Shenée A Journey of Passion

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, it is me. It's me, your host of Unqualified Qualifications, comedian V-Mac, and today I'm with... shenee. All right, she in the building. All right. This is a beautiful woman. She's an actress, model, influencer, just pure funny. Pure funny, pure funny. So let's get right into it. Let's start this thing going. Let's learn a little bit about yourself before we get to where you are now. So where you from and how you got here? What's going on? I am... Initially from Bronx, New York. Moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina when I was nine. And I have been here ever since. That's the difference. You went from Brooklyn, New York to Rock Hill, South Carolina. Bronx, let's get it right. Bronx, Bronx. To Rock Hill, South Carolina. To Rock Hill, South Carolina. That was a big change mentally, correct? It was, definitely. Even at nine years old, it was. Because I had to leave my friends. Oh, that was the thing. It wasn't like the...
going from the city to the country, you left for friends. That too, only because when we first moved down here, I'll never forget the very first time we started school, me and my sister thought we were supposed to walk to school as normal. But my mom was like, no, you got to take the bus. We was like, what is the bus? Yeah, because you would have been walking for three days. No, not three days. Two blocks. Two country miles. Two blocks. Still been walking. No. So we wasn't used to that. So, yeah, mentally we was messed up. Okay. So how many brothers and sisters you got? I have a total of 14 brothers and sisters. Fourteen. One of six. Whoa. No family like that.
Your family like the 30s. Dropping a whole acre. I have a whole tribe behind me. All right. You got a blended family, right? So how is your family blended? Because I have adopted siblings and I have biological siblings. My biological siblings on my dad's side, I just met. It's been two years now. And we are like this. So when did you know that you was adopted or did you always know? Hmm. I would say I always knew because I was a nosy child. So I was going through my mom's papers one day. Was it up under the bed? No, she had it in a cabinet, a little cabinet under the TV stand. And I was just reading her papers and I seen all these adoption certificates and foster care certificates. And I was like, hmm, I got questions. When did you ask them? You said when? I asked her as soon as I started reading because my sister, one of my oldest sisters, she would always come and like,
pick me up from, I'll never forget, she would pick me up from daycare, after school programs, but she never could stay. And I used to ask my mom, like, how is this my sister, but she can't stay with us? Like, I'm confused. And it went from there how why couldn't she stay? Because she was way older. My sister, one of my sisters is 14 years older than me. So she was already, like, she didn't, she was out there she didn't want to chill no she didn't want to chill she didn't like authority and then she like me she didn't like authority so So does your foster parent have their own biological kids, or was there, like, everybody was adopted? My mom, my foster mom, she had two biological sons. They were, they're much older, though. They're much older. And then she adopted four girls, me and my sisters. So after you realized, and after you, so how did the initial conversation go? I don't remember the initial conversation, but I do remember being angry at my mom at one point in time because she made me mad. I don't know if the guy was 11 years old.
She made me mad because I couldn't go outside. And I got so pissed off. I told her, I said, that's why I wish I was with my real mom. And I hurt her feelings. What? Just because you couldn't go outside, you hurt her feelings? Well, you know, some people tell their parents, well, I hate you. Yeah. So that was your hate you. Your hate you had a sword, not a knife. Yes, it was something in that sense. Like, I hate you. Damn. Yeah, I spoiled growing up. My mom spoiled me really bad. bad. Spoiled you really bad. How? Just got everything you wanted. Everything I wanted. And when I didn't get my way, it was... You was a tantrum. Yes, for sure. Weapons? No weapons? Here and there. It wasn't nothing major. It was like... Okay, so all this going on with the adoption and your 14 and a half brothers and sisters. This is in Rock Hill, South Carolina, correct? No. Oh, where was this at? So majority of us is from New York.
Um, my mom, she moved me and my sisters, my adopted sisters down here. Um, but the rest there in new York, Florida, Arkansas, uh, and yeah, that's it. Yeah. Okay. So you found out and then you went through like high school and whatever different so when did you start to outreach? because if you don't know, because okay. So I know about this was going on because it said, what was it? May 19th, two years ago. Yep. Oh, my God, you remember that? Yeah. Oh, my gosh. So May 19, two years ago, is when you finally got to meet your other brothers. Physically, yes. So how did all that lead up? She's going to give you the information. You can watch the little doctor series she had on her Instagram. It's pretty dope. Thank you. So just break it down to me. So I was working at this part-time job, this technical college, and two of my coworkers was talking about ancestry DNA. And I was like...
They had found out, actually, they were second cousins, and we had been working together all day. They had no idea. Were they dating? No. No. Just wanted to know. No, they were not dating. Oh, Lord, cuz. No, they were not dating. So they was talking about it, and I was like, oh, my God. I was like, I'm adopted. I might want to take the test. And I was like, let me just gift myself a late Christmas present. And when I got those results, oh, my God. I matched with my brother who I thought was my dad, matched with him. Because it said Robert Wilkerson and it said the percentage was like 99 point something relation, blood relation. I was like, oh my God, this is my dad. And I messaged him, he didn't message back. But then my aunt who saw we had matched, she messaged me
And she was like, oh, my God, I think you're my niece. She was like, did you match with a Robert Wilkinson? I said, yeah. She said, that's your brother. And I was like, oh, my God. And then we stayed, all of us stayed on the phone. Literally, I will never forget. My aunt told me to call her at like 9 o'clock that morning. And then I talked to everybody. We did not get off the phone until the next day at 3 a.m. Literally Zoom on 3 a.m. So before you even took the DNA, did you know your father's name? No, I did not. Hmm. I was told the wrong information. My mom told me that my dad's name was Danny Jordan, and that was not it. So after you took the DNA test, this has led you down the path to find out who your father was. Yes, and then I found out he had passed in 2014. Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. It's okay. Did you know your biological mother? Yes, I did. Okay. I've known her my whole life. Oh, so she was around. Yeah.
