Louisa Warwick is not just a reality TV star, but also a savvy entrepreneur. After participating in the Netflix hit show Squid Game: The Challenge, she leveraged her fame and skills to launch her own business venture. Here is how she did it.
From Model to Player
Louisa Warwick is a British model and influencer who has appeared in magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has also worked with brands like Dior, Chanel, and Calvin Klein. She has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, where she posts about her lifestyle, fashion, and travels.
But Warwick is not just a pretty face. She is also a competitive and adventurous person who loves challenges. That’s why she decided to apply for Squid Game: The Challenge, a reality show based on the popular Korean drama Squid Game. The show features 456 contestants from different countries and backgrounds, who compete in a series of games inspired by children’s playground activities. The winner gets $4.56 million, but the losers face elimination.
Warwick was one of the 456 players who entered the game, wearing a green tracksuit and a number. She was assigned the number 166, which she later used as her brand name. She said she was drawn to the show because she wanted to test her physical and mental abilities, as well as experience a different culture.
“I’ve always been a fan of reality shows, especially ones that involve challenges and survival. I watched the original Squid Game and I was hooked. I thought it was a brilliant concept and I wanted to be part of it. I also love traveling and learning new things, so I was curious about Korea and its culture,” she said in an interview with Netflix.
From Player to Entrepreneur
Warwick’s journey in Squid Game: The Challenge was short but memorable. She was eliminated in the first game, Red Light Green Light, after being pushed by another player. She said she was disappointed and shocked by her early exit, but she also learned a valuable lesson.
“The game taught me that life is unpredictable and anything can happen. You can have a plan, a strategy, a goal, but sometimes things don’t go your way. You have to be flexible and adaptable, and make the best of every situation. You also have to be careful who you trust, because not everyone has your best interest at heart,” she said.
Warwick did not let her elimination stop her from pursuing her dreams. She used her exposure and popularity from the show to launch her own business venture: a clothing line called 166. The line features hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and accessories with the number 166 and the slogan “Play Your Game”. Warwick said she wanted to create a brand that represents her personality and values, as well as inspire others to follow their passions.
“166 is more than just a number. It’s a symbol of who I am and what I stand for. It’s a reminder of my Squid Game experience and how it changed me. It’s also a message to my fans and customers, to encourage them to play their own game, whatever that may be. To be confident, creative, and courageous. To pursue their goals and dreams, no matter the obstacles,” she said.
Warwick said she designed the products herself, with the help of a team of graphic artists and manufacturers. She said she wanted to make the products affordable, comfortable, and stylish, as well as eco-friendly and ethical. She said she sources her materials from organic and recycled fabrics, and works with factories that pay fair wages and follow environmental standards.
Warwick launched her website, 166.com, on December 1, 2023, coinciding with the release of the final episode of Squid Game: The Challenge. She said she received an overwhelming response from her fans and customers, who praised her products and supported her business. She said she sold out her first batch of inventory within hours, and had to restock several times.
“I’m so grateful and humbled by the positive feedback and the demand for my products. I didn’t expect such a huge success, but I’m very happy and proud of what I’ve achieved. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and my brand, and I hope they enjoy wearing my products as much as I enjoyed making them,” she said.
From Entrepreneur to Philanthropist
Warwick is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a generous philanthropist. She said she donates a portion of her profits to various charities and causes that she cares about. She said she wants to give back to the community and make a difference in the world.
“Some of the charities I support are UNICEF, Save the Children, and the World Wildlife Fund. I also support local organizations in Korea, such as the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation and the Korea Animal Rights Advocates. I think it’s important to help those who are less fortunate and in need, especially children and animals. They are the most vulnerable and innocent, and they deserve a better life,” she said.
Warwick said she plans to expand her business and her philanthropy in the future. She said she wants to create more products and collections, as well as collaborate with other brands and celebrities. She said she also wants to visit more countries and cultures, and learn more languages. She said she hopes to inspire more people to follow their dreams and play their own game.
“I think everyone has a unique game to play, a unique story to tell, a unique purpose to fulfill. I think everyone should embrace their individuality and creativity, and not be afraid to take risks and try new things. I think everyone should live their life to the fullest, and have fun along the way. That’s what 166 is all about, and that’s what I’m all about,” she said.
