48-year-old vegan says she looks better than she did in her 20s and that it’s all thanks to her plant-based diet
A YOUTHFUL 48-year-old says her ageless looks are the result of her vegan diet.
Victoria Featherstone Pearce from east London says she's often mistaken for being in her late twenties thanks to her plant-based diet, cruelty-free beauty regime and teetotal lifestyle.
The model and charity owner turned to veganism 15 years ago and says she's never felt healthier and more confident.
"I have been a vegetarian since I was six years old and became a vegan overnight when I learnt about the dark side of the dairy industry at 33," she said.
“I believe this has helped my appearance as I feel healthier and better than I did in my 20s.
“I only use cruelty-free creams and beauty products and I have never had Botox.
“I am not ashamed to say I feel and look good – I want to continue rocking it and being sexy until I am 90!
“In the modelling industry, I have had experiences where we have spoke over the phone and I will be dismissed due to my age.
“People hear I am 48 and a distorted image appears in their mind – just because I am older it doesn't mean I look it.
“I believe mature models have a lot more to offer and I don’t want to be just a number."
Victoria even admitted to lying about her age for a job, with her employers in complete shock when they found out she was 10 years older than she had stated.
“Recently, I lied about my age for a German commercial casting – the age bracket cut off at 38 so I tried my luck and got the job!" She explained.
“I told the truth when they employed me, and they couldn’t believe I was a decade older.
"The industry needs to change as it’s also contributes to women of all ages feeling bad about themselves when really modelling should give women confidence, not take it.
“When I was younger, I would wear a lot of more makeup and minuscule clothing which would get a lot of attention.
“I have had guys as young as 17 years-old chat me up but in a much more respectful manner – it is funny.”
Victoria says she has appeared in TV adverts for Guinness, Birds Eye Peas, Sony TV and has recently taken part in a Models of Diversity campaign.
The 48-year-old also features in the calendar which showcases diverse models each month.
Victoria acts as an advocate for veganism and mental health as she has suffered with depression from 21-years-old.
She adds: “The calendar shoot was empowering, and I wanted to prove I am not just a number.
“I have been depressed for a long time due to finding out my dad wasn’t my real dad at 21 years of age.
“Depression doesn’t have a face; most people are shocked when they hear I am.
“My feelings on the inside don’t match the outside but I have to battle daily to feel alive.
“There have been times where I have contemplated suicide, but I found my reason to live by helping dogs.”
Angel Sinclair, CEO of MOD said: “The calendar is a daily reminder that change is happening, albeit slowly, and that you can overcome everything that life throws at you.
“Victoria stepped up to show other women that you can overcome your demons, and she really blossomed at the shoot.”
You can purchase the calendar via the website.
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