Meet Suzanne Wynn | Voice Over Artist

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

Hi Suzanne, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I think risk is one of those things you’re mostly either born with the ability to do or not. And maybe it stems from being a smart-ass from the get-go and almost always shooting from the hip. In school, I rarely studied but was still mostly an A/B student even through college. That was a risk I was willing to take. I had better things to do. That reminds me of a public speaking class in college. A friend of mine is a total type A. Always studying. Always homeworking. You can’t do that in a public speaking class. She was always trying to memorize her scripts. I jotted down a few notes right before class and then just went with it. Guess who got the A and who almost failed?

I’m a dinosaur now and remember when Facebook first started. And memes! And at some point I started seeing the ones that depict you, your comfort zone and everything in life you want being just outside of that. And it resonated. And then somewhere I heard the Elanor Roosevelt quote “Do one thing that scares you every day” and THAT hit hard. I won’t tell you I do something daily – although every time I get behind a mic there’s a mild scare even nearly 20 years later – but maybe monthly. I LOOK for those opportunities and take advantage when I can.

In 2005 I quite accidentally fell into radio. I didn’t go to school for it. I never had any burning desire to be a DJ, it just kinda happened. I was given an opportunity one day to actually go on air. That was new. It really freaked me out and I wasn’t ready. It was a bad experience. Luckily, I got another shot months later and it led to a 14 year career, multiple awards and lifelong friendships.

Unfortunately, it also led to my experience with sexual harassment, the good “ole boy network” and the “go put on a dress” so yo can do your job better experience. At first it was funny. It really was. I love a good, shamefully bad joke. But then I realized in a conference meeting with all my bosses (the station program director- who’s awesome by the way and still a good friend – the GM and the GSM). All old white dudes. And they had already recruited a much younger white dude to follow in their footsteps having never even ASKED any of the females on staff if they’d be interested in either position one day. And THAT pissed me off. I realized I had peaked at that particular company, and in radio, overall. Sure, I could have moved to a bigger city but nothing would really change. Doing morning radio for the rest of my life, which had been a DREAM a few years before had become an absolute nightmare! I had to get out. But what does a woman in her LATE 30’s DO when she’s been in radio for so long? The options really aren’t that great.

But I’d been side-gigging with voice over. It seemed a natural thing. I had the voice and the equipment. Why not? When my husband and I first began thinking of a full time voice over career it was so scary. Could I? SHOULD I? I mean, we had great insurance at stake. And a steady paycheck.

My family (especially my Mom) has always been VERY supportive of me. Even when I probably didn’t deserve it. After months of calculating the risks and worse case scenarios, we made a big decision. At the end of August 2019, I turned in my notice at the radio station where I’d been for 7 years – almost to the date. I’d made AMAZING friends there and many were big deals in our little community. But we chose to leave. My husband got a new, better job in Auburn, AL and we moved into the same house with my mom and older brother. It was to be a symbiotic relationship. I’d help her and we’d get to spend as much time together as possible and she’d cover us until I could build up the income. It was incredibly humbling. And a hell of a risk. Again that was August of 2019. So about the time we got completely moved and I got my new booth built and finally ready to go again, this Covid thing was popping up in the news. And it wrecked everything, as you know. And I began to question my decision but at that point, I’d taken so many chances, there really was just no other way to go. So, I’m still pushing through.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m a voice artist so my job is to persuade you that you need an item or to teach you something or make you feel a certain way. It seemed an easy transition from radio but I was SO wrong. It’s been like getting another degree! VOs now are small businesses. I have to market myself and do it well. I had to learn that. I’m STILL learning that. I had to learn how to invoice and bill and learn how to accept different payment types and currencies. I have to keep up with expenses and taxes and even, on a much smaller scale – payroll. I’ve had to learn so many things outside of just doing voice stuff. Those are the things that really fill your day. It’s WORK and not easy or quick money – despite what that one girl on Fiverr says.

My first “gig” was in 2009. I was paid to voice a pink teddy bear for a guy who wrote stories about his bears and their travels. In one particular story, my line was “…Stay away from my cupcakes, Ryan!!” It was her birthday and Ryan was her older brother. It just felt so relatable. But it was years before I learned about that as a viable means to really make money.

As they say, it’s been quite the journey. And I can’t tell you that if I’d known then what I know now that I’d make the same decisions. In fact, I probably should have stuck with my dreams of being a teacher but honestly, I can’t see myself doing anything else. Sometimes I think about it and there’s just nothing I’d rather be doing. I’d still be moonlighting as a voice artist so what’s the point of stopping now?

I just want to be known as the girl who may have been a little slow to catch on because she was having fun but she DID catch on and persevered because of it. Who didn’t like the situation she was in so she put everything on the line (although with a fantastic support system) to make her own life, her own way. If in 20 years you hear that I’m living in a cabin in the middle of the woods next to a stream, napping in a hammock with 15 dogs around, I’ve done it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I live about halfway between Columbus, GA and Auburn, AL. Atlanta is just about 90 miles away. Nearly anything you’d want to see or do is less than a day’s drive away.

Day 1 would probably be spent on my porch overlooking Lake Harding. Lots of people pay lots of money for that sort of view. Coffee in the morning, tea or Coke Zero in the heat of the day and wine or Jack later in the evening. We’d gossip and catch up. We’d love on each other and these three rescue pets I have. We’d laugh and cry and bi+ch and complain. We’d probably just eat sandwiches and maybe grill steaks that night.

Day 2 would probably be a late start to the day after sleeping in. Then we’d shop in Auburn or Columbus. If in Auburn, we’d eat lunch at Bow and Arrow – Chef David Bancroft – and where my husband works. It’s not your typical BBQ restaurant, at least not around here. If in Columbus, we’d eat lunch at Country’s BBQ (I’m sensing a theme lol) and dinner at Bodega 1205 – a Latin American restaurant. I LOVE their arepas and sweet plantains! In either place there is tons of shopping. I love to thrift. But also strip malls and such. Or, even better, parks with trails to hike and waterfall rewards.

Day 3 maybe we’d take on Atlanta. While I was born there, I left at 12 and honestly, got used to a slower, quieter pace that I don’t want to give up. But the ATL is fantastic for some adventure. We’d plan that day together taking in whatever we agreed on. I’d like to finally get to Slutty Vegan (I’m not one tho!) and Tilted Kilt.

Day 4 is probably another lake day. Depending on the weather, kayaking would be my first choice. Love it! Just chilling out.

Day 5, I assume would be the last day of her visit. I’d probably cook her a big breakfast (but I’d have asked what she wanted first) You don’t just go nuts in the kitchen without knowing your guests will eat SOMETHING on the table. Left to my own devices, scrambled eggs with cheese, grits with butter and more cheese. Probably some toast – gluten free because I have Celiac. A fruit bowl of some kind. I try to stay keto so I’d probably make a few chaffles, too. And probably a mimosa or two.

Once she leaves though, I’m taking a loooooong nap!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My mom, June and my husband, Damon more than anything. Mom’s been a lifelong friend, protector and ally and I’m thankful for her every day. Obviously, it took a while to find Damon but once I did he did wonders for my self-esteem and world views.

And all of those old white dudes I worked for in the past. They each taught me something along the way.

Website: www.SuzanneWynnVO.com

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

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

Youtube: https://youtu.be/kJ9zYg5cGDE

Image Credits
Lori Harrell Fine Art Photography