Meet Jean Marie Mckee

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jean Marie Mckee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jean Marie, 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?

It was a life long journey! I seem to have a meter in my body/mind that says it is time for new challenges. I think the first time I experienced it was at the age of 15 growing up in rural VA. I loved the country, loved exploring the woods and finding random wildlife but it hit me I wanted something new. I wanted to go to New York City, the place I had read about in books.. I worked and saved my pennies and got on a bus when I was 18. I found a job as a cashier at a tiny drugstore and was discovered there and went on to be a model and actor. The journey is a long story but with each obstacle I would often just collapse, but somehow I kept going towards what I thought would make me happy. Sometimes it did and sometimes it didn’t and sometimes it took me somewhere I had no idea I was going to absolutely love. Still I was feeling pretty lost in my 20’s. I feel I read it somewhere but the phrase, be kind to everyone you meet and you will be in heaven already, spoke to me. I started trying to live like that and darned if it didn’t work. Ultimately, I found I was happiest making others smile. This seems to be my purpose as tiny as that might be.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As the Artistic Director of Naked Angels, I work really hard on all the administrative stuff which is not something I enjoy but it is necessary. The fun part is all the people I meet as Artistic Director. I love connecting folks, actors with directors, helping producers cast their plays and films. I get asked for quotes and letters of recommendation all the time. I actually love helping folks get into college or get a job or get a grant. So that is not even like work to me.

Never in a million years would I have thought I would be the AD of a theater company. I was very shy and lacking in confidence in my 20’s and totally adverse to running anything where I was “the boss”. In my twenties I was a model and actress. The travel was the best part of that, meeting people from all over the world. Then I became a mom of two. This was/is my favorite job. As my brilliant children grew I was ready for new challenges and I had no idea what was next. I made a list of things I loved and the three that stood out were kids, theater, and writing. This led me to create the 3T Writing Workshops which Naked Angels now brings to children in foster care, youth facing incarceration and students in public schools. I love all the free programs we have at NA , like Tuesdays@9 our cold reading series and 1st Mondays full length play reading series but 3T is my heart.

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?

I think realizing that you never know where things will lead you was really important. That kindness is always your best route of action. When you are down, reach out to someone you trust. Finding joy in everyday things was so impactful. Finding what made me smile. A beautiful day, sparrows playing in a puddle. And saving money! I am very thrifty and it has given me a feeling of security.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Books opened up my world. Coming from a very rural area I had a small idea of what life was. books changed all of that. The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger gave me a sense of possibility. A sense that I did not need to take everything so seriously.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nakedangels.com
• Instagram: nakedangelsnyc. jeanmariemc
• Facebook: Naked Angels, Tuesdays@9 The Naked List FB Group, Jean Marie McKee.

Image Credits

David Paxton–headshot

Not sure why I can’t upload the other pix. Possibly I can send them to you via email.