She refuses to be boxed in—and she’s just getting started.
Carolyna Hutchings is a woman who refuses to be defined by others. Actress, reality TV star, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist—she’s constantly evolving, redefining success on her terms.
She first made waves in Nollywood with her breakout role in “Mass Destruction”, which earned her Best Actress of the Year at the Tinapa Awards in 2007. Since then, she’s co-produced and starred in films like “Stalker” and “In the Cupboard”, proving her versatility on and off the screen.
With “My Fairytale Wedding”, she stepped into the role of Executive Producer. And if you’ve tuned into “Real Housewives of Lagos”, you’ve seen another side of Carolyna—the unapologetic, always-captivating woman behind the glam.
Off-screen, Carolyna is building an empire. She runs a construction company, leads a thriving real estate firm, and is set to launch a luxury brand featuring diffusers, towels, and bedding. Her portfolio? Growing. Her ambition? Relentless.
But what truly defines her is impact. Through her Hopeville Foundation, she is funding IVF treatments, supporting high-risk pregnancies, and ensuring children with disabilities receive the care they need. For her, philanthropy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mission.
In this week’s #MCNWorkLife, we explore her life’s work within and beyond entertainment.
How would your friends describe you?
They would say I am that person who loves without limitation. I love blindly, which can be a problem.
We all had dream jobs growing up. What was yours, and how did that translate to your current role?
Around age six to eight, I knew I wanted to be a neurosurgeon. But, coming from a strict, conservative family, I had to follow a different path. My grandmother, a major influence in my life, insisted that I choose a career that allowed me to prioritise family. She believed being a doctor would consume my time and make it difficult to be present at home. She suggested banking, but I despised numbers, so we settled on geography and regional planning.
How did you go from geography and regional planning to acting, and how did your grandmother react to your decision?
I had to sneak into acting or modelling jobs. I started acting at 16, so I had to lie that I was older because love scenes were what made you popular around 2004. Likewise, I had to plan my way around it. It wasn’t just about my family’s disapproval; I was also navigating an industry where young actresses were often limited to stereotypical roles. I was too young for the roles, but I knew I could deliver and had so much to give. So, I planned it out. Thankfully, we didn’t have tongue kissing at the time. So, it was safe for me.
When my grandmother found out, I was scolded, and there were back-to-back family meetings. She didn’t like all of that fame and paparazzi. She wanted me to be responsible, and more reserved because that’s the nature of my family. They felt like it went against our family ethics and code of conduct. I come from a family deeply rooted in philanthropy. My great-grandfather was the first ordained archbishop of the Methodist Church in Calabar, and I come from a royal family on my mother’s side.
My grandmother didn’t like seeing me kissing because I was young. While modelling, I had to come back at a certain time. I couldn’t be out late. As a model, I couldn’t show off my skin or body. It was a struggle for me, but sometimes, a black sheep knows how to get around things.
Did your grandmother and family ever come around?
No, news of my acting and modelling travelled to church. I was reported to the pastor. But it ended up being a good thing. Neighbours and people started seeing my movies and telling my family to let me do my thing. So they gradually came around. Did they accept it? No, but after a while, they just had to accommodate and accept me for who I am.
We had to have a family meeting when I joined “The Real Housewives of Lagos”, and the whole drama started. They kept asking me, “Must you be in front of the camera? Is it by force? Don’t you have other things going?” I’m not sugarcoating it when I say we are very reserved. You have to carry yourself with dignity and be modest in everything. That’s why sometimes I delete my Instagram accounts. I am accountable to my family, so when it gets too much, I must respect my family and name and take a break.
Did your family’s reservations influence your decision to explore producing and other paths outside of entertainment?
As I said, acting wasn’t something my family liked, but they knew that I liked storytelling. As a young girl, I mostly did chores and read my books upon returning from school. Even in boarding school, I had the same routine. I read books that were even more advanced than my age because I enjoyed storytelling. That was why I got into production, which got my family’s approval. I started producing, and they said, “You being behind the camera is amazing. Just tell your story. Let other people do the acting.”
Philanthropy, as I mentioned earlier, is something I was born into. My great-grandmother was well-known for her good deeds. I remember visiting her and seeing people come out en masse to collect food. That stood out to me. I grew up in a big family in one massive compound where people could come in and get food if needed. My great-grandmother was a giver, and her kitchen was open to all. Same as my great-grandfather, and my grandmother. When she collects her salary, she would buy food for all the neighbours.
We often had girls living with us and going to school. At the time, Akwa Ibom girls were mostly expected to take on domestic jobs, but my grandmother didn’t believe in that. So, she would train them in technical school, university or fashion school. My mum is the same way. She has helped so many people. She’s the kind of person who will open her house door and give you a room to sleep. The day I posted her picture on my feed, the comments were flooded by people talking about her kind deeds. I grew up in a family where generosity was a way of life, naturally leading me into philanthropy.
Getting into interior designing and construction comes from my love for art. I do interior design and construction because I’m art-inclined. I understand materials, textures and all that.
