A youthful 48-year-old has credited veganism for her health, and ageless, wrinkle free looks.

Victoria Featherstone Pearce, a model and charity worker from East London is 48 years old but people often mistake her to be in her late twenties.

She has attributed her youthful countenance to her clean vegan diet, cruelty-free skincare routine, and teetotal lifestyle.

Pearce was a vegetarian since age 6, however completely switched to veganism at 33 after she heard about the atrocities of the animal industry.

 “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 declared.

“I believe this has helped my appearance. I feel healthier and better than I did in my 20s.”

Pearce has appeared in commercials for Guinness, Birds Eye Peas and Sony TV.

She has maintained that she “only use(s) cruelty-free creams and beauty products” and has “never had Botox.”

Bias industry standards

Pearce revealed that people approaching her for work have dismissed her because of her age, causing her to miss many opportunities in the bargain.

“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,” she explained.

However, “I am not ashamed to say I feel and look good – I want to continue rocking it and being sexy until I am 90!

“I believe mature models have a lot more to offer and I don’t want to be just a number,” she added.

But because the industry is more inclined towards younger models; Pearce has occasionally lied about her age, to clinch a project.

She said: “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!

“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.”

In her recent stint for Models of Diversity, she appeared alongside other models of different ethnicities, sizes, ages and abilities for a calendar shoot.

“The calendar shoot was empowering, and I wanted to prove I am not just a number,” she said. 

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.”

Mental Health Advocate

Apart from her ageless persona, Pearce is a mental health advocate and campaigns to spread awareness about depression, something, which she herself suffered in her earlier days.

 “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,” she admitted.

“My feelings on the inside don’t match the outside but I have to battle daily to feel alive,” she continued.

“There have been times where I have contemplated suicide, but I found my reason to live by helping dogs,” she added.

Vegan Celebrities

That veganism is catching on is an understatement and more and more influential personalities and celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Yolanda Presswood, Simon Cowell, Joaquin Phoenix, James Cameron, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Billie Eilish have adapted and endorse a plant-based lifestyle for health, environment and ethical reasons.

• Read: Actor Jack Black says: Everyone should consider going vegan for the environment

How has a vegan lifestyle helped you? Share your stories in the comments below!