We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kay Bee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I am much happier overall working as a creative. I think back to the financial stability full time employment afforded me and how comfortable it is to know that a paycheck is coming twice a month, and honestly I wouldn’t go back to it. Now as a full time caregiver to my adult daughter with multiple disabilities reflections of my past life in corporate America will come to mind and all I ever wonder is how I balanced my home life and responsibilities with a demanding career. I understand now I was sacrificing my mental and physical health attempting to abide by employment standards that do not flex and bend when people have unique life circumstances.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In 2023 I was laid of by a telecommunication company after 20 years. I had previously produced and worked behind the scenes in comedy but rarely performed at open mics. Being laid off liberated me from corporate policy’s that would have called for my termination if I violated them. I began practicing consistently at Thuritis, a live talk show open mic twice a month. I was finally able to be free and express myself creatively without worry of losing my big girl job. I found that the stage was my way of sharing with people the experiences that I have in my life that are unique but also relatable to others. I began The Prelude, an open mic in April of 2025 which is an all talent open mic allowing people to express themselves creatively each week. With curating the mic I had to step outside of my comfort zone making connections in the community outside of comedy. The Prelude is what you do before you’re paid to perform, it is the before. I take pride in curating and producing a one hour open mic weekly that happens to be one of the earliest open mics in Saint Louis, MO.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by the desire to gain appropriate help and support for my daughter. I am a full time caregiver to a 21 year old with a rare genetic condition called Primrose Syndrome, which is progressive. I work diligently to get my face and jokes to the forefront in an effort to earn enough money to get my daughter the support rich people with complex medical conditions receive.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a comedian specifically is the success on stage is solely dependent upon me. Nobody else can take credit for my performance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kaybeejokes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbHExZd3k/?mibextid=wwXIfr