Okay, well, okay. Sort of. Yeah, we got it. We didn't have a relationship until up until two years ago. Oh, well, better than that. Yeah, for sure. Now and then later. So after you did your birthday, I mean your Christmas gift to yourself, you went to, where did you go meet him at? Oh, Florida. We went in Orlando, Florida. How many did you meet that time? All of them. Oh, wow. It was seven of them. Seven of them. Yeah, they had the big... poster and everything for you yes that was the funniest thing in the airport because everybody was looking like. Yeah, she was who is this does they wait no they're like with this sex edition i was like, oh my God. Y'all are so embarrassed it said welcome home welcome back home, Nicole. Thank God you got over your sex addiction. Oh, yeah. Somebody said something like, she got a rate she's coming for rehab.
sex rehab. I was like, yeah, these are my people. Cause they embarrassing. They are, they are so embarrassing. So when you got the kick in the window, do you start noticing that you look like on your head? Yes. We have similarities. Uh, we have the like, believe it or not, same lines in our hands. Like we all have a dip in our bottom lip. Um, we all have a widow's peak. Um, we are, we definitely learned. We are very hard workers. We will hustle, hustle, hustle. Um, We found out a lot of similarities about each other. So that first moment when you've seen them, how was that feeling? It was an amazing feeling, an amazing feeling. I just had no idea that by taking that test and finding them, I was going to be very emotional. So I tell anybody who is wanting to take a test to find their family and stuff, just make sure you are mentally prepared to be emotional.
And to find the truth, because you might find out that the people ain't even your people. Not only that, people are not as accepting as my family was like. Some people don't want to be found, or they'll tell you, no, you're not my brother, you're not my sister, or something like that. Because they don't know you. Exactly. So just be prepared for anything that, any results you may get. Okay. So I'm glad you found your siblings, all 75 of them. Thank you. I a big family now. Yeah, so you have a son, correct? Yes, I do. So in the film, it didn't show that you said that you was eventually going to introduce him to your family. How did that go? He did not. He still has not met everyone just yet. He's only met my brother, two of my brothers, and my sister. That is it. He hasn't met. Oh, he did meet one of my other brothers. Yeah, two of my brothers and one of my sisters. Yeah. He hasn't met the other three.
Yeah, he hasn't. So how did that go? That was amazing. He fell right in. They fell in love with him, and they just ate him up. So nothing has changed? You're still tight? We are still tight, yes. We're going on another cruise in October. Hold on, wait. You saying it like we do about the first cruise. We went on a cruise. I didn't know it was another one coming. I have literally met up with them ever since I met them within these two years. I've counted, I think, eights. eight to nine times already. Yeah, I've met up with them a lot. Well, congratulations on your cruising with your new family. I can't wait. She didn't want to go on no cruises with us. They don't be trying to be on no water. Okay, we're going to use that as an excuse. They don't be trying to be on no water. But yeah, this is the second cruise we're going on and I can't wait. Where y'all going? We are going to the Bahamas again. Okay.
We cruising again to the same place. Just because we can. Listen, I miss them already. No, you miss somebody on that island. I ain't got nobody on that island. I'm hollering. I was actually supposed to see them again on June 22nd for my sister's baby shower. She's pregnant. But I'm not going to be able to make that one. So I'll see some of them again for the cruise. So how did you get into being an actress? Um, I acting in 2018. Uh, crazy thing is it started as a Facebook message. You made the message or did somebody send it to you? Somebody reached out to me, this girl named Nicole, um, Fleming, shout out to her. She reached out to me and asked me, did I want to be a part of an LGBT film? And I was like, I guess I don't have nothing else to do. Fuck it. Fuck it. Yeah.
I was like, I guess. Ain't nothing wrong with kissing a girl. I'm bored. She was like, have you ever acted before? I was like, no. She was like, are you comfortable? I was like, yeah, I'm bi, so I guess. Yo, you are funny. Yeah, I was like, why not? I guess. You're bored. She might as well get paid to kiss women. What? Yo, somebody get him. Somebody get him, please. This got the gas, baby. I'm hollering. So basically acting found you. You didn't find him. Basically, yeah. Somebody thought she was cute. That's exactly what she said. She was like, I need you to come kiss some people for a check. And remember these words. She said, I'm reaching out to pretty females I saw in a group. And I was like, okay.
Was she a stud? No, she was not. She was not the stud. That sounded like a stud line. Don't disrespect. No, I promise. She was not the stud. Yo, I was just looking at all the... She is a femme. Okay, I'm about to get canceled. You are a trim. So what was the name of this first film? Queen City Secrets. It's on YouTube. You don't know these damn secret movies. You know what? I just realized that. Office Secrets? Queen City Secrets? What is your secrets? I don't have no secrets. She can take that action. I don't know why people keep naming these films secrets. Because you in it. What can we name it? Nicole in it. Secrets. Let's name it just Secrets and have her come out the closet. Listen, that one was called Queen City Secrets and I was a lot of LGBT drama, lesbian drama. A lot?
