She was made to feel inferior, but her husband chose her, stood by her, and helped her overcome the barriers that once held her back. Today, she says never let anyone make you feel less of yourself because tables can turn.
“Be very careful about the things you do today because tables can turn.
My boss once called my husband, Femi, and asked him, ‘Is this the kind of Helen you want to date? You are better than this.’
Femi asked why, and he was told, ‘If you just want to enjoy yourself with her, that's fine, but don't marry her.’
I was there and heard everything. That night, Femi asked if I was okay, and I told him I was fine. But I was living with those words.
When Femi married me, I couldn't even attend church with him because I felt inferior. He went to House on the Rock while I went to Kingsword. I didn't want people comparing us because I felt there was nothing I could wear or do that would match Femi.
On our wedding day, I looked at him and said, ‘If we last two years in this marriage, I've tried. But if we last forever, then God is the one at work.’
That experience taught me that you shouldn't allow people to make you feel inferior. When you d!e, nobody will enter the coffin with you. Focus on yourself and take care of yourself.
I also remember when Dayo Adeneye called me about a job worth about N15 million. He told me I was qualified, but they said I didn't have the right look because of my teeth.
I told him my teeth had cost me many jobs and I was used to working behind the scenes. He told me there could be a change and connected me with a dentist.
The treatment cost millions, but I told D1 I couldn't afford it. He and Dayo paid for it themselves.
My first television appearance after that was on the Peak Talent Show. When I got paid, I called D1 and asked for his percentage. He told me to keep the money and enjoy my talent.
That was the beginning of a new chapter for me”
— Helen Paul recalls how criticism affected her confidence in marriage and how Dayo Adeneye helped transform her career
