A Journey of Resilience and Vision
Stellamaris Duru has come a long way from her early days as a receptionist at Wale Adenuga Productions to becoming an award-winning producer and CEO of her own company. In this interview, she shares her inspiring journey, challenges, and vision for restoring moral values in Nigerian entertainment.
Defining Herself Through Multiple Roles
I’m a wife, a mother, and a filmmaker; the Chief Executive Officer of Chuchin Ultimate Production and the producer of the popular TV drama series Sands of Time. Two months ago, I launched my YouTube channel, StellamarisDuru TV, and it has been doing well by God’s grace. Aside from filmmaking, I love fashion and run an online fashion store, NysomAfrique, where I sell beautiful African fabrics and ready-to-wear pieces. But at my core, I’m a media person.
The Roots of a Humble Beginning
I was born in Lagos but hail from Imo State. I had a very humble beginning. My dad was a hardworking man, and my mum was quite supportive. As children, we didn’t have everything we wanted, but in that rented apartment, our home was filled with love. As a child, I often hawked to support my parents. That experience shaped my sense of independence and responsibility.
My mum had a small business; she sold groceries – vegetables, oranges, cassava, and palm oil. I would join my siblings to hawk. I was the chief hawker; whenever any of them couldn’t finish selling their portion, I would take it from them. And if there were leftovers in the store, I had to return to the street the next day. It wasn’t easy at first, but over time, I began to appreciate how those experiences taught me resilience and hard work.
I’m the sixth child in my family and was always willing to step up and help out. All of that made me the woman I am today: strong, driven, and independent.
The Spark of Interest in Filmmaking
I studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos. But before gaining admission into UNILAG, I was already working with Wale Adenuga Productions in different departments, except production. I worked the longest in the marketing department. To market a production, you need to understand and believe in what you’re selling, so I started watching many of their shows. I became fascinated by how good stories could touch lives and how much effort went into creating them. That exposure ignited my interest in storytelling and film production.
Before moving into marketing, I started as a receptionist, then worked in quality control. That role gave me access to new productions before they went on air. Watching those stories daily sparked something in me; I knew I wanted to build a career in that space.
I spent over a decade at WAP, working on projects like Super Story, This Life, Binta and Friends, Nnenna and Friends (now The Babington Family). I was also part of the marketing team after WAP TV was launched. All those years gave me deep insight into production, marketing, and the business side of media.
The Decision to Leave and Start Fresh
While I cannot recall the precise year I joined Wale Adenuga Productions Ltd. The total time there spanned well over a decade, perhaps closer to a decade and a half. I briefly explored opportunities elsewhere during that period, working with Maxima Media for a few months and Micromedia Marketing for almost a year before returning to WAP, and eventually exiting to launch my own venture.
My decision to leave WAP was driven by an unyielding quest for continuous knowledge and professional growth. I reached a point where my daily responsibilities had become somewhat repetitive. I recognized the need for new experiences and more challenging roles, as I believed that continuing the same activities would ultimately hinder the dynamic career progression I was seeking.
However, Wale Adenuga Productions Ltd. gave me the right platform to hone my career.
Launching Her Own Production Company
I produced my first project in 2023 and debuted on TV in July 2024. In July this year, we marked our first year on screen and celebrated the anniversary alongside the premiere of our Season 2 story. My first major project under my company is Sands of Time, which currently has two seasons: – As Afiong Go Lagos and We Happy People. I am also working on two Nollywood movie projects: one faith-based for my church and the other for my YouTube channel.
Memorable Projects and Emotional Challenges
Both hold special meaning for me. The first season, Afiong Go Lagos, was very emotional because I lost my mum and brother around that period. My friend, Dr Gina of Foodies and Spice, helped me oversee the production. Seeing that project come to life after years of dreaming made me emotional. It reminded me that dreams truly come true with persistence. I am grateful to God for a friend like Gina Ehikodi-Ojo.
The second season, We Happy People, is even more personal because I produced it entirely on my own, from casting to post-production. That project earned me the Best Producer Award at the NEMCEA Awards 2025. It was an unforgettable moment for me. God bless my amazing cast and crew; they made that project a masterpiece.
Marriage and Career Balance
Being a career woman isn’t easy, but having an understanding partner who believes in the realities of your dreams makes all the difference.
Challenges Faced as a Filmmaker
The biggest challenges are financial and structural. Filmmaking is very capital-intensive. Many TV stations still expect producers to pay for airtime even after receiving quality content. And starting is never easy, especially if you want to do things the right way. Getting people and brands to believe in your work takes time.
You have to prove yourself by staying consistent and producing quality content. I am still dealing with many financial and emotional hurdles, but God has been faithful. There were times I almost gave up, times I cried, times I was unsure. Thankfully, some media houses and brands have been supportive, and others are beginning to notice us. The vision is getting clearer.
Impact and Vision for the Future
I want to use my platform to prove that the media can still be a force for good. There’s a growing perception that everything in entertainment is morally unhealthy, but that’s not true. Through my productions, I want to promote wholesome storytelling and content that families can sit together to watch.
Growing up, family time meant watching TV series together, but now it’s hard to find content that is safe for all ages. I want StellamarisDuru TV on YouTube to be known for quality, uplifting, and family-friendly entertainment; stories that teach, heal, and inspire. I want Sands of Time to remain that TV drama the entire family can enjoy.
Motivation and Faith
What keeps me motivated? My passion for storytelling, my faith in God, and the desire to show that dreams do come true, no matter your background. My greatest desire is to influence society positively through my work. I want my productions to stand out for promoting healthy and value-driven narratives, stories that entertain while also teaching, inspiring, and preserving our cultural and moral foundations.
Overcoming Personal Loss
That moment was when I borrowed money to shoot my first production, and no TV station was willing to partner with me initially. I had buried my brother earlier, then my mother in the same year, and I had nothing left. TV stations were now demanding airtime. I felt completely broken. Thank God for God. I found strength in His words and continued to reach out to the TV stations until they opened their doors. They are my friends now. I’m on over 14 stations and counting.
Emotional Strength Through Faith
I have God. I also have my husband, Oscar Chuddy and my mentor Sap. Barr. Oge Nweke and Gina Ehikodi Ojo to thank for this.
Gender Equality in Nollywood
For respect, treat people how you would love to be treated. For opportunities, even our hands are not equal.
