspire others. I believe knowledge should be accessible, and I wanted my contribution to extend beyond the crown.
Can you mention some of the projects you undertook during your reign?
My major pet project involved helping refurbish an orphanage and create a better, more comfortable environment for the children. This project was particularly close to my heart because I believe every child deserves love, care, dignity and a safe place to grow.
Beyond these projects, my reign taught me the importance of leadership, compassion and using one’s platform to make a difference. It also strengthened my belief that beauty goes beyond physical appearance; it is about character, service and the lives we touch.
How did your journey into Nollywood begin?
My journey into Nollywood began shortly after my reign as Miss Coal City Nigeria. Acting had always been a passion of mine, even from childhood. I remember acting indoors and entertaining myself.
In fact, acting was my first career choice, but getting into the industry was difficult. Winning the crown opened doors for me and gave me greater visibility. I would say that being a beauty queen made my transition into acting easier because it gave me a platform and helped people recognise me.
Why did you take a break from the entertainment industry?
I see my break as a season of growth and realignment. Sometimes, stepping back lets you reflect, discover new things about yourself, and gain a clearer sense of the direction you want your life and career to take.
During that period, I pursued a professional course that helped me grow, develop new skills and rebrand myself. The experience gave me a fresh perspective and prepared me to return to the industry with renewed confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.
Beyond acting, I also ventured into music because my passion for entertainment extends beyond one aspect of the industry. I had the opportunity to shoot a music video in South Africa, which was an exciting milestone for me. Unfortunately, I lost my father around that period, and the grief made it difficult for me to focus on promoting the project as I had planned.
Nevertheless, my love for entertainment has never faded, and I still cherish that experience as an important part of my journey.
I am saddened by your loss. What do you miss most about your father?
Everything about him: I still miss him dearly. My father was one of the biggest reasons I always wanted to achieve more in life. When I was about eight years old, something happened that made me tell myself, “I will make my father proud of me.”
Interestingly, entertainment was never the career he wanted for me. I acted in my first film at 16. It was nothing serious, more like a street play, so I do not really count it as my first film. At the time, I never imagined that acting would take me this far.
I didn’t even want him to find out because he was abroad. Then, one day, he called and told me he had watched my film. I was terrified because I did not know how he would react. However, he approved of my decision that very day, and it felt like a blessing.
Even when I won the beauty pageant, his friend saw my picture in a newspaper and told him.
Deep down, all I ever wanted was to make my father proud.
Did you ever pray to marry someone like your father?
Yes, I did. He had a good heart and was a devoted Christian. He also had a unique sense of fashion, was very caring and could cook. Those are qualities I admired about him.
What do you think you missed during your absence from the entertainment industry?
Honestly, I believe I missed many growth opportunities and valuable connections. The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and while I was away, new talents emerged, trends changed, and the industry moved to another level.
However, I also used that period to invest in myself, develop new career skills, and explore other interests. I am returning with more experience, a broader perspective, and the same passion for entertainment. I am ready to embrace new opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
If you were given another opportunity, would you choose music or acting?
I want both please! I love both, and I would be happy to explore opportunities in either field.
How supportive has your husband been as you make your return to Nollywood?
Right now, I am navigating this journey independently, with a strong focus on my personal growth and career. I believe the right support system makes a difference, but ultimately, my passion and determination drive me.
What are your expectations as you make a comeback to the industry?
I expect to reconnect with my passion, explore new opportunities, grow professionally and make meaningful contributions to the industry. I look forward to evolving, collaborating with amazing talents and showing the world that my best is still ahead of me.
Are there certain movie roles you would not accept? And if so, why?
Yes. I believe every actor should have personal values and boundaries. I am open to challenging roles that let me grow as an actor, but I wouldn’t accept roles that compromise my values or dignity.
For me, it is about telling powerful stories while remaining true to who I am.
One piece of advice that has stayed with me came from an actor who said that I should always stay true to my authentic self. I have come to understand that talent may open doors, but authenticity is what makes you stand out and remain relevant in an industry that is constantly evolving.
