My Creative Journey
I was born in Keene, New Hampshire, in 1984. Growing up in a family steeped in artistic talent—my dad was an actor and comedian, and my mom was a singer—I was naturally inclined towards the creative arts. This early interest led me to immerse myself in local theater and dance, eagerly seizing every opportunity to perform. When a stage wasn’t available, I turned to filmmaking and recording radio shows on a tape player, involving my four sisters and a host of unsuspecting friends and neighbors. Additionally, my early fascination with voiceover began when I started imitating characters from The Simpsons. Despite being a bit too young for the show, I soon discovered I had a natural talent for mimicking voices. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but it laid the groundwork for a passion I would come to explore further.
In the early 2000s, my family made a bold move from New Hampshire to Florida, seeking greater opportunities for us to perform and grow creatively. With my two younger sisters by my side, we started performing at every chance we got. The dedication to my craft opened up numerous opportunities for me, including becoming a background dancer for a rapper in Orlando as well as auditioning for major reality talent shows like American Idol & Making the Band. Amid these exciting ventures, I also set my sights on my academic goals, enrolling at Florida Southern College to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism. There, I was able to combine my passion for storytelling with a deep commitment to understanding the dynamic world of broadcast television media.
Upon graduating from college in 2007, I was filled with pride and anticipation for a career in journalism. However, I soon realized that the newsroom environment wasn’t where my true passions lay. After getting married, I relocated from Florida to Georgia and it was during this transition that I began volunteering at a radio station where a friend worked, recording sweepers and promos. Although it was an unpaid role, it ignited a newfound passion for voiceover work. I discovered that I had a natural talent for it and even received praise from the station’s producer, Kevin.
By 2016, I had immersed myself in online content creation, managing a full-time family YouTube channel called The Leighty Life and creating entertaining videos on TikTok. This foray into social media opened up a world of wonderful opportunities and connections, including a chance to work at one of the largest YouTube conventions in the world—VidCon! Although I relished sharing my life, making people laugh, and tapping into my creative talents, the content-making process began to feel increasingly exhausting and discouraging. The elusive secret to gaining subscribers remained frustratingly out of reach, and what had once been a joyful endeavor now felt more like a chore. Despite my earlier experiences with voiceover, I hadn’t yet pursued it as a career. It was clear that a change was needed, and it was time to refocus and explore new opportunities.
In March 2021, after taking a break from content creation, I began actively pursuing a career in voice acting, and it has been absolutely amazing! Although I’m relatively new to the industry, the voice acting community has been incredible and instrumental in my growth as an actor. The people I've met are among the best friends one could ask for, providing me with the support, accountability, and encouragement I need every day. I feel truly blessed! It’s also surreal to have the opportunity to coach alongside some of the most talented individuals in the field—many of whom I grew up listening to. That always blows my mind!​
​There is no doubt that God's hand has been evident in every detail of this journey, and for that, I am deeply grateful. I strive to honor Him and the gifts He's bestowed upon me, using them in ways that Glorify Him and bless others. Thank you for being a part of my journey, and I look forward to creating something amazing together soon!
