By Ayo Onikoyi

Stunning Nollywood actress and producer, Toyin Haastrup has a word or two to people aspiring to “Japa” out of the country, sharing her own “Japa” story as a lesson.

The US-based actress from Osun State says it is not a win-win affair to “Japa” as there are sacrifices to be made and the experience may not altogether be a cheering one.

“In my journey in life I don’t regret anything. If whatever I planned doesn’t come out as I planned I learn from it. In other words, I don’t regret it. I always move to the next phase from lessons learnt. The sacrifice I’ve made so far as a woman and as an actress is that if I haven’t left Nigeria for the U.S I would have got married or become a popular star earlier. And the biggest sacrifice is losing my longtime relationship as a result of my relocating abroad.

READ ALSO: America has favoured me—Actress, Toyin Haastrup

Haastrup, who is now a US citizen, admits that Uncle Sam’s country has favored her but warned that living in the country is no tea party.

“For  those that are planning to come to the U.S just have it at the back of your mind that you are starting a new life entirely. Once you are hard working, focused and content with whatever you have and you don’t live beyond your income, definitely you will survive and have savings and a good life,” she said.

The producer of Osanle, Weyinwo amongst other productions confessed it was very difficult to find her feet as she had to live with people and take on odd jobs to survive. According to her, it affected her acting career tremendously.