We had the good fortune of connecting with Jai Santiago and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jai, how do you think about risk?

I’ve tried to think about risk in the vein of long-term. Meaning – really asking myself the question of just how is taking this risk now going to benefit me x-years down the line. Making a conscience choice to step into a booth and get behind a mic was a risk because I’d never done it before. I’ve spoken at conferences and led round-table discussions before in other capacities – but these avenues aren’t as intimate as being alone in a booth. Choosing to step out of the booth and get in front of a camera – allowing myself to be visibly vulnerable was a risk. Taking these risks for me has helped me grow in ways I never could of imagined. I know that I’ve become a better communicator and am more vocal because of the risks that I’ve taken in these areas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a voiceover artist and actor based in the Southeast Region (Atlanta). I actually began this journey of my life in my mid-40S. I was still a corporate desk jockey training after-hours and weekends whenever I could. The more I got into voiceover the more I realized how much I truly loved it. Voice is definitely how and where I started, where I got my base. A buddy of mine kept trying to get me try on-camera, so that “people” could see the face behind the voice – which I didn’t understand. But I tried it and was hooked ever since. There was a turning point for me once I was signed by my Atlanta agency. More opportunities began presenting themselves when it felt like my personal life just exploded with my mom’s cancer diagnosis, my father’s ALS diagnosis and my brother’s mental illness. There was a time when I was juggling work and trying to be with my mom who was in/out of ICU due complications she was experiencing, my brother having a psychotic break and transitioning my dad into a long-term nursing facility – simultaneously. It has been a lot to deal with – alone – becoming everyone’s escalation point – the 1st point of contact when something goes wrong – being the voice for someone else who can’t speak. I’ve tried to take that feeling of angst/uncertainty/fear and channel it into my art to make it have purpose and make sense. I’ve never asked myself “why me”, but have thought of it like “why not me”. I’m not the only one who’s dealt w/these types of scenarios. Because they are scenarios that are actively happening simultaneously, I do have to be deliberate with my time, choices and decisions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever we host ppl in from out of town, we always either cook dinner and/or lunch at home – one night/afternoon. But then we like to check out Vesper Atlanta for drinks and lively conversation. They have some great tapas and amazing cocktails. The old-fashioned is top notch! Brunch and live music at Venkman’s never disappoints. Other places that we keep in rotation on the list to check out: Grant Park, Piedmont Park and/or The Beltline whenever the weather permits, After a packed full day of biking, hiking and just being up on your feet – we begin winding things down with some reflexology at Jiao Reflexology. Drip Coffee in Glenwood Park is always great for ppl watching – any time of the day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Atlanta Voiceover Studio (Heidi & Mike) Drama Inc
Ursula Wiedmann Talent (UWM – Laura Magner)
The Talent Group (Doug, Shak, Stephen)
Atlas Talent Agency (Mikey, Leah)

Website: www.jaisantiago.com

Instagram: jai_santiago

Image Credits
Joe Kelly (instagram: @joekellyphoto), Josh Stringer (instagram: @filmstring)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.