Today we’d like to introduce you to HB Ridley.
Hi HB, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi! My name is HB Ridley and I am born and raised in Kansas City, MO. I grew up in Parker Square projects on 9th and Woodland and then moved “out south”, graduating from Center Senior High School. While there, I began writing, acting, debate, student government, and improv. After graduation, I headed to Kansas State University, but that time was cut short as I dove headfirst into parenthood (lol). Having my son at 19 was such a journey, but now I am 34 and he is 15, and able to heavily pursue my love for comedy and writing. During the past few years, I have performed as an improviser, stand up comedian, actress, and have recently pivoted more into creative direction and production.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
HA! Sorry this question made me audibly laugh because the word smooth is the farthest thing it has been! No but seriously, I maintain gratefulness and thankfulness daily because I haven’t seen a smooth road in years. One of the main struggles I have faced is financial insecurity. There are three pinnacle things every adult typically needs in Kansas City to operate as a creative: a job, a car, and a place to stay. For the past 7-8 years, I have continually struggled to maintain all three of those needs. Being a creative is the pride of my life- unfortunately that pride often times does not pay. If I had substantial income from all the creative endeavors I currently pursued, I would be a lot better mentally, physically, and spiritually. People often say “money doesn’t buy happiness”. I wish a person who believes this would hand me $25,000 so I could prove them wrong.
In August 2024, I finished a comedy set as normal, said my goodnight to the audience, began to step off stage, blinked, and when I opened my eyes I was on all 4’s on the ground; I had fallen, bad. I didn’t know the road that awaited me as a result, but it was long: 2.5 months without walking, only being in bed, surgery on my left ankle and a severely sprained right ankle that could hold no weight. Not being able to shower or use the bathroom normally for weeks; it was one of the darkest and loneliest times of my life. My finances tumbled, I have lost everything since, but I can honestly say I have never felt more at peace. I do not know what is coming next in my life, but I know that I am focused, dedicated, and putting the work in; so something has to break, SOON!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a woman of many hats currently lol. My endeavors are currently split into 2 sides: my creative outlets such as my comedic brand hbfromkc and creative direction, then there is my community organizing side that is founding a non-profit.
I have been doing stand-up for almost 10 years, starting in Atlanta, GA at the world famous Laughing Skull Lounge. That experience led me to stages in Kansas City after relocating home, such as the Bird Comedy Theater, Casual Animal Brewery, Hillsiders, Mockingbird Lounge, Barrel of the Bottoms, and more! I also ran a monthly show called Shots n Giggles, a new interactive comedy show where the audience “calls the shots”. My other monthly show that is still ongoing is called Smokes n’ Jokes, where audiences are also encouraged to interact in a marijuana friendly setting. I am most proud of these shows, as comedy show producing is tedious work dependent on constant communication and proactive action. I am also proud of managing my own consistently booked shows every weekend, while building my previously aforementioned non-profit.
fromkc Community Network is a community based organization whose motto is “we are who we serve”. While struggling with chronic homelessness and being fired from my job while on medical leave in Jan 2025, I saw firsthand that there were people who were doing way worse and had dire, immediate needs. Unfortunately due to our economy and our governments lack of believing shelter and food are a human right, the people mainly helping others to survive are those who are also below the poverty line. I started out small, after feeding a man living by a gas station in the dead of winter using my own food stamp card. Illegal? Yes. But I don’t care. People having food to eat is a necessity.
After that encounter, I posted about how it touched my heart on Tiktok and the video went viral. Out of that, fromkc Community Network was born. My overall goal with the organization is to have a 24/7/365 crisis center, shelter, and kitchen available to those in the heart of Kansas City who need it most. Today, we are grassroots, with myself and one other board member preparing food weekly while also working with other organizations to connect social services in Kansas City in a more modernized way.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory has to be Christmas with my family. My siblings and I used to wake up to a lot of gifts on Christmas morning, despite the fact we were poor. My father used to work overtime November and December every year to make sure we didn’t *feel* poor on Christmas. While I know that took a toll on my father and mother, I appreciate those memories that I can tap into whenever the world feels way too real.
Pricing:
- Ebook – $20
- 6o min consult – $60
- 15 min consult – $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.payhip.com/hbfromkc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hbfromkc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbfromkc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hbfromkc