It seems like they always fight. Yeah, they are. It gets bad. I know. Have you ever been in one of those? Absolutely. So, okay, it seems like it's always arguing. It is, and fighting, and busting your head. Y'all run together because y'all together all the time, and then you start having a thing at the same time. I'd shit your ass up. You do look like you cut shit. I don't know. There's something about you saying you'll fuck a car up. Me and my ex used to fight really bad. Like, it was bad, so... That's not me no more, though, so I've calmed down. so... I've calmed down. So from Queen City Secrets, you went to... What was your next film? First of all, before that, how did you adapt to acting? Like, was it quick, natural, or did you, like... No, definitely not quick and natural. With Queen City Secrets, I was... Ooh, I was nervous and just... I could get into character, but I guess I was doing really good...
As my character, because when I was reading the comments on YouTube, they were bashing me really bad. It was like, we can't stand Shay. Shay is this. Shay is that. Shay is a bad mother. Because I played the deadbeat mom. So that means you did your job. I guess I did. And those comments are still coming on YouTube. So this film is on YouTube right now? It's on YouTube right now. I have to check this out just for certain scenes. All right. This dude right here. I'm sorry. Yo. Not taking away from the acting chops that she has. I'm hollering. Just want to see where she grown from. Queen City Secrets. I've grown though. I have. I have grown. Was it hard for you to return to retain the lines? Yes, because that was my first time acting. So I was just like, I'm nervous. So like, I've never acted, right? I did like a little skit here and there. That's acting. Yeah, but it's not like a script. Still.
You're reading people's words. You didn't write it. Most times I'm writing my own stuff and I can remember that easy. What is your method of retaining the line? I actually just remember what the lines are, but I turn it into my own. So I'll, what's the best way to put it? I say the line as if I'm just having a conversation. So I just turn it into my own. Instead of sounding like, I'm actually reading from the script and trying to remember my lines. Yeah, you sound robotic. Yeah, exactly. And that's not what you want to do. No, you want to sound natural. Correct, correct. So after Queen City Secrets, what did you do next? I did a film called Dreaming Out Loud. That was supposed to be a series, but we only did one episode. That was an LGBT film as well. I played the realtor, Monica. Yeah, Monica. What was you selling besides the land?
That was it. That was it. He gets on my nerves. Just saying. So you supposed to have did a series of that? Yes. And then after that? I wrote all of this down. Pull it out. Do your thing. In between all this, you was mobbing too? I promise. Damn, you got that many credits? I do. I do. Thank you. I did a financial commercial called for Equus Financial. It's in Asheville, North Carolina. I was just background, though. I didn't have any lines or anything. I did that. You want me to go down the list? No, this is like what stood out the most to you. What was your best experiences? As far as film? Yeah. I would have to say the film that I wrote, me and Jazz. Shout out to Jazz Hodges.
Family Over Everything, that's on YouTube. That's an LGBT film as well. And then I would have to say, I would have to say Office Secrets. Yeah, Office Secrets. So about the film that you wrote, how long did it take you to make it, write it? And where did it come from? Like, is it based shortly off of your life or was this? Oh, no. I actually, I love writing. I actually, I've always loved writing. That came out the blue, honestly. And I was like, hmm, I wonder who I could, get to help me put this vision together. And it was jazz. And it took us literally 48 hours to film that. How long did it take? So it's like every minute is a line, right? In the script, right? Yes. So how long did it take you to write it? Oh, not long at all. Me and jazz probably met up like three, four times. And then we were done. What was it about? Loyalty, love, drama, basically saying...
When it comes down to it, are you going to choose the ones that you was loyal to or the person that you in love with? That's a question I ask you. What would you do? Oh, Lord. Well, you are supposedly loyal to the person you love, so that is... In this film, in this particular film... That's the way you talking about life? We just going to skip right past that. That was a personal question. Well, you're supposed to choose... When you're in love... It's not what you're supposed to choose. I'm asking what would you do? I'm going to go with loyalty. So you chose the people that was loyal to you over the love of your life? Yeah, because the love of my life is supposed to be loyal to me. But if you had to choose one or the other? I would have to go with loyalty because I could always find another love. Ooh, shit. Fuck that. All right. If you want her to love you, you better be loyal because she could find another one of you both. I don't fall in love.
whoever is them talking? I'm just saying. Man. I'm just saying bae you better be loyal, bae. Listen. I'm just saying. I don't fall in love easily. That's the thing. I don't because you hurt you probably had a higher life and it's hard to trust especially after you went up on your mother's mattress in front of the paperwork. Because I'm nosy. I know. Nosy people it's hard to fucking make them like you. Because they don't trust you they gotta go in your wallet while you sleep so okay so which one would you choose? Who? Loyalty or love see Loyalty or love, see? That gets you to thinking. Loyalty. Exactly. Who would you choose? She's not here. But whatever. She's just working. I'm hollering. Why are we doing this, man? You want everybody to agree with you? Yes. It's two people talking and I agree with you. I want everybody to agree with me. You won. Okay. Spoiled ass. Okay. I told you I was spoiled. If she would have said something different, you would have had a fit. I don't give a fuck if you want to trust me. I caught off guard. I caught off guard. What's your sign? A Pisces. Oh, boy. I don't know. Nobody just wants to say it like that. Pisces.