What has been the biggest challenge yet, and how did you handle it?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is tough, and being a mixed-race woman comes with its own set of difficulties. People assume you have it easier, but the reality is different. I’ve faced colourism, unrealistic expectations, and even envy from other women.
As a woman, you deal with a lot of things, including sexism. No matter how hard you work, there will always be those who try to undermine your success, attributing it to everything but your dedication and intelligence.
My upbringing instilled in me a deep sense of self-worth. I am ambitious, but I will never compromise my values to achieve success. If I step into a room and my value isn’t recognised, I will walk away without hesitation. I don’t beg for respect or lower myself to achieve something.
What’s been your greatest achievement or career milestone so far?
I have been successful with my real estate work and have done a lot of construction jobs. A project is ongoing right now, and as an interior designer, I have created my niche in the market. Also, as an actress and producer, my work has won awards internationally and locally.
My greatest achievement isn’t just about career milestones—it’s about self-mastery. I learn from my failures and my experiences, and I try to get better than who I am. I have developed myself to the point where I can confidently navigate any space, and that’s how I handle the biases that come my way. When I walk into a room, people may first notice my beauty, but when I speak, they quickly realise I bring more than aesthetics. I am articulate, intelligent, and deeply knowledgeable about my craft.
What’s a hack that has changed everything for you?
It is education. Beauty without brains is an empty vessel. I am just grateful that my grandmother told me that when I was in secondary school. There’s power in knowledge. You have to educate yourself no matter what you want to do in life. I learn from people who are wiser than me and are experts in the field. Acquiring knowledge has helped me a lot in life.
I will never let go of my love for learning. I have multiple academic degrees, including a doctorate, and I take professional courses regularly. I believe knowledge is power, and I feel restless if I don’t earn a new certificate in a year.
Let’s talk about your foundation, Hopeville, which helps women struggling with infertility, high-risk pregnancies and disabilities. Why is this cause so personal to you?
I was inspired by my grandmother, who struggled with infertility. She poured so much love into the world, yet never had the chance to have more biological children. She gave so much and was a mother to everyone. That stayed with me, so I started the foundation in 2006. I wanted to create a space that supports women facing similar struggles—whether it’s through funding IVF treatments, assisting high-risk pregnancies, or providing medical and financial aid for children born with disabilities. Over the years, we’ve also expanded to help young boys, because society often neglects their struggles.
Last year, the Foundation fed 2,500 people, and we hope to do more. We have a mammogram program, and free HPV screening for over 50 women. We’ve done medical operations to separate two conjoined twins. We have done fibroid operations, and about two successful IVF treatments for two families as well.
Although my family’s reserved nature taught me to do my foundation work quietly, I have realised that I can do more with help and exposure. So, last year, I decided to open it up to anyone who can assist.
I am passionate about our work because I care about women’s empowerment and want people to know they can have a different, amazing future. I want to give hope where it was once lost. It’s one of the reasons why I joined “Real Housewives of Lagos” because I wanted people to know that regardless of the stigma of being a divorced woman, you can shine bright. , Whatever failures you have been through, you can come out better.
Marie Claire Nigeria is currently celebrating Nigerian women shaping industries with the Power Issue. What does power mean to you as an entrepreneur, reality TV star and filmmaker?
To me, power is strength; it’s resilience and the ability to rise above challenges without diminishing others in the process. True power isn’t about control or dominance; it’s about self-mastery. It’s about facing your demons, pushing past fear, and conquering the obstacles life throws your way.
Also, power is deeply personal. It’s not about proving anything to the world. Every victory I achieve isn’t a battle won against people—it’s a triumph over the challenges that life throws at me. Power is knowing I have conquered.
Between running multiple businesses, philanthropy, acting, producing and reality TV, what does work-life balance look like for you?
I pride myself on being highly organised—it’s a necessity, not a choice, when juggling multiple ventures. Studying for an MBA and a master’s degree taught me the importance of structure, and I apply that same discipline to every aspect of my life. Balance is key. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back. I recognise when I need rest, and I honour that.
Despite my demanding schedule, I make time for the things that truly matter—my children, my family, my fiancé, and my spiritual life. My faith grounds me, and I don’t take on more than I can handle. Delegation is also a huge part of my success. I have a great team that I trust. I am an amazing project manager and supervisor, so whether it’s construction, real estate, entertainment, or philanthropy, I don’t micromanage. Likewise, I lead, supervise and empower my team to bring our goals to life.
Being a serial entrepreneur requires more than ambition—it takes strategy, adaptability, and the right people around you. Having the right people around me helps me find balance. Things flow when your team understands the mission and is aligned with the vision. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy—there are days when I feel stretched thin, but I remind myself why I’m doing it. I’ve learned that true balance isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about knowing what to prioritise and surrounding yourself with people who help bring the vision to life.
How do you decompress after a long day at work?
When I get home, I switch off from the outside world. I spend time with my partner, check in on my kids, and sleep without fail. I don’t joke about my sleep—I need seven hours. If there were an award for sleeping, I’d probably win it!
