Meet Louise Child

We recently connected with Louise Child and have shared our conversation below.

Louise, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Where do you get your resilience from?

This is such a great question because so many of us are on our own individual journey of healing.

For me, I have needed to be resilient from a young age growing up estranged from my biological mother, and then later having an awful thing happen in my life which for those who don’t know I’ll just say it was as traumatic & life changing as you can imagine intimate partner violence to be.

Over time I grow despite what happened and, every so often, I have found it good to share thoughts so others trying to grow too, feel less alone and more resilient.

This week while I was on a long haul flight headed for Los Angeles, I had precious time to read self development books, like the “Art of Breathing” and try to reflect on my own bold journey. As I read, I was again reminded of the importance of sharing at the passage which says,

“To heal is to be able to hold discomfort within you just as well as you hold comfort. It is to accept each experience exactly the way it is, without trying to change it, distract from it, or numb it away. It means to not turn away, to face it all head on, no matter how much it may hurt or threaten to upend the walls we previously held…”

This got me thinking maybe someone out there reading this article might relate if I shared the following on resilence:

1. Stay sweet. Be true to yourself & embrace challenges with grace. This has been especially important to me as an actor, model and presenter where you can face a lot of rejection and need to be so anchored in yourself that no waves can pull you away from who you are.

2. Yes. Be brave, navigate the ups & downs. But hold on to your inner light. Let it guide you. Find balance between holding on & surrendering, and trust yourself. You can build but also use your resilence to spark your inner light so it always shine through no matter what happens.

3. Remember. Healing is a lifelong journey. A long game state of being. Reconnecting you with your body, yourself & your spirit. But most importantly, it brings us closer to each other. Connection is a big part of being resilient – it’s the people we choose to surround ourselves with who really do have an impact. They matter. We are also not meant to do everything alone, especially if we are striving to be bold, taking risks and seeking out thrills. We know we have support to be adventurous on our journey.

4. Ultimately getting through challenges is a balancing act. Sometimes this means we can struggle not only emotionally but professionally. In this space, I like to consciously reflect and specifically make a point to outline the need for balance in my business plan each year. This helps because when you face those inevitable times in your career when you feel worn down, you already know what the plan is and can rise to meet challenges head on. It helps you to be able to keep going, overcome the challenges through hard work, and guarantees you never stop growing and adapting your mindset.

5. This is the part of my answer where I encourage your readers to take bold new steps towards having resilence on their own personal journey. By encourage, I should say here that I actually mean to enjoy it. Sometimes, when we have to get through challenges we forget to stop and enjoy the journey because we are so distracted having to work hard and get ourselves through a lot of negativity. But to enjoy the positive moments in amongst does make a difference. Whether that be watching our own self talk and distorted thoughts, or ignoring others who might misjudge or make unfair assumptions about us. Rather than carry it, let go of control and embrace the ebbs and flows in your journey. Stay hopeful and optimistic about your bold goals and plans. May you never lose your boldness.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I grew up in Australia, living with my Dad. I changed schools a lot, moving around meant I needed to rely on my imagination between making new friends at school. Although I was naturally creative, I actually didn’t embrace it until after high school a short way through completing my double science University degree. This was when I first started modelling on runways and eventually walked at an international level. Over time I have found modelling has helped my confidence and this was further evident when I became a National Ambassador for Miss World Australia after winning a State title in the 2023. The experience of working with charities and speaking to large audiences sparked in me a joy of connection with others and my career in the fashion and entertainment industry really took off. I became a National Roving Reporter for Australian Fashion and travelled Australia taking to people about their love of culture and art. I also started professionally training as an an actor at National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and at the equally prestigious Melbourne Actors Lab. These institutions are the home to a lot of famous alumni and I am so excited to focus on acting as I move forward. So far I have appeared in several feature films and TV series produced both in Australia and overseas. My dream is to not only be a successful actor internationally but to use my growing platform to help raise awareness of others in need. As I mentioned earlier connection is an important part of my career and I have found in amongst a glamourous life filled with beautiful looking people, that true beauty is found in connection. It is how we leave others feeling that is most beautiful. Outside of acting and modelling, I spend time where I can working with a lot of community groups that empower sick kids, the homeless, young veterans, local businesses and I am personally very committed to empowering women who are escaping intimate partner violence. I also created an awareness project called “Fearless QnA” which saw me ask different celebrities and inspiring people from all walks of life to share their fears and ideas. These people were asked how they think we all can try to create a world where more people live with less fear. Some of their responses were incredibly bold, and I am so proud of them all for sharing their inner worlds like that. I am also very passionate about protecting our precious coastal environments and try to utilise my academic/science background to work on projects that can help. It’s a balancing act because often my acting and modelling pursuits take large chunks of time, but I am proud of the community I am growing around me who not only cheer me on but actively get involved and help too. This has been a huge growth on my journey as I did grow up often left on my own to play using my imagination. As an adult I now really value having good people in my life, especially those who are generous in helping and working collaboratively with eachother. Often we don’t have to do things alone, we dont have to get overwhelmed trying to change or handle everything on our own all at once. We actually can achieve fair greater things collectively, each making steps towards a greater vision as a group. What I mean by saying this is, that we really can change the world. Both by doing our part individually but also as a community. Rightly or wrongly, we can try too hard on our own. So I think part of knowing who I am is knowing about my love of creativity, connection, charity and doing advocacy work for those in need. Understsnding these parts of me are just as important as the parts of me that reveal my pursuit of international success in the fashion and entertainment industry I love so much!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Wow. Where to begin? This is such a compelling question asked by so many of us when we first start navigating the path to success. I think one of the most difficult parts of becoming successful as an actor, model or any bold career is working out what to do next. Without a game plan you are left wondering how to make bold moves. It’s a complicated industry to enter into. Things require hard work, but all of that comes without a step by step manual. So it can be a bit rough starting out on this challenging journey, filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. However, I think you just have to be humble enough to know you don’t know what you don’t know. Mistakes, failure is not bad along the way. Try to seek out people who can give you top tips to avoid common mistakes as a new actor. Newbies should be humble enough to see every tip, big or small, as like a signpost to help you navigate with confidence and determination.