March 5th, just to be exact. I'm the March Pisces, not the February one. Pisces? Your Pisces sound like a snake. Fishes don't make that... Pisces? So how was Office Secrets? Office Secrets was fun. It was very fun. Lady actually was the one to give me my first real... film shot, like real movie shot. That was very fun working on set. I was sad when it ended. Okay, so what's set life like? Set life, ooh, Lord. Set life, I'm not gonna lie, is hard because you have to be prepared to be up all day, all night. You have to, it's hard, especially when you're a mother, changing your schedule around and making time, of course, to work and Work, film, which is work, and be a mom and spend time with your kid. It's a lot. And deal with script changes. So how do you handle that as an actress, script changes? Do they happen often? No, script changes. Once it's written, it's written. But if it's something in the moment that they want you to change, you just jump right into it. It was nothing for me, really. You just jump right into it. So being an actress, how do you help?
How do you deal, since you've been in multiple films, you know, how do you deal with love scenes and things like that? Are there certain things you just don't want to do? Do you tell them, no, this is not what I'm going to do? Or do you just, you know what? I just do it. I won't be completely, like, nude. Seems like that. You have to whisper that. I don't want to be nude. Those type of scenes I won't do. But as far as like anything else. It's just normal acting? Yeah, to me. Okay, I was just wondering because some people tend to take it a different way. Some people tend to take it a different way. Oh, no. I know. Yeah, but no. It's just literally, it's work to me. It's just work. But then they probably catch feelings. Okay, so everybody's professional. Well, not me. We know. Okay.
She loyal to the director. And the producer. Not me. I'm just there to work and go home. I hope they wouldn't catch feelings. Some people, yeah, it does happen because a lot of actresses and actors end up together and stuff like that. That's because the studio hooked them up. Well, I'm talking about in real life. Oh, yeah, I know that. They don't be on the same set. They're just acting. They're just acting. But if I act with you, you ain't going to like me because... Just there to make this bread and be loyal to the people. I'm just there to work. So you do modeling as well? I did. I used to dib and dab in it. What kind of modeling did you do? Just like print model. You never walked? Nah, I'm not walker. Well, damn. Why you don't walk? I'm not a walker. People look at me and think because I'm tall that I can walk 5'7".
And I'm not into runway models. You're just into sitting down and working. I just want to take the picture and go. Yeah, third face and go. Not walk. And to put a letter C next to your shirt. And then I hate wearing heels. I hate it as a female. I hate heels. Is it because people are shorter than you? Or because you don't know how to walk anymore? Both. So you're like a baby deer. No, I don't look like a baby deer, but it's... I'm more comfortable in sneakers and sandals and stuff. Nothing about you says that. Yeah. There's nothing about you that says you're comfortable in sneakers. I'm surprised. I don't have on sneakers right now. I know. I'm just. And then when I'm out with my friends, most of my friends are shorter than me. So I'm like a giant beside them. And I'm just like. So is it hard for you to film because you're taller than most of the men that you're standing next to? No, they're actually taller than me. But no, it's not hard for me to film. Because sometimes, you know. In between takes, I'll take them off.
I'll take off my heels. And then when they say camera rolling, I'll put them back on. Oh, because sometimes height be an issue. Like somebody ought to put a soapbox next to you and you might have to do a scene. The men are usually taller than me. Okay. So what's your next project? Oh, what is my next project? I just wrapped up... The Weeknd, my next project, like I said, I'm sorry I have. Don't worry about it. The next project is The Grass Is Never Greener and A Season for Love. What are those about? So The Grass Is Never Greener, ooh, that is one juicy film. You just have to watch that one. Season for Love is basically given like a Love Jones type of vibe in a way. But that one right there, I'm just a supporting character.
So it seems that you seem to be extremely passionate about acting. I am now. Now. So when did it bite you? Why not when you first started off with Queen City Secret? God, that's a good question. I don't know when I actually started to take it serious because it was definitely before Office Secrets. I'm not sure. I cannot remember. You don't know. So why did you... All of a sudden say, you know what, this is something I want to do. Because it didn't feel like work anymore. It didn't feel like, ugh, I to go on set. I'm tired. So at some point you did feel like that? I did. When I first started with Queen City Secrets, I did. It was like, dang, we got to film every weekend? I ain't used to this. And then we would be on set for hours, and I'm just like, I got to go home and cook.
I got to get home to my baby. And then after a while, I just got used to it. And now it's just enormous. And I love it. I actually have a passion for it. I have a passion for acting. I want to act full time. How close are you to your goal? Oh. So how long have you been actually acting? Since 2018 to now? To now, yeah. And you were still making movies during COVID? Yeah, actually. Yeah, I was. So you want to work full time. That's the end game, right? Yes, that's definitely the end game. So are you thinking about relocating to somewhere else so you could be put on this, you know, or are you just going to? No, more than likely, God's willing, within the next two years, probably Georgia because I know that's where the. Well, Atlanta?