However, my mind is constantly working. I’m always thinking—big, audacious thoughts. How can I build something greater? How can I be on the Fortune 500 CEOs list? How do I make my name remembered, not just in entertainment, but in business, real estate, and philanthropy? My ambition is limitless. I don’t think about shoes or bags—I think about legacy. I want my children to grow up and say, “My mum built something that mattered.” I want my man to say, “That’s my woman, and I’m proud of her.”
So, I have to sleep. If not, my brain will work overtime. But for all my ambition, I also know the value of balance. At home, I am fully present—I am a mother and partner. As I told you earlier, I was raised to have time for my family. So once I get home, I leave my work outside.
What’s a typical day in your life like with your work across multiple industries?
My days are structured, but no two days are ever the same. For instance, we have an ongoing construction project, and I have an incredible team handling different aspects—from legal to project management. My role includes overseeing, making strategic decisions, and ensuring everything aligns with the vision. I don’t micromanage; I delegate. Everyone on my team has clear responsibilities, allowing me to focus on high-level execution.
The NGO operates on a planned calendar. We map out our initiatives—funding IVF treatments, supporting women with high-risk pregnancies, or organising medical outreach programs. There’s a dedicated team ensuring everything runs smoothly. My job is to oversee the bigger picture, check in on progress, and make sure we’re meeting our impact goals.
On the entertainment side, I have projects in development, from film production to my work in “Real Housewives of Lagos.” My personal team—my PA, stylist, and digital strategist—helps keep me organised. Everything is intentional.
I also make time for myself and my family. I go to church, spend time with my loved ones, and ensure that despite my ambition, I remain grounded.
You have an ongoing construction project. Do you have more projects in the works across your different industries? And what excites you the most about the next phase of your career?
Several exciting projects are in motion across film, real estate, and business. We’re developing a major true-life story — a feature film or a series. The first draft of the script is complete, but we are meticulous about quality, so we’re going through multiple rounds of refinement to ensure it’s a production that truly stands out.
On the business front, we’ve started manufacturing our line of bedding, bedsheets, mattresses, and diffusers, alongside bathmats, robes, and other luxury essentials. This is something I’m incredibly passionate about—creating a brand that blends comfort, style, and functionality.
In real estate, we have several projects underway. Right now, we’re building two fully detached homes and planning new semi-detached units and flats. Beyond that, we’re looking into larger-scale developments like plazas and malls.
And, of course, the Hopeville Foundation remains at the heart of everything I do. We’re working on expanding our reach, supporting more women struggling with infertility, assisting high-risk pregnancies, and ensuring that children with birth defects receive the care they need. The goal is to touch even more lives this year.
As a serial entrepreneur, what’s one dream project or goal you haven’t tackled yet but are determined to achieve?
I want to own an oil block. I think big—always have, always will. I don’t believe in limiting myself. I envision a global empire. I want to establish Airbnbs in major cities globally, build high-rises in Ikoyi and Dubai, and own a refinery. I want to create factories that manufacture roofing sheets and furniture. These aren’t just dreams to me; they are goals I am actively working towards.
I want to be a shareholder in companies making these moves. The point is to be in the room where these conversations are happening, to have a stake in industries that shape economies.
Beyond business, my vision for the Hopeville Foundation is just as ambitious. I want our work to be recognised globally—by the UN, WHO, and the world at large, not for the accolades, but for the impact. I want to reach women beyond Nigeria and across Africa because I know the struggles here are not unique. Women everywhere are fighting battles in silence, and I want Hopeville to be a sanctuary for them.
What’s your advice to women looking to build a career as multifaceted and impactful as yours?
I don’t believe in giving rigid advice because experience is life’s greatest teacher. However, if there’s one principle that has guided me, it’s this: when you step into the marketplace—whether in business, entertainment, or any industry—block out the noise and focus on your goal. People will have opinions, distractions will come, and setbacks are inevitable, but you must remain unwavering in your vision.
Tenacity is key. There will be days when things don’t go as planned when investors back out, and when obstacles feel insurmountable. In those moments, don’t let discouragement consume you—push forward. Be strategic, pray, and most importantly, protect your dreams. Not everyone needs to hear your plans. Speak only to those who can add value to your journey, not those who simply want to listen without contributing.
I’ve also learned that self-awareness is power. I know my strengths, but I also recognise my weaknesses, the reason I surround myself with a strong team that complements me. No one is a jack of all trades, and trying to do everything alone is a recipe for burnout. Success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about knowing what to focus on and building a network of people who align with your vision.
What do you want to be known for?
I don’t want to be remembered just for material success—I already know I’m a successful woman, a tenacious one at that. I want to be remembered as a woman who refused to be defined by others. A woman who carved her path, and created her own story.
I want my children to remember me. I want my loved ones to remember me as someone who didn’t seek approval from the world but instead went for what she wanted with full force. I’m not here to please everyone because you can’t please people. So, I want my children and loved ones to remember me as that woman who did not care. She went for the jugular of the lion. I want to be remembered as someone who went for the kill.
