We were lucky to catch up with Karen Bankhead recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I have always enjoyed entertainment and also entertaining. Being CREAYIVE, finding joy, laughing, pondering, observing, are the things that occupy my attention most. As an actor, I FELL into doing comedic roles more so than the dramatic type things, and then once I got into sketch writing, improv and stand up, I felt like I found my “sweet spot.” I pursued that despite the ups and downs. There were three pivotal moments that let me know my purpose: once, when I was on stage performing as my signature character, Etta Mae Mumphries. It was a standing room only audience, and the laughs were flowing so that I had to pause and just let it soak in. It was an amazing feeling, and at that moment I was overwhelmed with gratitude and I heard a voice (I’ll say it was God!) saying this is exactly where you need to be! The second time was when I got a last minute email for a clean comedy convention: it was a Sunday afternoon and I was preparing to chill out for the evening, but once again I heard a voice (again, I’ll say God!) saying, this is what you’ve been waiting for. So I got out of chill MODE and drove down to Orange County for the event. That conference opened up so many doors, and I began to learn the ropes of pursuing the type of comedy I’m doing now. And finally, when my father passed unexpectedly over 30 years ago, we were all devastated. I spent hours seeking God, seeking wisdom, and once again a heard a voice, letting me know that more so than being an actor, I should be writing. So, I have also tried to keep writing something, and also writing the material that I perform today. During the pandemic, I was so grateful for the many avenues of entertainment we had access to while shut down and shut in, so I feel compelled to contribute and do my part to provide some entertainment as well. So many opportunities come across your path, but if I remember my purpose is to encourage and bring lightness and laughter, and it is all a lot less confusing!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
We are on all social media platforms as @ettamaetv We put out content regularly – Tuesdays we do #SpeedyScripture which is a quick and funny bible lesson with Etta Mae speaking on one short scripture to inspire and make you laugh and embrace God’s word. We do other funny videos which you can find on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
And recently, we have partnered with senior organizations regarding the population affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. I am also a caregiver for two seniors, so with the help of Etta Mae Mumphries we put out funny videos featuring the #stayathomechoir singing gospel and feel good music and sharing our life at home.
Etta Mae Mumphries is also performing nationwide at various corporate events, church functions and conferences, community and educational platforms as well as private celebrations.
Our calendar of events APPEARS on the www.ettamaemumphries.com website.
We are seeking a platform to bring our funny, feel good comedy to the air waves!
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 believe that tenacity is key. Going back to finding your purpose, once that becomes clear, you can navigate and motivate yourself to not give up, even if you have to take a breather and come back at your goal from another direction or perspective. Another quality is experience and showing up for as many opportunities as you can. I feel like the many years of classes, shows, productions, table reads, writing workshops,comedy/improv shows I’ve done have given me confidence, knowledge and experience that are priceless.
The final quality is faith – if you believe God is on your side, which He is! you will have the mindset to keep going, do your best and trust that He will see you through wherever you need to go!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents believed in education and exposure. We grew up in a military family, but wherever we went, my parents plugged us into our church community, and the arts. We were always taking dance and music classes, playing sports, going to concerts and cultural events and daily reading the newspapers and watching the news. We were also always at the library, checking out as many books as they would let us every week and participating in church and school productions. We also were able to travel extensively — camping, visiting museums, national parks, other countries. Watching my parents continue in their education and pushing us in that way gave me a hunger and curiosity for all things. I also appreciate that they gave us freedom to play! When we were outside or at the playground or the park, we were free to explore with abandon and we were always using our imagination. I am so grateful for my parents and the upbringing I had.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karenbankhead.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ettamaetv/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ettamae.mumphries/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-bankhead-6b08115
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ettamaetv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/EttaMaeTv
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ettamaetv
Image Credits:
Bella Saville Photography Daniel Lam Photography