And not directly Atlanta because I don't want to be in the heart of that. No, you live in the outskirts and you go into the metro. Yes, the outskirts. Yes, absolutely. Marietta, Kennesaw, you do all that. Woodstock. I could go back to New York, but I wouldn't live on my own if I went to New York. I ain't even going to lie. It's cold. I would live with my sister and she would get on my nerves. Well, how would she get on your nerves? My sister is the big sister. She's like... the mother figure. She's always been like the mother figure. And she's the only, literally the only sibling I have that she just gets under my skin so bad. Like, so I would not want to live with her. But I love, Charmaine, I love you to death. So this is your biological right yes my biological sister so you know, she loyal to you. Yeah, she is she is right my sister is riding for me and I'm riding for her, but.
we just she's just that big sister that just gets on your nerves. So what is the perfect script for you or the perfect character what are you do you like to play like the villain or do you like to play the good girl, the good person in this situation are you more venomous? You look venomous. Okay, just wanted to let you know you look like you could be that would fuck up everybody in this room. I like playing that type of character and I don't like playing the good girl and I'm saying that because I realized when I was doing Queen City Secrets, people really thought that was my character and I'm like, hmm, I guess I do act better as the villain where people don't like me as opposed to, because that's not me in real life. So it's like when you see me on camera and I'm playing, okay, like I played the deadbeat mom and they're like, oh my God, I hate her.
But then when you meet me in real life, like, oh my God, she is a sweetheart. She's not a deadbeat mom. She is this, she is that. She's not her character. So I love that aspect of it, of people realizing who I really am in real life. So I guess I like playing the villain. You just like reading the comments. Those comments are horrible. What's the worst one you heard? Do you remember anyone that really just like pinched you? I think somebody said that I was blowing their high. somebody said, oh my God, Shay's character is a dub. She is blowing my high. I was like, oh wow. I don't know how to take that. I was like, oh wow. Blowing my high? You watching a movie? You don't either like me or you just don't like the movie. Listen, they was like, I'm blowing their high. I was like, oh my God, I'm sweetheart in real life. Does it bother you? No, absolutely not because it makes me know, it lets me know I did my job. Do you walk around and people randomly see you and be like, I seen you in? Yes. Um,
What's crazy is in the middle of filming Office Secrets, I don't know if you ever heard of the club. Probably not. It's an LGBT club that was popular here. Jesus Christ. I cannot think of it right now. The one up the street? Scorpios, yes. Scorpios. Definitely up the street. Scorpios. Scorpios. I was in there twice, actually, and somebody said, oh, my God, you look familiar. And I was like, do you watch web series? They was like, yes. And he was like, oh, yes. And then, no, believe it or not, somebody in Florida, when I was in Florida, yes, I was in Florida two, three years ago. And the waitress, he was like, you look so familiar. I just can't place my finger on it. And me and my girlfriend are at the table like, what is he talking about? I forgot about that particular film. And he was like, were you in an LGBT film? I was like, yes. He was like, oh, my God, that's where I know you from. I was like...
I'm sorry I forgot all about it. We see your fan base. No, I'm just saying. It does not happen often. I'm just saying. Are you signing autographs? No, not yet. Taking pictures? It does not happen often. But I was surprised we were way in Florida and they recognized me. But people say I look familiar all the time. I don't think it's just from filming, though. People say I look familiar all the time. They say you look familiar because you're an actress. Yeah. So what's the end game after the... like becoming a big actress, what are you trying to do? I want to get close to Angela, Angela Bassett. She is my, like, she's an icon. I can see you burning clothes and walking with slow motion. And I can definitely do that. Something about the way those eyebrows touch when you said that. It made me believe you. I want to be like Angela because she can play any character you throw, any role you throw, Angela, she can play.
Like, she is amazing. Except for season four of 9-1-1. She bodied all of 9-1-1, okay? Let's get that straight. Well, it became repetitive. Okay. No, it didn't. Every year is a new disaster. First year, it was an earthquake. Next year, it was a tornado or something. That's what makes the series. L.A. only got so much shit they could deal with. She played her parts in the scene. Then it was on the boat. Ain't she laying in the bed now? Listen. Let Angela be. The only part I don't like about her character and her husband is her husband who plays her husband, they don't seem compatible on the show. Yeah, because he's a firefighter. He's so... I don't know if that's it. I don't know if that's it. But their characters just don't seem like husband and wife to me. So how do you deal with not having chemistry with the person that you're talking to on the stage? Have you ever been on a set with somebody that has no chemistry with you and you can feel it and you got to either...
pick it up or carry it? I am not trying to sound cocky at all. Like, please don't take this the wrong way. When you say that, first of all. I am so serious, but I've never had an issue with somebody having chemistry with me. So, I'm being serious. Why is there silence? I was just looking at the camera. Y'all. So, you never had to carry it? I mean, you never, this is always natural, right? Yeah, it's always natural. And I love that because I don't want... To be with anybody that's awkward. Have you seen scenes where it's been awkward? Like me personally on set? Watching another scene and be like, ooh. Yeah, I have. I have, and I just look like... from the outside looking in, you know how to handle that if it was to happen your way, correct? What would you do? I would have to loosen the person up, get comfortable, try to make them as comfortable as possible, but...
Again, I haven't had that problem, thank God. So I don't really know how to answer that until I run into that issue. Okay. Do you ever see yourself transitioning behind the camera? Like being a director? Or a producer? When I was directing my film, Family Over Everything, I actually loved being behind the camera more than in front of it. Still to this day? Yeah, I actually love being behind the camera instead of in front of it. What makes it so much better? To see my vision come to life. Something I actually... wrote and put time in uh money in it it's amazing to see your work, like, on screen. So, yeah. So I never directed or seen anything. How does it work for you? Just tell them what to do when they do it and then give them direction. But the cast that uh we had, they were amazing. We didn't have to give them much direct and they was ready to work. And like i said, we filmed that in 48 hours.
That's cool. Talking about tired, we were tired. But we had one girl come from Virginia, so we had to use her as quick as we could. What's the furthest you traveled for your... For a It was Asheville. Asheville, North Carolina, when I did that financial commercial. How long was that? How many days or whatever? How does a commercial work? You was just in the background? I was just in the background. I had to act like I was saying something. I was muted. I always wonder how... commercials work like? Do they set you up the same way as a film? The same equipment, everything. No, I'm not even talking about them. I'm just talking about the time. Is it commercials longer or shorter? This commercial was short. It was just literally a financial commercial for one of their banks in the area. I was in the background and I got a check. Yeah, that's been the story of this whole thing. Fuck it, I'm bored. I got a check. Yeah, I'll drive to Asheville for a check.
It was a nice change. So how did you get a part of the guild? The Screen Actors Guild and all that? Because you're an actress now, right? Yes. Have you looked into it? As far as what would you say? Like joining the union and Screen Actors Guild and all that. I have and have not got a part of a union yet. How does it work? I'm realizing that acting is one of those things where if you... If you do what you are told and participate and have good sportsmanship, it's one of those things where if you know somebody that knows somebody that knows somebody. So what is participating? So let's get to it, okay? So all these things that's going on in social media today about Hawaii. Shit, I was fucked up. About Hollywood.
on a major level. So I'm a comedian, right? And I've done stand-up. And I've seen people do things for time on set. I mean, not time on set. Like five minutes on stage. Things happen for five minutes sometimes. You know what i'm saying? So have you ever been offered or like somebody's ever came at you with hit you with the cost of casting culture like say oh you know if you want to do this, you I'm just saying. Absolutely not. Because what I got to do to do what? Okay. Absolutely not. Because at the end of the day, I make my own decisions. Let's be real. I make my own decisions. And a check like money don't move me, but it don't move me that much. But a lot of people like to give up their soul for the brand. Oh, absolutely not. Have you seen these things? No.
not give up their soul, but I've seen like there's one, like, okay, one particular film on Tubi, I forgot what it was called, but I was watching it and I was like, that role that that girl played, there was no way in hell that I would have accepted that role. Because other directors will look at you like, oh, you'll just accept anything, like, why the hell would you accept a role like that? Like, I would have never accepted a role like that. So, yeah, let's get into it. Like, across the films, you watch movies as well. Because that's part of the craft, so you got to see how people, like me, I watch up a standard. So you look at these things and be like, oh, that's a bit much. To be is a bit much. Yes. Some of the movies. So, damn. So you just say you won't do it. If somebody came up to you, like... Certain things, absolutely not. No. No.
And that one film I was watching, I just... So there's no price on your soul? No. No, I would not sell my soul for nothing. No. No, you cannot get me to... No. I have a whole son. I have a whole life. Well, a lot of people don't have that mentality. People who have sons and daughters are... Well, I'm sorry. I care about my family and my son. And, like, my baby's watching me, so... Yeah, ready to do blood oath. Oh, absolutely not. Like, I will... I will quit acting altogether. It's serious to me, but not that serious. So, yeah. Because I'm talented also outside of acting. What else you do outside of acting? I'm graphic design. I'm, like I said, a writer. I have a res-a-ho resume business. Res-a-ho? Whoa. What's a res-a-ho? I said res-a-may. No, you said res-a- I res-a-ho. Res-a-may. Yeah.
Business, okay? That's what the band of the show, the pimps, right? Resume. This is my resume. Business. Now, if I can make a pimp business. Oh. I have a resume business. How long you been doing that? I've been doing that. Oh, Lord. What's this year? 2024? I've been doing that, I'd say, about since 2013. 2013? 2013. Actually, before, because that's when I had two phones. So, way before then. But it didn't start, like, really, really picking up until, like, 2013-ish, if that. So do you enjoy doing it? Mm-hmm. Is it hard work? Resumes? I've been doing it so long, I could do a good resume with my eyes closed. What's the difference between a good and a bad one? A good one is one that an employer can look over in two seconds and tell you if they're going to hire you or not. A bad one is if they're going to take longer than two seconds. How much it cost to get a resume made? For me? Yeah. Yeah.
Oh, okay. So if you want a resume in 48 to 72 hours, that's $35. If you want it within 24 hours, that's $45. That's a good look. Oh, yeah, for sure. Especially around there. Yeah, for sure. So the name of this show is called Unqualified Qualification. Before we get into anything else, I want to ask you this question. So when has there been a time in your life that you felt qualified but the rest of the world thought that you was unqualified? How did you handle it? I felt qualified. I felt unqualified, but the rest of the world. No, you felt qualified, but the rest of the world, the people around you felt that you was unqualified and wouldn't give you what you believe you deserve. Golly. I'm not sure. I haven't been through so much in my life. I cannot think off the top of my head. That's a question. That is a good question because I don't know. You had to be.
It had to be a point where you believed in yourself and nobody else did. Because I feel like I feel like I've always been supported. So I don't. We're not even people supporting you. You wanted to get this thing. You want to go to this job. You wanted to do this acting thing or whatever. And they didn't think you were good enough. But you did. How did you? I had a bad. And it's crazy because I conduct interviews. I conduct professional interviews, but I had a bad interview myself, so I guess does that count? What was the bad interview? It was with Wells Fargo, actually. So you were qualified, you just didn't show up? Yeah, I didn't present. Why didn't you present yourself to Wells Fargo? First of all, I was intimidated when two black women had came in there. Why?
