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/comedian and my mom was a singer — I was naturally attracted to the creative arts. This early interest led me to immerse myself in local theater and dance; seizing every opportunity to perform. When a stage wasn’t available, I used the family living room. Pretty soon, I was filming commercials and movies with some of the best actors and crew around - my four sisters, unsuspecting friends & neighbors. It's safe to say we still have most of that video evidence to this day. However, my fascination with voiceover began years before that; when I would mimic character voices from The Simpsons as a child. Despite being a bit too young to watch the show, I soon discovered I had a natural talent for voice matching. While I didn’t think much of it at the time, this laid the groundwork for a creative passion I would explore further down the road.
In the early 2000s, my family made the bold move from Westmoreland, NH to Lakeland, FL; seeking more opportunities for my sisters and I to perform and grow creatively. With my two younger sisters by my side, we started performing at every chance we got. Soon enough, God started opening up numerous doors for me; including becoming a background dancer for a female rapper in Orlando and the chance to audition for both 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 the dynamic world of broadcast television media.
Upon graduating from college in 2007, I anticipated a full-time career in broadcast journalism. After getting married, I relocated from Central Florida to Atlanta, GA. After moving I soon realized that the newsroom environment wasn’t really where my true passions lay. Uncertain of what to do with my four-year degree, I began volunteering at a local radio station where a close friend worked. Although it was an unpaid role, the radio imaging gigs reignited that passion for voiceover I had as a little kid. I soon discovered that I had a natural talent for it.
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 transition 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 secret to gaining subscribers remained frustratingly out of reach, and what had once been a joyful endeavor now felt more like a chore. Additionally, 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. It has been absolutely amazing! Although I’m relatively new to this 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 anyone 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 in cartoons as a kid. 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!
