Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
Former beauty queen and women empowerment advocate Valerie Gugulethu Chingonzo is tackling mental health issues such as depression and suicide in schools through her recently published book “The Kingdom Beauty Regime.”
Chingonzo (31) won several modelling titles such as Miss Bulawayo First Princess (2012), Miss Universities Zimbabwe (2013) and World Miss University Africa (2015).
The book, which is now being distributed in schools around the country, addresses issues of low self-esteem, mental health, wellness and image-building.
It mostly targets girls in high school, colleges and universities.
“The book equips one with tips on being confident and celebrating one’s uniqueness. It is not just about beauty, image and health tips, but about how to become your true authentic self,” she said.
The idea to publish the book, she added, came from realising that she was being celebrated on international stages, yet she never celebrated herself.
“The death of my loved ones, low self-image, low self-esteem and my journey with acne were part of it too.
“I decided to face these monsters head-on and stop hiding behind my beauty and glamorous world.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter