Meet Rachel Mcbee

We recently connected with Rachel Mcbee and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Born and raised in upstate South Carolina, I’ve migrated, moved/grooved, and kept it real for most of my adult life. I suppose the Oregon Trail brought me to Portland, OR – my home for the past 5 years.

Like many others, I had a tough childhood. At 16, my purpose was to “get the hell away from these people, move out asap!” I successfully met that goal and then began college. Mind you, success included running away and signing for every student loan possible. I was finally safe and felt I had autonomy.
“Life’s rent on Earth is to give back to others.” I was told this by a childhood role model around the age of 14. I felt I had to give back. These words gave me empowering purpose that propelled me through my education and over 10 years as a professional in Social Services.

I’ve always seen the unseen, my grandma made sure of that; there are so many crumbs under society’s table. I have personally assisted and advocated for hundreds of folks who are aging, dying, and facing a plethora of crisis and struggle.

I made a huge decision in early 2023, ending my career with social services, public services, healthcare systems- thus detaching my purpose from my career. To make a long, disappointing, heartbreaking story short, I’ll have you know that public systems and their bureaucratic processes are beyond vile. Standing up for my core values of integrity and compassion took first place.

Over the past year and a half, I’ve unsuccessfully attempted to find other employment. I have also listened to words spoken by those close to me for many years, “Rachel, this is so cool/rad/unique- you should totally sell your stuff.”

Presently my purpose has largely been to be gentle with myself and others with a heavy focus on REpurposing- bringing you Bees Knees. Through ShopBeesKnees.com, I am sharing outstanding flair, resourcefully handmade to accessorize your happiness.

…

In reflection, I observe my purpose to be ever-changing on an as needed basis. My core values are sturdy, yet life calls for re-prioritization of these values to truly be authentic.

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 design and create clothing, jewelry, and accessories for fashion & home. Almost all of my wearable art is created from found, free, thrifted, & upcycled materials. I generally never know what I’m going to make until I dive in, take things apart and assess how I can renew its purpose. Bold colors and patterns help me make my statement. My brand name takes a page from Nick Kroll, “it’s based off [my] name”, Bees Knees, by Rachel McBee. To keep my mind positive and engaged, staying grounded consists of movement, making endlessly. I know it’s okay to have multiple projects going at once, flowing while on my feet or knees all day.

While I sometimes participate in financially approachable local markets, I’m presently sharing my intentionally affordable & eco conscious creations at ShopBeesKnees.com.

Being gentle & sharing is where it’s at, right now. Bees Knees is the chic vibe for humble humans taking it day by day.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. being a “taster” of life, welcoming new experiences without grandiose expectation or desire to excel, you won’t look stupid- no one cares about what you look like.

2. self awareness, truly listen to what you feel, think, & believe- stay open while also standing up for yourself. No one can know you better than you know yourself and you are the best person to “look out for number one.” Study up on the 4 agreements!

3. observe, actions are to be believed and words are to be considered. Pay attention to the world outside of your own, with empathy, and you’ll truly learn.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Wow, what a kind question! Absolutely. I think from my answers above it’s telling of the girl I am and who I like to align myself with. You’re the company u keep, as grandma says.

In daily life you can find me along rivers and creeks and seas, beading or sewing or weaving things that wash ashore.

In the dream of dreams, if fairy godmother asked my one wish, I’d ask for good people to partner with me in seeing the dignity of a good death. Not just for the one passing but everyone that loves them. Merging my dreams of a garden and land with a space for individuals, perhaps ones that had been medically complex, but are choosing a death with dignity. If a team of people came up to me, and said, we have a few million to invest in this vision, of course, that be rad! LOLZ.

In the meantime, we can wear cool pants we made from dead stock fabrics found out along HWY 101!

My insta should be easy to find below. Reach out and say howdy, fun friends!

Cheers,
Xoxo Rachel McBee

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