We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenzie Rowland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenzie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from very small town South Georgia… which is about is fun as it sounds. Growing up I always felt I didn’t quite fit in with my surroundings and peer groups. I was so anxious as a kid for a couple years there I thought my full name was “You Know How Kenzie Is” Rowland. So, I took my little ever growing ball of feelings in my chest and channeled it through the arts and acting and comedy as a release! I am really fortunate to have grown up with a mom and grandparents who exposed me to the legends at a very young age. As a little kid when most of my friends were watching Saturday Morning Cartoons, I was watching re-runs of I Love Lucy, The Muppet Show, The Carol Burnett Show and Gilda Radner Live! I used to sit in the backseat of my mom’s car and dream about one day running off to the “big city” and becoming an actress and comedian…I knew from a very young age all I wanted to do was perform and make people laugh!

As an adult, my comedy style is still greatly impacted by my upbringing. All I want is to make people feel the way my idols made me laugh and feel. I will forever strive to be there for you the way Lucy, Carol, Gilda and Kermit The Frog were always there for me!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Oh hi! My name is Kenzie Rowland. I am a comedic actress, writer, producer and author based out of Atlanta, Ga.

In 2015, I started the first all female variety show in Atlanta called “Not Very Ladylike” that ran once a month (just like your period) for two years and has since turned into a podcast called “Not Very Ladylike”. I got the incredible chance to create a safe, supportive platform for women all while getting to work with the best comediennes in the biz! I am still, and will always be, incredibly proud of my variety show that paid homage to all my idols.

But, three years ago my life began to pivot. I had always suffered from anxiety, but for the most part could contain it… that is until I couldn’t anymore. I found myself seeking help and at the age of 27 I was finally diagnosed with OCD or, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It was such a life altering moment for me because for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel like the weird little kid who had no idea why she was so anxious! Now I had an answer and I didn’t feel alone anymore! I knew in that moment that from here on out my comedic work would be geared towards mental health. Since then, my partner, Andrew Woodman, and I have been creating stories and jokes that we hope bring a smile to your face and the understanding you’ve always craved. Follow me on social media for more announcements on our upcoming project releases!

It is my passion in life to make people feel seen and understood and I am constantly pushing myself to make this happen through my work. In acting, improv, and stand up I strive to find the truth and humor in what makes a character enduring and relatable to a wide audience. In writing I create characters that are flawed but hilariously (and embarrassingly) human. I believe comedy has the power to make people feel less alone and I am so happy I get to share that with you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohhhh, this is a tough question. It’s true that you never realize how boring you are until your friends come into town…

I would have to say my favorite places in the city are Ponce City Market, the Inman Park Strip,The Beltline, Piedmont Park, The High Museum, The Fox Theater and The Center For Puppetry Arts! My favorite places to eat are way too many to mention. Atlanta is such a foodie city there really is something here for everyone! But if I HAD to pick I would say- for the best Italian food: A Mano, the best late night snacks: Victory Sandwich, best pizza: Root Bakery, best cocktails: Trader Vic’s at the bottom of the Hilton (I know this is technically a chain, but the Trader Vic’s in Atlanta is historic and hasn’t been touched since the 70’s. It really is one of the best kept secrets in Atlanta in my opinion), best brunch: Full Commission, best tacos: Bar Taco, best comfort food: Panahar, best donuts: Revolution, best cupcakes: Honeysuckle Brooms…. just to name a few! Literally, I could go on forever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would be remiss if I did not mention my late Grandfather, Carl Rowland. He always believed in me even when I didn’t. It’s because of him that I chose to take my comedy career seriously and even though he’s gone, I know he’s still at every show laughing his head off at my dumb jokes.

I also need to shoutout my incredible family and friends. With out their endless support of me and my career… I do not think I would have had the courage to keep trying.

And finally, my business partner and fiance, Andrew Woodman. I’m so lucky that we will always be each other’s biggest fans.

Website: https://kenzierowland.com/

Instagram: @kenzierowland

Twitter: @KenzieRowland1

Other: TikTok: @kenzierowland

Image Credits
Image credit: Andrew Woodman

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