At 19, she was crowned Miss Nigeria. That was in 1979. Now, at over 53, Helen Prest-Ajayi can still compete for the same crown. Beautiful, charming and with a soft voice, she is what every woman dreams to be in her 50s.
Of course, the first question would hinge on her looks. What has been her staying power? Lapping up the compliments, she enthuses: “Good looks, these days, are all about positive energy, healthy living and prayer. I’ve always maintained that beauty comes first, from the inside. What is inside you always radiates out at the end of the day.”
Ask again what needs to be done to experience graceful ageing and she responds, “To remain ageless, you have to be able to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. You also have to embrace change and keep tabs on the new trends in technology. How well you adapt is always reflected in your body and mind.”
Ironically, as the interview progresses, she makes you realise there is more to life than good looks. “It’s also about talent,” she corrects. A graduate of law, she preaches beauty with brawns.
