We recently had the chance to connect with Kelsi Umeko and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsi , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
TLC says “don’t go chasing waterfalls” however, that is EXACTLY what I love to do. I love going on hikes and exploring the great outdoors. I am getting lots of joy from being present and disconnected by being out in nature.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I am Kelsi Umeko. I am a Japanese American actor/producer/director/writer and started a production company with my husband Curtis McGann, called CK Films. Together we have produced and written 2 feature films and numerous short films.
Our latest feature film, Second Chance, which I wrote and made my directorial debut alongside my co-director Vee Hua, was released on August 5, 2025 , on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, and Hoopla. It is a romantic drama that focuses on redemption, hope, and healing.
I also host a show for Pokémon called “Beyond The Pokedex.” It’s a fun YouTube series where we talk about what makes each Pokémon unique from 1 to 1000 and beyond. On the show I am known as “Maple”.
I am a mom to 2 boys , Kiyo (12) and Paxtin (5) who are also actors, as well as just celebrated my 15 year wedding anniversary to my husband Curtis McGann. We are all in the film industry together and love being able to work full time as actors.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders. Whatever wild dream I dreamt of accomplishing, I always had my mom and dad encouraging me along the way. My mom is an entrepreneur herself, so she knew firsthand how, through determination and hard work, all things were possible. My parents always believed in me and have always pushed me to not give up, but to go after things in life, no matter how impossible they seem that set my heart on fire. I guess that is why the pivot from being a dental hygienist to being a full time actress was a leap I wasn’t afraid to take!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When my husband and I were making our last feature film, it felt like the most ambitious, uphill battle. There were multiple times I felt like giving up. But through perseverance, it deepened my faith and allowed me to see how when God gives you a vision , even if it seems impossible, He is always there to help you along the way. One of the things that made me want to give up when we were in preproduction for our film, Second Chance, was when we were unable to find an investor. Making a film is extremely expensive and my husband and I were not sure how we would be able to create Second Chance without an investor, but we both felt God telling us to move forward with production and that He would provide the provision necessary for the film. Sure enough, like Manna from Heaven, we started receiving residuals and re-buyouts from commercials and shows that we had acted in years prior, as well as booked tons of jobs back to back before principle photography started. So, by the time we moved into production, we had enough money to film Second Chance.
I also hired a director out of LA who was unable to film in Seattle due to work conflicts. That forced me to get over my fear of directing and take a huge leap of faith. I was nervous to direct myself as I was also the producer and lead actress, but I was so grateful that I was “nudged” to direct. I fell in love with directing and couldn’t imagine not having that creative control over our film. Really grateful too for my co-director Vee Hua who helped support my vision and story along the way !
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they would say, what matters most in life and career, is my relationship with Jesus and loving the people he places in my life well. I feel most satisfaction when I am living out my purpose and that typically means helping others find their true value and identity, not in what the world says, but in what the creator of the world says. Which is that you are loved , have divine purpose, and are made with intentionality.
Faith , Family, Friends, Film.
My faith is the force that guides and directs me. It is my source of peace and contentment and it is the foundation and core of my identity. I serve as a youth leader at my church and I have loved getting to help kids get to find this same truth about who they are.
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the support of my amazing family. That includes my husbands family as well as mine. We are so blessed with the most incredible and supportive family members. My family are the heartbeat of my day to day.
The older I get, the more I appreciate having such an abundance of genuine, amazing , deep rooted friendships. I am so grateful that I am surrounding by friends who love me so well.
Film brings me so much joy as I love being able to tell stories that impact an audience. As an actor, it feels so freeing and grounding to be hyper present while filming. I love being able to step into a characters shoes and live out their experiences. I have also really enjoyed producing as I love being a part of the creative process of filmmaking from start to finish.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the legacy I leave behind is one that people would say “she loved others well.” My faith is built on the principle of loving God and loving others wholeheartedly. So for me, that would be the most amazing thing for people to remember me by. I try to treat interactions with others, as an opportunity to help them feel loved and seen and I find a lot of joy and purpose when I can help people find their value outside of what the world says, and instead what God says. And that is that you are loved, you have divine purpose, and you are His beloved child.
I feel like so many of us walk this world feeling like we are not enough, or not worthy, but that can’t be further from the truth. It’s just society often puts false standards on what success looks like, when for me, success is when you love others well, inject kindness into the world, and uplift people around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.kelsiumeko.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsiumeko
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQWzKIaERiry_z8QRCLMutrN-KIs61EmS
- Other: IMDB
https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7437629/Second Chance
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chance-Kelsi-Umeko/dp/B0F7JK45SR
Image Credits
Benaya Lawalata
Jeff Spencer
Ron Canfield
Tylor Jones
Dan Lao
