LOCAL author Chi Chi Wang invites the community to come together for an open and compassionate conversation about body image, mental wellbeing and the pressures people face in a visually driven culture, when she holds a free author talk at the Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 10 July.

The Cheshunt resident has released a new book called 'From Ugly to Beautiful Without Surgery', which offers a timely and thoughtful response to the widespread and often silent struggle with body image affecting people of all ages.

She says this is reflected in a national survey by the Butterfly Foundation, which revealed 73 per cent of Australians wished they could change the way they look.

In From Ugly to Beautiful Without Surgery, Chi Chi blends personal experience with gentle reflection to speak directly to the emotional toll unrealistic beauty standards can take, while encouraging readers to rebuild self-worth and confidence without altering their appearance.

She explores how appearance-based judgement can limit choices, influence identity and impact relationships.

"Research shows that both young people and adults often avoid social events, professional opportunities, or public speaking - not because they lack ability - but because they feel ashamed of how they look," she said.

"While bullying in schools and online is often associated with body image concerns, many adults also carry these struggles into later life.

"Some avoid being in photos, decline dating, or step back from leadership roles due to lingering self-doubt, and these unspoken beliefs can quietly shape a person’s path for years."

The author shares her own experiences of growing up feeling inadequate because of her looks.

After moving to Australia alone at the age of 19, Chi Chi recognised that concerns about appearance are a global issue affecting people everywhere.

In response, she launched a growing movement to help individuals cultivate self-acceptance and regain confidence without changing their appearance.

She began a long journey that combined personal development, inner reflection, and the study of psychological human behaviour.

Over the years, this path helped her challenge the beauty beliefs she had once accepted as truth and led her to a new understanding of self-worth.

Chi Chi says in a world increasingly shaped by social media, where filtered and curated images dominate, many people feel pressure to meet unattainable ideals.

Her message is that true confidence begins not with changing the body but with changing the way we view ourselves.

“You do not need to change your face to change your life,” Chi Chi says.

“You need to change the way you see yourself.”

Chi Chi Wang will speak at Wangaratta Library on Thursday, 10 July from 6.30pm to 8pm.

It is free to attend by seats are limited and bookings can be made by visiting www.ccwithin.com or call 0421 492 026.