Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal M. Lee.
Crystal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Thank you so much! It is definitely a unique story. Short version: morphed from a retired 20-year disabled veteran and government contractor/civilian into a professional media talent (SOVAS Nominated voice-over (VO) artist/actor/model/screenwriter/producer/Bellydancer).
It all started back in 2020, at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I had just quit my job with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Germany and was trying to figure out what to do with this new chapter in my life. I had been working in the US Government for over 22 years: 20 years of active-duty Air Force (now a retired, disabled veteran), government contractor, then as a government civilian (GS-13). I didn’t know anything outside of that type of lifestyle. It was the beginning of finding my inner child and re-discovering my passions. I always loved acting/singing/dancing/and creating, so I figured I would start with that.
I was originally interested in becoming a writer and creating fun travel videos on YouTube, but I had no idea where to start. So, I did what most people do nowadays and began researching “How To Write Good Books and Make Great Videos” on YouTube. As I was researching, “How To Be A Voice Actor” started peppering my video feed. Curiosity got the best of me, and I figured I’d contact a voice-over coach. Gabrielle Nistico was my first coach, and she was incredible! I then went on under the instruction of Lisa Biggs and J. Michael Collins. I’m extremely blessed to have found some of the best coaches in the business.
I went on to start my own production company as I wanted to encompass other areas of the industry and not just VO. Marketing was going to be extremely important. I was contacted by Cory Dissin, the Heavyweight Champion Of Marketing and Coaching, and my social media presence bloomed from there. Clients and casting directors found it easy to find/contact me, and the jobs started rolling in (podcasts, explainer videos, characters for animated series, etc.). Unfortunately, I was living in Germany at the time, and many of the bigger studios still required in-person recordings in LA, NY, or Atlanta.
So, I packed up my stuff and made the long trek to Los Angeles, CA. I flew from Germany to Washington, DC, then drove from DC to Florida to Colorado to LA. Once I arrived in LA, I found the most incredible VO community. It is truly a gift to be a part of them.
Since the move, I have been nominated for a SOVAS (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences) award and have been in multiple commercials, corporate videos, animated series, and promos as a model, VO artist, and on-screen actor. Bellydancing has also been a lucrative passion as I have had the honor of dancing at the first-ever Goddess Moon Circle’s Autumn Equinox Festival in Burbank, CA. I am also blessed to have shared my story via many podcasts and article interviews.
I absolutely love being in the Entertainment Industry and am grateful for this new chapter!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been one of the most fulfilling and hardest journeys of my life.
I absolutely love the creative aspect of the job and meeting interesting people in the industry. The main struggle seems to be maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Sometimes it’s difficult to stop and take breaks when the creativity is flowing. Also, running a business solo has its challenges as you are the point of contact for all departments/sections of your business (admin, IT, customer service, etc.). I’d still do it all over again if I had the option.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Thank you so much!
I am a full-time professional media talent (voice-over artist, actor, model, screenwriter, producer, and Bellydancer). I specialize in the following services:
Voice-over – animation, video games, e-learning, narration, telephony, and promos for TV, radio, and the internet
Actor – commercials, streaming and TV series, feature films, TV and internet promos
Model – print and video
Screenwriter – project collaborations, streaming/TV series, feature films
Producer – streaming and TV series, feature films, business promos, corporate videos
Bellydancer – festivals, live events
You may check out my work via the following links:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12290627/
https://crystaljproductions.com/press
I’m proud of this new chapter I have created for myself that hopefully inspires others to follow through with their own dreams.
What sets me apart from the majority of creatives in our industry is I am a retired disabled veteran that is also a Bellydancer, Voice Over Artist, Actor, Screenwriter, and Producer. Doesn’t get much more unique than that.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Creating this magical life wasn’t easy, but it is worth every ounce of energy, time, money, sweat, tears, and joy to fulfill my purpose. One lesson I have learned that’s worth sharing is to be selective with whom you spend your energy. Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 profession, and free time is limited. Spend your time with whom/what brings you joy, and cut out the rest.
I am the Magical Crystal M. Lee, and thank you for sharing your time with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CrystalJProductions.com/press and www.AnimatedVoiceOvers.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
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12290627/
- Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdCk9pCn/ or @crystalmlee.vo
Image Credits
@grettelcortesphotography
@akiraleewatanabe
@goddessmooncircles
@rebeccaprephan
@themagicalmidlife