My top tips to beginners are:

Tip 1: Learn everything.
One of the most crucial aspects of succeeding in the acting industry is continuous learning. I say this because often I hear people say I have the will, so I’ll make it. But often it’s about the power of what you have got your toolkit not just your will. It is essential in order to make it in this industry to never stop honing your skills. Taking acting classes and reading amazing screenplays is essential, but it’s equally important to broaden your knowledge of the industry as a whole. In today’s ever-changing landscape, understanding the business side of acting and staying updated on technological advancements, industry trends, and global events can give you a competitive edge. By acquiring relevant knowledge of different roles behind the camera, as well as honing your skills in front of it, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the industry and seize opportunities that come your way. A lot of people in your crew are actually multi-talented – they won’t say that they can not only act, but are skilled in directing, producing, promoting and distribution too. There’s a lot of moving parts to be aware of that go into a production. So if you know who you are actually talking to on (and off) the set, it will make you a better team player who can collaborate effectively. You’ll be more likely to be asked back on projects into the future.

Tip 2: Focus on What You Can Control
As a new actor, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others or feeling discouraged by rejection. Instead of dwelling on external factors that are beyond your control, focus on the things you can control. Spend your energy preparing for auditions, developing your character, and learning your lines. Remember that success doesn’t come overnight, and everyone’s journey is unique. Embrace every audition and performance as a learning experience, and be open to feedback from directors, castmates, and your own instincts. By staying focused and resilient, you’ll be ready to seize the right opportunities when they come your way. It also will help you enjoy the ride too! Sometimes we forget to enjoy it but when we let go of control we open up to finding the joy and this allows a more flow state to unfold in your caree. Work really becomes so much more pleasant, it feels more like you’re doing what you love, and in that,everything just seems to somehow flow on of itself. Things then just start falling into place, so I have found. There an immense freedom in feeling that.

Tip 3: Find a Supportive Mentor or Teacher
Having a mentor or teacher who is supportive, kind, honest and creative can make a significant difference in your acting journey. Seek out someone who can recognize and nurture the good moments in your acting, inspiring you to achieve more. A mentor can provide guidance, constructive feedback, and valuable insights into the industry. Their belief in your potential can boost your confidence and motivation, helping you grow as an actor. Look for mentors or teachers who align with your artistic vision and create a positive learning environment where you can thrive. Over time I have gained amazing mentors, be they in Hollywood and in Australia. They come from all walks of life but what they all have in common is they are generous and understand not only what it takes to make it, but that helping someone else gives them a lot back too. It can feel like you are being burdensome as a new actor, but actually real mentors see it as a privilege to guide new creatives. I think this is because they see with art there really is room for everyone, and we must all be empowered to share our work so others feel less alone and, because ultimately it is artists that have the power to truly transform our world for the better.

