I am even more excited than usual about today's On The Road interview, because it features a beautiful human I've gotten to dress on Broadway! I truly can't say enough good things about Jenny Florkowski. This dynamic woman has been part of the Wicked family for many years. She is passionate about teaching, and she runs her own jewelry business! Jenny is kind, incredibly talented and an absolute joy to be around. Getting to work with her at Wicked was a dream! I hope you enjoy getting to know my sweet friend.

Click here to check out her business, Found Minerals Jewelry.

How long have you been a performer?

I was in my first show when I was 5 years old

What was your “big break”?

I’ve had two big breaks. My first was being cast in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. This was my dream show to perform in at the time. I ended up doing it for 5 years and to this day it’s still one of favorites. My second big break was making my Broadway debut in Wicked. That was the ultimate dream come true.

Is this your first national tour?

Nope, not my first rodeo, ha! I’ve also performed in the national tours of CATS, 42nd Street and White Christmas

What role do you play in Wicked?

I started in the Broadway company as a swing, covering 5 female singer tracks as well as Nessarose. After that I went on the road to continue as a singer swing and eventually moved into the role of Nessarose full time. (I closed the 1st national tour as Nessa). Since then I’ve been back out on tour as Nessa and a swing and back in the Broadway company as a swing as well.

What is your favorite show you’ve ever worked on?

I have so many fond memories of all of the shows I’ve worked on so it’s hard to choose just one! If I had to narrow it down, Wicked would be my choice. I love the show and the importance of its message. Also, the numerous companies I’ve had the privilege to work with over the past 6 years have always been full of wonderful people.

What are some items you absolutely can’t live without backstage?

Items I cannot live without backstage are water, water, water, tissues for my constant drippy nose and mints. I can never be without my Altoids.

What is the most interesting day at work you’ve ever had?

When you’re on tour, doing the same show over and over again, the silliest things can become exciting. We were in Omaha, NE and it was springtime, which is apparently tornado season out there on the prairie. Between “half hour” and “places”, we were told our area was under a tornado warning which meant there was a tornado that had touched down very close to where we were. I grew up in Michigan where tornadoes are very common (and I love a good tornado) so this news was thrilling to me! At “five minutes” instead of heading to the stage like normal, we were all sent down to the basement of the theatre, in full costume, to wait out the storm. We were told not to leave the basement but I snuck upstairs with a few other cast members to get a look outside. The absolute coolest thing about a tornado is the way the clouds form in the dark, brooding sky. Let’s just say we were not disappointed – this was a good one.

We ended up holding the show for almost an hour for the tornado to pass. The best part of the evening (other than not being swept away in a twister) was that the patrons were so excited to finally see the show that it was one of the best audiences we ever had.

What has been your most memorable moment on tour?

My most memorable moment on tour is the day I got a phone call from the casting director of Wicked letting me know that I had been cast as Nessa on the 1st National. I was still a swing at the time and at that moment, was hanging out in the dressing room of my dear friend and Elphaba standby, Laurel Harris. After I hung up and told her the news, we screamed like little girls and happy danced all over her room.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love performing and the thrill of being onstage every night. I also love being in a company of amazing humans and getting the opportunity to tell a story that is so meaningful to so many people around the world.

Along with performing, I also have a huge passion for teaching. I am currently on the dance and acting faculty at The Institute for American Musical Theatre in New York City and I teach both tap and acting privately as well. I have found that teaching others the skills that I have learned throughout my years of performing has helped me to be a stronger performer myself. But more importantly, I love the thrill of watching my students have those “ah-ha!” moments when all of their hard work pays off. I feel so much joy when I see their excitement and pride in their achievements. When performing, I have to put a lot of focus on myself in order to succeed but when I’m teaching, I get to tell my pesky ego to take a seat in the corner because it’s not about me at all. I get the opportunity to put all of my focus on someone else’s success and that is an incredible feeling!

What is the most challenging part of being an actor on tour?

When on tour, your life and all of your belongings must fit into a few suitcases and so feeling “at home” becomes a day to day challenge. Many of us travel with things that make our hotel rooms feel like our own. This could be anything from appliances (yes appliances like hot plates, rice cookers, pots and pans, coffee makers, etc.) to pillows and blankets, your own set of sheets or special candles or oils to make your space look, feel and smell like your own. When you’re moving around so much it can be a real challenge to feel grounded but it’s all about those creature comforts that make your temporary space feel like a home.

What is your favorite number to perform in Wicked?

My favorite number to perform is actually “Thank Goodness”. The ensemble isn’t extremely busy dancing during this song but we are a huge part of Glinda’s monumental transition that takes place in that moment of the show. Our stillness during “Thank Goodness” is poignant and integral to the story.

What is your favorite part about telling this story every night?

Knowing that Wicked has a real message of true friendship, courage and strength that touches thousands of people every night, all over the world. I hope that we are changing lives and opening minds with every performance.

What is it about this job that makes you come back each day?

See my last answer and the amazing people that I get to work with on and off stage. I truly love my Wicked family.

I love that you have a side hustle as a jewelry designer! What inspired you to start making jewelry and do you have any Wicked inspired pieces?

Yes! I have been creating jewelry since I was a young girl but I always thought of it as a hobby that I enjoyed. Two years ago, I got up the courage to start a business designing and selling my own pieces and today I have an Etsy shop and also sell at artisan markets around the New York area. My biggest hope is that my jewelry inspires my customers – guys and ladies alike – to like themselves. My intention behind every piece is that I create a reminder to all of you of how fabulous, brilliant, beautiful, handsome and awesome you all are. We are the keepers of our own confidence and although my jewelry does not have magical powers (at least not to my knowledge…) I hope that wearing it is empowering to you in every way possible. The story of Wicked is actually the inspiration for a lot of my pieces. Click here to check them out in my Etsy shop!

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be gracious and thankful. And be kind, your reputation will always find you.

What advice would you give to a young person who wants to move to NYC and pursue a career in the arts?

Before you move to NYC, honestly ask yourself if this is the only thing you can ever imagine doing. If the answer is yes, you’re on the right path. From there, be ready to work your butt off – no one is going to make you get up at 5am to wait in line for an audition – your success is now in your own hands. And also, when defeat happens (and it will, over and over and over again) it can feel very isolating but remember that you are not alone. Everyone in this business, even the biggest stars, have been cut from dance calls and not called back to sing again. Don’t let those temporary setbacks keep you away from what you love!

What piece of advice would you give your twenty-five year old self?

Calm. Down. and be mindful of the process. You’re not a wizard, you cannot control your future.

What is your favorite Backstage Blonde memory?

Where do I begin? I love our laughs – like you making fun of me for not understanding Instagram or any social media for that matter. But my favorite part of every show was that 1 minute heart-to-heart realness that we would have while you were helping me into my Emerald City costume at the top of Act 2.