Meet Saundi Harrison-Cooksey | Voice Actor | Narrator | Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Saundi Harrison-Cooksey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saundi, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Well, you know, it’s a common misconception that being a Voiceover Actor is all about lounging at home, casually reading into a mic, and voila – your voice magically graces TV, radio, or your favorite streaming platforms. But let me share a bit of my journey in response to that.

The Voiceover industry has seen quite the surge (no official stats, just my observation) since the Pandemic, but it’s not as simple as grabbing a $100 mic and an iPad, calling yourself a Voice Actor, and watching the gigs roll in. In reality, you need to be a bit of a multitasking maestro, juggling various hats to thrive in this industry and you need to have your ear on the pulse of the industry. This will help you stay on trend and improve your performance, which is the key to sustainability in my opinion.

So again, it’s not all about chilling and waiting for gigs. It’s about hustling, putting in the work to secure consistent projects, and managing the balancing act that comes with it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Absolutely, again, when it comes to delving into the world of Voiceover, it’s not just about speaking into a microphone. It’s about infusing your voice with the essence of acting and interpreting the script. And, of course, there’s a technical side to it that involves adapting to various skills – editing your work, proofing long-form projects, and becoming comfortable with recording equipment. It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but an invaluable one.

Now, my journey in Voiceover didn’t start yesterday; it’s been a passion rooted in my childhood. As an only child for my first 10 years, I found joy in creating my own talk shows – playing host, conducting interviews, and even running imaginary commercials. That childhood dream of holding a real microphone and reporting never faded, even as I navigated through school, college, and the corporate hustle.

What really worked for me was the power of “AND.” Balancing a full-time Project Manager role at Turner (now Warner Bros Discovery) for a solid 7 years while learning the ropes of VO was a feat. In 2020, I decided to fully immerse myself in the world of a Full-time VO actor during the great resignation wave. No regrets, just pure joy.

My home now boasts an incredible recording booth, courtesy of my talented husband’s craftsmanship in 2020. From here, I’ve been recording and managing my VO business comfortably. But let me be clear – it’s not just about waiting around for gigs. Every day involves putting my Project Management skills into action.

Running a VO business means staying organized, treating each gig as a project with a clear beginning and end. It’s about setting up systems for tasks that can be automated, honing communication skills, and staying ahead of the ever-evolving VO industry. This journey has been a process of self-discovery and growth, and every moment has been a love affair with the art of connecting, serving, engaging, and informing – my voice, a gift to the world as a Voice Actor.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I’m a bit of a foodie, you know? That passion kicked in big time after my stint in the Big Apple, soaking up the culinary wonders of New York. But being a born-and-raised Atlanta native, there’s something special about the diversity in food and the arts right here in my hometown.

So, if I were to show my friends around, we’d be hitting up some of my absolute favorites across the multiple counties of the ATL – places like Le Petite Marche, LaFonda, Muslynn’s, and a bunch more. And, of course, we’d be strolling down the Beltline, soaking in the culinary delights and checking out the vibrant High Museum of Art. Maybe catch a play at SW Arts theater or the iconic FOX.

I’m all about the arts and good eats, so we’d definitely be immersing ourselves in all the happenings that week. And since I’m a bit of a people watcher, somewhere bustling with folks casually going about their day would be the spot – probably back at the Beltline.

Now, the things that really catch my eye are natural observations. I find joy in just watching the world go by. And, of course, I’m always tuned into people’s voices because hearing those unique voice prints in this world is absolutely fascinating. It’s the kind of week I’d want to share with friends – filled with delicious food, captivating arts, and the simple joy of people-watching along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, my FAITH in GOD has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey as a Voice Actor. It’s the anchor that grounds me and provides a sense of purpose in every endeavor. I firmly believe that people enter my life for a reason, contributing to the larger plan designed for me.

I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to my awesome husband, Casey Cooksey, and a former mission trip roommate, Jennifer Sears.

Casey has been my unwavering pillar of support since day one, cheering me on through the highs and lows of my VO journey. Whether it was celebrating bookings or navigating rejections, he stood by me. When I made the decision to transition from Corporate America to pursue VO full-time, his encouragement never wavered.

Jennifer, played a significant role in kickstarting my Voiceover career. After bonding over our shared aspirations to enter the world of acting during a mission trip to Haiti in 2013, she held me accountable once we returned to Atlanta. A simple phone call from her, asking about the steps I’d taken to kickstart my VO journey, felt like divine intervention. Her influence was the nudge I needed to dive into Voiceover, and it’s immensely fulfilling to witness her own accomplishments in the realm of on-camera TV and film acting.

In essence, my faith and the remarkable individuals who’ve crossed my path, particularly my husband and Jennifer, have collectively fueled my journey in the world of Voice Acting. Their unwavering support and divine interventions have been instrumental in the successes and accomplishments I’ve achieved thus far.

Website: https://www.voiceofsaundi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceofsaundi/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voiceofsaundi/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8PrUeVQU2AAgHgKxUAwwYg

Image Credits
Kelley Channel photography – https://www.kelleychannell.com/