We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristen McCullough. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristen below.

Kristen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In my early twenties, I drove with my husband, our pug Mac, and all our worldly possessions from Texas to Los Angeles in a Uhaul that barely went 40 MPH. I had only been to LA once but after a tragic death in the family, I needed a change. I was a Theater major in college and sitting across from my husband at a Chili’s restaurant it was decided that taking a shot at the film and TV industry seemed like the only thing that would bring me out of my funk. So we left behind family, friends, and honestly some of our sanity and found a place that accepted small dogs who would rather lick than bite any day. Risks are inherently scary. Life is not a movie where we can see the formula ending before it even begins and as we wound our way through the next eight years in the Valley I can say now it was absolutely worth it. But after having two kids and some minor success in the industry, we decided to move back to Texas, not because we didn’t still love LA, but the challenges of having family so far away felt insurmountable to a young mom and dad. Another risk, equally as scary with no idea of what was to come and how I was going to continue to feed my creative soul. So we once again packed a Uhaul, which had inexplicably now increased the maximum milage to 60 MPH, and headed back to family. The next decade is a blur with kids, jobs both in and out of the industry, births, deaths, and new friends. Worth it? 100 percent! I gained so much from being in Texas while never losing my love of LA. Which brings us to the current risky situation I find myself in. When my last chick flew the coop, we sold our home, once again left family and dear friends and moved back to LA. Wiser, kinder to myself, more appreciative of each day, and surrounded by friends since the early days. Turns out I got back just in time for a protracted strike and finding a job these days even outside the industry for a former VP seems like a herculean feat. Ghosting? How is that a thing? Anyway, I’m using the time to take the biggest risk of all and self-produce a play I’ve written. I’m not sure there’s anything scarier than being vulnerable with your art and allowing others to see, critique, and hopefully applaud.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started acting in the third grade. Once I put on that Queen of Hearts costume, it was a sealed deal. I was one of the few theater majors at Texas A&M University which gave me a chance to do so much both on and off stage during those four years. I fell in love with the theater and while it hasn’t always given as much as it gets, I continue to pursue it like a lovesick puppy. When I’m not on stage or working on a film or television project, I’m writing or thinking about how to make my writing better. It’s a lifelong affair.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had understood the power of networking when I was beginning my creative life. I don’t mean networking in the sense of schmoozing at parties, but rather the idea that there are so many wonderfully generous people who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with others if asked. These knowledge drops are invaluable and if you meet someone along the way you really click with, then you’ve also made a friend in the process.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Years ago, I took a part-time job in the Healthcare field and over the next decade, after multiple leveling up responsibilities and promotions, I found myself in a role as a VP in Development. This was a pivot from the working actor role that I had planned, but found just wasn’t sustainable as a full time, pay the rent career. This new direction taught me so much about how to be a professional, how to handle myself in any situation, and what I’m capable of. Not to mention the skills I gained and professional colleagues I cherish. I never pivoted completely from acting and writing but my business experience only enhanced my work on stage and as a bonus gave me some interesting water cooler stories.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Kristen_Mccullough_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.mcculloughisenberg
• Other: IMDB https://www.imdb.com/KristenMcCullough

Image Credits
With Del Shores at the Austin Spotlight Film Festival