Nollywood actress and former beauty queen, Sarian Martin, says she has developed a simple but effective method to avoid sexual harassment in the entertainment industry calling men “papa”, “daddy” or “big bro”.
“I just friend-zone everybody from day one,” Martin told Observers Times in a sit-down interview. “That way, nobody gets the wrong idea. I’ve never had any experience with sexual harassment, and I thank God for that.”
Martin, who hails from Bayelsa State, shared her journey from a small-town church stage to nationwide stardom, highlighting the pivotal role her family—especially her mother—played in shaping her career.
Raised in a Christian household in Nembe, the actress credits her early exposure to church drama and cartoons for igniting her passion for acting. “Even as a child, I would act out scenes alone. My mum used to ask me, ‘Are you talking to yourself?’ and I’d reply, ‘I’m acting something in my head,’” she recalled.
Before diving fully into Nollywood, Martin built a business from scratch—on her mother’s advice—to avoid financial desperation. “My mum didn’t want me running from pillar to post. She said, ‘Get a stable income first, then chase your passion.’ I took over her business and once I was secure, I pursued acting.”
On her journey into pageantry, Martin explained that her initial reluctance changed when she discovered the financial rewards. “I wasn’t interested until my mum mentioned that winners got cars and money. That caught my attention,” she admitted.
Her big break came early, during her first year at Niger Delta University, where she won her debut beauty pageant—despite odds being stacked against first-year students. “Seeing my face on a billboard boosted my confidence,” she said.
Martin has since starred in multiple romantic and culturally rich films, embracing characters from different ethnic backgrounds including Hausa and Igbo. “I love stories that celebrate love and our Nigerian culture,” she noted.
But her rise wasn’t without challenges. Producing her own films, she said, has been both her most daunting and most fulfilling experience. “No one will believe in your dream like you do. You invest millions without knowing if you’ll make it back. But I love telling my stories, my way.”
Despite the glam, Martin has stayed grounded. “Humility is everything,” she said. “You can’t forget those who helped you. Gratitude opens doors—even the ones you don’t knock on.”
On appearance and self-confidence, the actress holds a pragmatic view. “If you can safely fix what you don’t like about your body, go ahead. People say, ‘Don’t change what God made,’ but we brush our teeth and wear makeup—what’s the difference?”
Martin also shared how veteran actor Ramsey Nouah once gave her career-defining advice. “He told me, ‘You’re pretty and talented—but so are 20,000 others. Do what people don’t expect.’ That pushed me to embrace my Akwa Ibom accent in films.”
Now a recognisable face on streaming platforms, Martin credits her success to her faith, family, and resilience. “I want to marry, have up to seven children, and give them more than I had. My mum is my role model. She’s a brilliant chartered accountant and raised me with strength and love.”
To upcoming actors and Nigerian youth, her message is simple: “Love your parents, listen to them, and stay humble.”