Um, I do not, I do not like, um, being under black management. I will say that. Um, why? In certain fields, because, um, black women can feel, um, can feel like they are so superior in, so, okay, let me give you an example. Um, you're working under a black woman. I don't know how you feel as a black man, but black woman, they feel like, okay, who is this black woman coming in here thinking she about to take my position? Realizing I don't want your position. I don't even want to be a manager here. I just want to work here. So, yeah. Is that across the board or is it just your thoughts of it? Because you, she might not be like that. Is this your thoughts? And so you conduct yourself in that kind of way. Um,
I guess it comes from experience. So what was the experience? I used to work at a job where the woman did not, she did not like me at all. And she, I guess she thought that I did want her position. And I had to tell her, let's be clear. I do not want your position. I just want you to know that. I just want to work here. And I ended up quitting like the next week. So the person who interviewed you at Wells Fargo was a black woman? It was two black women. And how did, do you remember anything about it that made you? They asked me first two questions. I can't remember what it was. But by the second question, I bombed it. And not in a good way. Not in a good way. And they was like, and I knew they had a whole list of questions to ask me. And after I bombed the second question, they was like, well, that's all the questions we have for you. We'll be in touch. I was like, So you already knew you did it.
I already knew I did not have that job. Was it on purpose or was you actually trying? No, I actually was trying. I actually had a friend help me prepare like two nights before. What was the job? Something dealing with senior benefits. Something dealing with, I can't remember the exact title, but it was senior benefits. And it was just, I actually wrote about that in my book. You got a book? Yes. What's the name of your book? Maybe That's Why You Didn't Get Hired. Well, damn. That's the name of the book. It keep getting better around this moment. She wrote a... What was that? Scorpios? She said, Scorpios? I told you, I am talented. Yes, because Scorpios, no. I am talented. That's why you didn't get hired. Maybe that's why you didn't get hired. Maybe that's why you didn't get hired. How to get away with murder. Not that. Shit.
I just want y'all to know I ain't murdering nobody. Maybe that's why. And when is the book out already? It's been out. It came out in 2018. Oh, so you wrote it right after you didn't get hired. Yes. I actually did. She said, I'm going to write this book because I fucked up. So all the money that I messed up for not getting this job, I'm going to pay for this book. I actually did. I actually did. So, yeah. Shit. And you know what's crazy? Coming up with a title actually was the hardest part of writing that book. That was the absolute hardest. What were some of the other titles you had? I can't even remember. Baby Try Again? You know what? That's probably what I have named it. Baby Try Again. Not Baby Try Again. Because I was writing and I was like, what in the world could a title be? And I could not think of nothing. And I was like, I did this book to help people on how to get a job, the stuff, how to bullshit the bullshitter. This is what employers don't tell you. So I was like, you're doing the wrong thing. So maybe that's why you did not get hired.
Did you tell them not to get scared when two black women sit there? No, I didn't put that part in the book. I actually had a conversation with a friend. She was like, Shanae, no, don't put that part about the black woman in the book. So kept that out. Well, you put it on air. Well, hey. Well, damn. Maybe next time you get high. That's the next book. Maybe next time you get high. Maybe next time you get high. Damn. Well, straight to the face. Because, you know, that really affected me because... And that's another reason why I wrote the book because so many people come to me to help them get jobs. Like I said, I conduct professional interviews all the time. I'm writing resumes all the time. Everybody's inboxing me. Sinead, what do I need to say? Sinead, can you do this interview for me? Can you do that? I'm like. Baby, next time you get hired. I'm like, let just put this in a book because I have so many people always asking me. Because it's never been hard for me to get a job.
So, except that one time. That really pissed me off. I was like, anyway. Does it still bother you? A little bit because, like I said, it's never been hard for me to get a job. So, for them to not hire me and me bomb that interview the way I did, I was mad. I was so freaking mad. I think I did. I called my mom and I was crying. She was like, Sinead. She was like, you Sinead, you know, you can get any job you want. Don't let this affect you. I'm like, might as well as Fargo. Like, how could I not get Wells Fargo? And she was like, Sinead, just come on home. So have you ever just thought about what would your life have been like if you would have got that job? You probably would have never been an actress. No way. You are absolutely right. I never thought about that. Things happen for a reason. You are right. That was the way you needed it. Because you would have been a corporate. Yeah. And I probably would have still been at Wells Fargo in as much vacation time as I take. They probably wouldn't let me get as much vacation time. So your whole life would have been different. You're absolutely right. I didn't think about it like that. So you need to let it go. So...
That shit you holding on to them black women? I don't have nothing against black women. I'm a black woman myself. I guess because I grew up not liking authority. It's not even that. In reality, it's the same thing with men. With me, I used to be a security guard. I was working at a club here in Charlotte. It used to be down there by Wet Willies. In a music factory? Labels? You was at Labels? Is that the one right across from me? Yeah, I think that used to be called Labels. Yeah, to go up the stairs. Yes, I think that used to be called Labels, yes. I was working there. Oh, my God. So I first started off outside, right? And then one day they put me downstairs. My boss was another, he was a black man, same complexion. And I went to go down there, and the people started wanting me to work down there with them and stand by their tables in the VIPs. Oh, they liked you. Yeah, so I was getting good money. See? One day he took me off of there and put me back upstairs. Because they was liking you.
see hater yeah it's the thing is with that situation it was I was younger and I was I was what he once was see so they seen and I wasn't even trying I was just happy to get this little that's what I'm saying like I don't even be trying and like I said I don't want your position I just want to work here but you want the manager role I have a life outside of work I don't need a manager role I don't want that I'm gonna be on salary yeah I don't want that But you got some people, they don't have nothing else going on outside of work, which I understand. There's nothing wrong with that. But me personally, I have a lot going on outside of work. I don't want to be at work 24-7. Y'all be stressed out. Not me. Like when you see people that you work with out in the streets and they be talking about work. It's like, what? We's off. We are off. I don't, what? Uh-uh. Yeah, but that's all it is. It's the passing of the torch. It's the old line. Don't pass me the torch.
