Lagos, Nigeria – October 22, 2025 – Barely three weeks after clinching the ₦150 million grand prize in Big Brother Naija Season 10, winner Imisi (Opeyemi Ayanwale) is pulling back the curtain on the unglamorous side of stardom. In a candid revelation at a recent public event, the 23-year-old fashion designer confessed that the relentless demand to stay camera-ready—especially with makeup—has been her toughest adjustment yet. “Wearing makeup all the time isn’t my thing,” she admitted, echoing a sentiment that’s striking a chord with fans who adored her raw, unfiltered vibe inside the house.
Speaking to a packed audience in Lagos, Imisi opened up about the jarring shift from her low-key, natural lifestyle to the high-stakes world of celebrity expectations. “Honestly, I think I look good without all that, but because of what you’re trying to portray and how people expect you to appear, you’ve got to keep your hair, makeup, and nails done,” the Oyo State native shared, her words laced with a mix of humor and honesty. She elaborated on her discomfort with the “products on her face” and wigs, revealing a preference for simplicity that defined her pre-fame days as a budding actress and entrepreneur in Ibadan. “This is something I really need to adjust to,” she added, highlighting how the spotlight has forced her to confront image management head-on.
Imisi’s confession comes amid a whirlwind post-show schedule that’s seen her collect her cash haul and brand-new Innoson SUV, launch plans for a girl-child empowerment NGO, and dazzle at high-profile events like the BBNaija Winner’s Party, where she turned heads in burgundy lace adorned with Swarovski crystals and subtle bronze makeup. Yet, behind the glamour, the young star—who entered the “10/10” house fresh off a heartbreak and a toxic breakup—stressed her commitment to staying true to herself. “The Imisi you saw on social media before the show wasn’t really me,” she previously reflected, noting how her ex’s preferences once dictated her glam-heavy online persona. Now, with millions of new followers and endorsement deals pouring in, she’s navigating the tension between authenticity and the “polished” facade fame demands.
The heartfelt admission has ignited a wave of support across social media, with fans dubbing her the “Queen of Realness.” Posts on X (formerly Twitter) flooded in, praising her vulnerability: “Imisi’s face never declines with/without makeup 👌🔥 IMISI OUR PRIDE,” one user gushed, joining the trending #ImisiAyanwale and #Imistars. Another viral clip captured her saying, “My biggest adjustment is having to wear makeup every time I go out. It’s not my thing,” racking up thousands of views and sparking discussions on beauty standards in Nollywood and beyond. Beauty influencers and fellow celebrities, including her mentor Funke Akindele, have chimed in, applauding Imisi for normalizing “no-makeup days” in an industry obsessed with perfection.
Imisi’s journey to victory wasn’t without controversy—some critics labeled her win a “pity vote” after she shared stories of personal loss, including a heartbreaking miscarriage from a past relationship. But with a commanding 42.8% of finale votes, she silenced doubters, becoming the show’s fourth female champion and second-youngest winner at 23. Her resilience shone through nominations and evictions, where she balanced empathy, strategy, and her signature humor to build a devoted “Imistars” fanbase.
Looking ahead, Imisi is channeling her platform into impact: Her upcoming NGO will support girls facing similar childhood hardships she endured—growing up without close family in Oyo State. She’s also teasing expansions for her fashion label, blending affordable elegance with the unapologetic self-love she’s reclaiming. As she put it, gratitude overflowing: “You guys are wonderful… Nigerians, Africans in general, thank you so much.”
In a world that often equates fame with filters, Imisi’s refreshingly real take is a breath of fresh air—proving that true queens glow from within. As one fan tweeted, “Imisi no dey carry last! Natural vibes only.” With her star rising, all eyes are on how this Gen Z icon will redefine “glam” on her own terms.
For more on Imisi’s post-BBNaija glow-up, follow the conversation on #ImisiOurPride.