Daily Inspiration: Meet Crystal M. Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal M. Lee.

Hi Crystal M., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Of course! Below is an excerpt from https://crystaljproductions.com/about-me

Have you ever wanted something so badly but were too afraid to get it? That was me post-retirement after serving over 20 years in the US Air Force. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss but found any and every excuse to stop myself from following my dream. “Crystal, this is crazy! What the hell are you going to sell!?” Yep, that thought kept running through my mind. I knew being an entrepreneur was not going to be easy, but neither was the military and I dominated that.

During my time in the service, I utilized my voice acting talents while participating in field exercises and deployments. My voice’s unique qualities rendered it invaluable when used to authenticate section callsigns and code-words. I also starred in multiple Armed Forces Network (AFN) Incirlik radio and television spots.

In addition, I modeled and Hawaiian/Tahitian/Belly danced as creative outlets from the rigidity of military life. After I retired, I did a short stint as a government contractor, then a government civilian as a GS-13. “Hey, I’m not in the military anymore, so things should be different…right?” Nope! Same office environment, same politics, and same unfulfilled feeling…so I quit.

“What the heck do I do now!?”

I’m sure we all have asked ourselves that question at some point in our lives. We re-examine our souls and find what makes life worth living. Performing and entertaining have always been the best parts of my life and that’s what I was going to pursue.

After I left the government, my life opened up to a whirlwind of possibilities. It was time to create my own reality.

“What is your dream job?” The answer: Voice-Over. Ever since I was a kid, I loved acting, singing, and creating characters. My Mom (Filipino) and Dad (German/English descent) encouraged and nurtured my creativity, for which I am eternally grateful! I love being a Voice-Over Artist! I want to inspire people throughout the world to follow their dreams through my voice, storytelling, make-believe, visualization, and magic!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been one of the most fulfilling and hardest journeys of my life.

After I quit my job at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Germany, I started a production/voice-over business, both of my dogs (Yorkshire terriers) passed away, I got divorced, moved back to the States, took a road trip from Washington DC to Florida to Colorado to Los Angeles, CA, went through more personal growth, and finally settled in LA.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-time, professional voice-over artist with training from America’s top voice-over coaches. Working closely with my clients, whether they need voice-over services for animation, video games, TV, radio, internet, imaging, e-learning, narration, or telephony.

I have played an evil scientist in the cartoon “AnimaCars,” currently have a recurring gig with EKidz Podcast “Adventures of the Star Keepers” as Supreme Princess Tutu, and create audiograms/promos for small businesses and entrepreneurs. More of my work may be found on my website: www.AnimatedVoiceOvers.com.

I’m proud of this new chapter I have created for myself that hopefully inspires others to follow through with their own dreams.

As a professional female entrepreneur and service-disabled veteran, I have incorporated integrity and discipline from my time in the military into all facets of my business. I provide authentic voices to tell my client’s stories while honoring their company’s core values.

All rates may be found at https://globalvoiceacademy.com/gvaa-rate-guide-2/

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I encourage everyone to try and stay present, find their inner child, and do what they love.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://animatedvoiceovers.com/ and https://crystaljproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystaljproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalJProductionsInc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrystalMLee_VO
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTvI97eZPhvfpmei-qn_aw

Image Credits
Piper Palmer Duncan Akira Lee Watanabe Jay Aaron Jackson