I get it. But they think that you're the new person on the prize. So you're going to come. And you're going to take their spot. I had one of my last jobs, the girl, and God bless her, but there was a manager position that opened up. And she came to me. She was like, I just want to tell you, you know. She was like, I know they're wanting you to have the position. She said, but I really need this job. She said, all I have is my kid and my grandfather. Her grandfather actually ended up passing. And I told her, I said, sweetheart. I said, I promise you can have this position. I said, I don't want it. She said, oh my God, are you serious? I said, I'm serious. You can have it. And they ended up giving it to her. I don't want that. I do what I do to the best of my ability. Right. I don't need one. I do enough. I do enough to get by. I feel you because that's not working. It's not your passion. Absolutely not. But you want the lead role on the screen. On the screen, yes. Hold on.
Take a sip real quick. Right in front of my face. I had to fix it. Fuck it. It was bothering me. So you want to be the best actress on the stage? For sure, yes. Pass me the torch there, but not in corporate realm. Hell no. I'll tell you. Fuck it, man, because that's not your passion. Absolutely not. I feel you, because I hate clocking in when I should be on stage telling everybody. Exactly. Listen, I don't even want to go to work tomorrow. But I'm thankful for a job. God, don't get me wrong. I am thankful for a job. A lot of people don't even have a job. So I'm thankful for a job. That's just not my end goal. Like, we just had two people from my job retire last week. And I'm sitting there thinking. They worked 55 years. But I'm like, that's all you wanted. Like, you ain't want to do nothing else in life.
That's all you wanted to do was work here? They did until they started working. Absolutely not. Granted. Just like mine. Somebody just retired from my job. She was working there 55 years. So I work, you know, where I work at, like she's seen the whole place change. Right. She probably seen it being built from the ground up. She a black woman, so she went through racism, segregation, all this. She's 70 years old. I like change. So it's like, I can't stay in the same place for so long. Sometimes the walls start to shrink. Yeah, like, I don't want to here no more. Like, y'all didn't want to nothing else with you? Like, nothing. They did until they had to work. You ain't had no grandkids. You went to retire and take care? Like, you ain't. That 401k was, and they was working with 401k. So they was just putting money. See?
It was just putting money in the savings account. Not before 401k. Yeah. When did 401k come out? I don't know. Like the 90s? Really? I don't know. When did 401k come out? I have no idea. Google it. See when 401k came out. Those motherfuckers, they had no money before. But you're right. We might not have Social Security. Exactly. That's another thing. It's like, why are we got retirement accounts in 401ks? And this might not even be a thing by the time I'm in my 60s or something. No, the 401k ain't going to be a thing. The Social Security won't. The Social Security is not going to be a thing. So it's like... I want to do something else. I want to do something else. And that's acting. And I believe in you. I want to do acting. Yes, for sure. Because you got a great story to tell to people. For sure. Your story about me and your family was awesome. Yes, it was amazing. Once you get her information, go check it out. It's the last video in her thing because she's all about the story. It was amazing. Because I love telling my story. I love my family. We've been close ever since I met them. Like, oh, my God. don't play about me. I don't play about them. So...
And she got a lot of movies come out. She has some past credits. We'll put it down when we get this out there. We'll let everybody know where you can check her out. But if you want to, you can let them know all the YouTube stuff that you got so they can check you out and your social medias. Let everybody know everything about you. I'm on YouTube for Dreaming Out Loud, Queen City Secrets. I was in my own film, Filming Over Everything. I just jumped in there because we didn't have nobody else play that part. I was in Northcac with Todd Durden. Shout out to him. I'm sorry, I'm going through the list. Holiday Destiny, that's coming out in December. Quiet Thorns in My Flesh. I played Lauren. Shout out to Trey and the whole Genesis Creative Entertainment Group. I played Melody as Nichelle. Shout out to JCI Legacy, Office Secrets. I'm also in the process. I also wrote part of a film called Veil Chronicles.
The title is called Skinny Girl, Body Shames Bigger Girl. Directed by Romario. And then I'm also in the process of writing another film called Hood Funeral. Gotta be out sometime next year. Is that a comedy or is that a drama? It's a comedy. It sounds like a drama. And if you need an actor to be in your, that does comedy. It's a comedy. I love comedy films. I got you. I got you. I promise I got you. So give them your socials. I'm on Facebook as Shanae Allen. That is S-H-E-N-E-E, space, Allen, A-L-L-E-N. And I'm on Instagram as OfficialNaeCo, OfficialNae, N-E-E-C-O-L-E. All right. And this is Unqualified Qualification. I'm your host, Comedian V-Mac. Thank y'all for watching and have a wonderful day. Be great. Be great.