This low profile was necessitated by the birth of her daughter. She left the country for a fresh start in the United States and has been basking in her accomplishment as a mother ever since.
Toyin thoroughly enjoyed every moment as a beauty queen, but reality hit her hard as she suddenly realized that it wasn’t a tea party either. She was not equipped to handle the publicity and press stunts and taunts that came with the terrain.
She told KATE HALIM that since 1995, her outlook on life has changed even as she has equipped herself to deal with negative comments and gossips without batting an eyelid.
Excerpts:
What have you been doing since the expiration of your reign? Little or nothing has been heard from you in years, was it deliberate?
It was deliberate. After the birth of my daughter, I began taking stock and evaluating my life and my role as a mother. I thought it best to relocate to the United States because I wanted a fresh start. Since the expiration of my reign, I have basically kept a low profile. I went back to school, and I am now in the IT field.
How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood is certainly the best thing that has happened to me. My life has changed drastically, for the better I must add. It was a challenging role that I gladly took. It certainly made me more responsible – not that I was irresponsible, but it brought out my nurturing side. My life as I knew it was of less value to me once she was born. Everyday decisions were no longer routine, as I had to take my daughter into consideration. It is amazing how we would give up anything to save our offspring and as we hope to accomplish our dreams, we could give them up to watch our offspring accomplish theirs.
I also came to the realization that parenting is the most difficult, yet rewarding job in the world. There are no schools, no set rules, no nothing, you simply learn as you go along and pray that you do the best you possibly can.
If you have a chance at changing anything about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing! I absolutely love who I am as an individual, warts, and all. I am not perfect, far from it, but I am perfect in my imperfection. I would not change a thing.
In the usual fashion of Beauty Queens, why didn’t you set up a foundation to tackle issues relating to humanity?
‘In the usual fashion of Beauty Queens’, I am glad you put it that way, because it is exactly the reason I chose not go that route as there are humbler ways of giving back. I believe that society’s expectations compel Beauty Queens to set up foundations, not because they truly want to, but because they feel the need to fulfil the beauty inside-out motto. I certainly have given back the best way I know how, and still do. I must say though that we all dream of making a difference, but it isn’t easy setting the world on our shoulders. I wake up each day and do my bit and hopefully that counts.
At the time you were crowned, what was the first thing that came to your mind?
Absolutely nothing. I just basked in the moment.
What has changed about you since then?
I think my outlook towards life. I try as best as I can, even though it can be terribly difficult, to see the positive in everything. Try it; you will be amazed at how good it is for the soul. I find that I have become better equipped to deal with the negatives such as unhealthy comments, gossips, etc without batting an eyelid. I think we all need a mind make-over.
How did you handle the publicity and fame that came with your crown?
It was great in the beginning. I felt I had arrived; the world was my oyster. After a while though, the novelty of it all began to wear off. I could no longer handle it; I simply left.
What was your MBGN experience like in 1995?
It was an absolute roller coaster. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, but soon came to the realization that I was ill-equipped to handle the press, mostly the soft sell magazines. They can spin amazing tales.
Why do you think you were named Miss Congeniality at Miss Universe pageant?
I guess because I am congenial. Why else do you think? I consider myself a very friendly and extroverted person depending on the circumstance or situation.
What do you consider your selling points?
My selling points would be my larger-than-life personality and communication skills. I feel as if I just gave you an answer that I would give at a job interview.
What do you think has changed in pageantry in Nigeria?
I honestly haven’t been keeping up with pageants in Nigeria, so I cannot really speak about them.
How has life been as a former Beauty Queen?
It has been incredibly peaceful. Motherhood has been pure perfection for me.
What are the qualities you possess that make you unique?
What a question! What makes one unique? Shall I say genetically I am an individual in the universe? I would rather say, definitely my individuality. I dare to be different. I hate to conform.
What was growing up like?
I grew up in Lagos. Growing up was pretty much normal. My father passed on when I was 11years old and my mother and stepfather raised me. I was somewhat sheltered for the most part. I can say that all in all, I have only fond memories of my childhood.
You are one of the ex-beauty queens almost without scandals, how have you achieved this?
Are there any without scandals, or am I just out of touch? Should it be difficult to be scandal-free? I have had my share of silly write-ups. I don’t know how I did it. It certainly wasn’t out of trying or lack thereof.
Do you miss being a beauty queen?
No. It was a wonderful run. I did it and it’s done. Would I do it all over again? Certainly!
What things and issues interest you?
Post-menopausal depression. This is quite close to home as my mother suffered an extreme case of it. It can be debilitating. When it happened with my mother, we were clueless as to how to deal with it. It certainly is a cause that I would lend my voice to.
How would you describe your fashion sense?
Classic, simplistic, casual, bold, bohemian chic – I do them all. I thrive on variety. My fashion sense is quite diverse. My middle name should be Chameleon.
How do you keep fit?
I have always enjoyed fitness. I do everything from power cardio to lifting lightweights. A woman’s body is delicate. It therefore should be well taken care of and celebrated.
How do you relax?
I calm my nerves by having a great facial; Reflexology, or good old power nap does it for me.
Describe yourself in three words
Extrovert, optimistically cynical, and a realist.
No comments:
Post a Comment