Well Goodluck newbies!! Break a leg! Enjoy embarking on a career as an actor even though it may seem daunting. New actors truly can set themselves up for success of they embrace continuous learning, focus on what you can control, and find a supportive mentor or teacher who can guide you along the way. Remember that every step of the journey is an opportunity for growth, mistakes are often good not bad, and self-discovery is key. With dedication, perseverance, and a love for the craft, you can navigate the path to success as a new actor and just go, go, go for it!!

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

In answering this question I think I’ll just start by saying not all relationships with biological parents are straightforward, it’s important to me that we can all acknowledge and respect that. That said, though I have a complicated family, I still have very strong family values and I want those values to play a big part in my relationships when the time comes for me to have my own family.

My strong sense of family has come from a parental figure who is not actually my bio, but is someone who has played a bold and significant role in the extraordinary things I have achieved so far in life. They have had such a positive impact on me.

As my parental figure since I was about three years old, they have always told me their main goal was to love me like their own and provide lots of support and guidance.

When you come from living in dysfunction as a little kid to an actual loving environment, this affects you so much more than people realise. I am grateful. I count my lucky stars, as this figure somehow came into my life and I have had them there for me every step of the way, even when I turned rebellious at a stage and needed to a lot of parental discipline to steer me through. They never gave up on me even though they could have, I wasn’t their biological child. Having someone take on that kind of role, and continue to be there offering a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and being a source of unwavering support has been incredibly important. Especially as I look back now, realising I had to grow up so quick. Without them, I would likely have turned so bitter and unruly, I truly believe that they kept me from a very alternate path.

One of the most impactful things they have done for me is creating a safe and nurturing environment where I can express myself freely. But also teaching me important life lessons and values such as empathy for others, kindness, compassion, and resilience. They have encouraged me to be creative, dream big and pursue my passions, always reminding me that I am capable of achieving great things.

This is important to tell you in my answer because when I was going through a very dark time in my life a few years ago experiencing intimate partner violence, I felt very alone, ashamed, afraid and small.

But for this parental figure.

They were the one I eventually turned to and who took me to safety. They became my biggest advocate, being there during the challenging times, offering guidance and helping me navigate really dark and complex obstacles.

As time passed and I heal, I am amazed how they continue to always be there to continue to empower me. This unconditional love has helped me to transform myself, truly try to become the very best version of myself and start helping others in need.

I now think family is not only those related by blood. Family is also the important figures in your life who care, listen without judgment, provide guidance when needed, and just try to be a constant source of love and support when you need them most. Our relationship may not be traditional, but it is based on mutual respect, trust, and a genuine desire to see eachother thrive.

At the moment in Australia particularly, there’s is a lot of anger in the community that not enough is being done to stop the deaths of women escaping violence. It is only halfway through the year and already we have lost 44 women. While I think the uproar is necessary and important, equally I fear women in need may hear that there is a lot of failure in the system and it will make them feel hopeless, they will not speak up, they will not try to escape. They will stay living in fear.

So in answering your question I think my parental figure has impacted me too by helping me overcome fear. I hope anyone trying to escape has that too. Someone who gives a safe place, a door through which to go through to escape, transform and move away from anything that is causing their pain. Parental figure often can help us go from fearfilled hopelessness to fearlessly hopefully and safe.

This I think is my why as an actor. Acting in roles based on another person’s journey is as a way to help others tell their stories, share their personal experiences with new audiences. By sharing we can help others feel less alone, and in so doing maybe just maybe we can help transform the world into a place where more people can live with less fear.

That is a world I want to parent my own children in!

I am so grateful to have such positive influence in my life. I hope others have this in their lives too, and that no what family you have that you do stick together, no what shape and size they come into our lives in, it’s our parental figures who help us create beautiful legacies and can hell transform the world for generations to come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.louisechild.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisechild_official
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/WceUsDtKVGQ?si=trBPXND2Y2wqeuT8
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12152123/?ref_=ext_shr

Image Credits

Nicole Cleary
Rachel Canale
Photogemmy
Rosanna Faraci
Kieran McNamara
Andy Chan