We had the good fortune of connecting with Louise Child and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Louise, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
As an actor, model, and presenter, I take risks in my career – a lot. But before I go further, I’ll let everyone in on a little secret: It hasn’t always been easy for me to take risks! Over time I discovered that embracing the unknown, ignoring the fear of failure and facing setbacks was essential for my personal growth. In the entertainment industry, the high rejection rate after auditions is a common risk. Even after securing a role, there’s often a sense of vulnerability and pressure to impress others watching on worldwide. The unconventional hours and work-life balance challenges can make it difficult to stay organized and we can risk dropping the ball if we are not thinking straight due to lack of quality time when it’s all go go go. However, I’ve come to realize that these challenges are part of the journey and embracing them leads to more rewarding experiences. It’s also so cool to release work after you had to overcome so much chaos while creating it. A great friend once told me that living an extraordinary life isn’t meant to be easy. It requires courage and resilience, and having a clear strategy. It’s here that we mitigate risks by having to actually articulate exactly what you are going to do within that strategy. I find seeking guidance from mentors who have taken similar risks, is essential. Also to anchor myself to my own truth by asking questions like, “What do I stand for?” and “What do I want most?” Navigating rather than shying away from fears, stepping beyond my comfort zone and embracing uncertainty is worth the risk. When we risk it all it reminds us that we are truly alive and we can dare to chase our dreams.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the public eye, it’s easy to be misunderstood as just another aspiring wannabe without much substance. But what surprises people is that I’ve dedicated years of hard work and made numerous sacrifices to earn my place in the industry. Coming from a non-privileged background, I’ve paved my own path without a guidebook. From runways to films to reporting at some pretty glamourous events, I’ve needed to demonstrate my versatility, and over time, this has led me to collaborate with talented individuals, creatives, and renowned brands. One of the recent highlights of my career was attending the prestigious Rolling Stones Music Awards. Beyond the glitz and glamour, I’ve overcome significant challenges. Growing up in Australia, I was estranged from my mother as a kid and later survived intimate partner violence as a teenager. Living through the global pandemic under strict lockdown rules in Melbourne has also shaped my character. All of these experiences have fueled my determination to break harmful cycles and give back more than I take. In one of my roles as a model casting judge and trainer, I try to look out for people who radiate inner qualities. As a Miss World Ambassador, I work tirelessly to empower women and children escaping violence. I’ve also created the Fearless QnA project, which brings together celebrities and people from all walks of life to discuss ways to create a world without fear. Additionally, I visit and feed the homeless and provide assistance to young veterans. However, what I’m most passionate about is using my double science degree to raise awareness about coastal management and marine conservation. At the beginning of the year I also help transport 5o indigenous kids from the Aussie bush to see the beach for the first time and spent a week surfing and snorkelling in the ocean with with them. I firmly believe that true beauty lies in how we treat others and the lasting impact we have on them. Through my creativity and personal passions, I aim to inspire change and make a positive difference in people’s lives, regardless of their backgrounds. I believe we all have the power to transform lives, foster connections, and create a world with less fear and more hope and optimism.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would suggest arriving in Summer when lots of outdoors activities are happening all over LA. To start off, a mini getaway to Malibu. It is perfect for walking beautiful beaches, surfing, and has bikes, jetskis and horse riding. A Malibu sunset is spectacular. For this, we need to make a stop in at Malibu Cafe or the Farm to grab fresh goodies to go in our basketsband then head to the pier for a picnic. If we are there in May, we could do the Malibu Film Festival too. Given its a week long visit, I’m also thinking we try a scenic drive towards Big Sur. This is where we will see untouched jagged coastal cliffs and one of the rare coastal waterfalls, known as McWay Falls. The drive is also crossed over the sea bridge as seen in the opening scenes of the “Big Little Lies” tv series (with Reese Witherspoon). Back in Hollywood, we would then explore cinematic history riffling through film scripts at Larry Edmunds bookshop and catch a movie at El Capitan or Chinese Theatre. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is also a neat activity with its epic architecture. The Groundlings Comedy Club would next (this is the same place where Will Ferrell did standup and I’d bound to give us quite a few laughs!!). A morning hike up Runyon Canyon will test our fitness so is best left until leg day! The Griffith Observatory is the best pick for skyline views. Food-wise, LA offers everything from Michelin Star dining to food trucks. I liked how a lot of the food on offer in LA is sustainably sourced. I’m also hearing there is a must try ice cream store in Venice too. Yum! Accommodation wise, I’d recommend staying in West Hollywood for a central, clean location. For business meetings I’d head to Soho House but don’t worry if you’re not a member because there are lots of other options in WEHO and DTLA to do your zooms instead!! So many things to explore in the City of Angels! Lessss go.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh gosh, it’s tough to narrow down my answer. I’m incredibly grateful to all of my support system, including my family, friends, mentors, coaches, managers, creatives, and fans. Their encouragement is vital to my success, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. A special thanks to James Pratt, an award-winning Director, Actor, Entrepreneur, and thought leader, for his generous support and guidance. James was one of the first to encourage me to be more bold and expand my work internationally, and this has meant the world to me. I would also like to thank Steven Bernstein, Shaun Piccino, Steve Owens, Stephen Snyder, Greg Kriek, Jessica Ross, Peter Kalos, Stephen Eyestone, Rebecca Pask, and everyone else who has guided me so generously in my endeavours internationally. Your support has been phenomenal, and I am eternally grateful to each of you as I continue my journey one day at a time.
Website: https://www.louisechild.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisechild_official
Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12152123/?ref_=ext_shr
Image Credits
Australian Press Agency
Getty Images
Rolling Stone Australia
Australian Fashion Platform
Edge Models
Nathan James
Nicole Cleary
Rachel Canale
Bryan Aguilar
Photogemmy