Defining Moments VO. Evoking the right emotions to give you the right results.
Kenita Hill’s brand gives audiences an insight into her powerful voice that brings a touch of gravitas to each project. The CSM team greatly enjoyed working with Kenita to identify her brand story. As you’ll read below, Kenita’s experience working in healthcare informs her work as a voice actor. She uses her voice to amplify causes that are important to her. Developing her brand and designing her website with CSM allowed her to showcase those unique qualities to a wider audience.
Kenita Hill knows that everyone’s journey is different. In fact, that’s one of the things that makes this business so special.
Originally from Maryland, she now resides in Williamsburg, Virginia. Her 20 years of experience working in healthcare gives her a unique perspective as a voice actor. She laughs when asked to recall getting her start in the VO business.
“It sounds cliche, but enough people say ‘you have a nice voice’ and you start to get curious!”
She began by volunteering within the health care realm. Then she started booking jobs and quickly built momentum. Her hard work resulted in a OneVoice award nomination for Voiceover Newcomer of the Year in 2021. And the rest as they say, is history!
Kenita shares her thoughts on how to stay accountable, her proudest moments, and more in our Q&A below.
Tell us a bit about how your background in healthcare impacts your work as a voiceover artist?
Overall, it helps me connect. I think working with patients gives you a unique sense of empathy. Really, working with people at all — but especially within that healthcare setting — allows you to make connections with a wide variety of people. You experience their emotions alongside them and are there through the tough times. I definitely think that sense of empathy allows me to connect with the listener on a deeper level.
What is your biggest challenge in the industry and what is your favorite thing about it?
One thing I didn’t think about when getting started in this business is the importance of marketing yourself. Getting on social media, direct marketing via email, all the less glamorous stuff is so important. That was a bit of a shock for me initially — especially with social media. Posting wasn’t my favorite thing to do, but it can be fruitful. I’ve gotten placed on rosters due to my social content. Now, I’ve embraced it, I try to post every day!
The best part of this work for me is being entrusted to deliver someone’s message. People have stories, whether it be for products or for a specific cause, that they put a lot of time and energy into. So to be able to deliver their message is an honor.
Do you have any tricks of the trade that have helped you find success?
First of all, I believe in coaching. Most people can really benefit from training and honing their craft. But above all, you have to remember the fact that everyone’s journey is so different, you really can’t compare yourself to someone else. I think it can be hard sometimes not to get caught up in that. You know, you think “How come they’re so successful on this platform and I’m not?” Or on the flipside, I may be really good at something they aren’t.
That thinking goes out the door when you remember that everyone’s journey is really different — which is very cool. Sometimes it can be frustrating to try to find your own path, but it’s worth it. There is no one magic formula other than working hard and committing to what you want to do. You can’t give up on yourself. People who are successful are working hard. They are putting in effort. It’s not magic. You have to put in the effort and push through. That starts with finding your own path.
It can be hard as an entrepreneur running your own business to keep accountability. How do you stay energized and keep yourself accountable?
I think having accountability partners is very important. People to help you through those moments when you’re struggling or not feeling your best. Sometimes they’re in the industry and sometimes they’re not. For me, probably my biggest accountability partner is my youngest son because he’ll motivate me. If I’m not working to the best of my ability, he’ll say: “Oh, you must not want it bad enough!”
No one is as honest as your kids! I have three sons. They don’t mind hurting my feelings — it’s all out of love and I need that motivation. Having those people to check in with really helps with the accountability factor.
What do you most enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a thrifter. I love going to the thrift store! I found a mid-century table just yesterday. That’s something I really like to do in my free time.
You’ve achieved so much. Is there a particular job you’ve been a part of that you feel most proud of?
I like working on projects that revolve around social issues, especially surrounding the environment. A spot I worked on was actually shown as an opening video at the COP 2022 climate conference, so that was pretty incredible for me. I didn’t know beforehand that it was going to be shown there, so that was very cool. I’ve had a lot of special moments — it’s hard to choose just one, but that’s up there.
What’s your favorite thing about being a part of team CSM?
I think the most valuable thing is being surrounded by all of the very successful CSM talent. Everyone at CSM is quite accomplished, so getting the opportunity at our monthly events to compare notes —hearing that everyone has their own struggles (even if on social media it might seem like someone is perfect) is very affirming. Having that sense of community gives some validity to who you are and what you do — it’s like okay, I’m not comparing, but I’m not alone.
I love team CSM! Everyone is so pleasant. And the other resources — like the superstar webinars that give us opportunities to hear from all kinds of experts — are so valuable. I love that we get feedback on our auditions, and how accessible you are!
What’s in Your Booth: 3 Things Kenita Hill Can’t Live Without
- Water. You can never be too hydrated!
- Chapstick. Comfort is key!
- One of those little nose inhalers —like Vicks. They help keep things open and sounding fresh!
You can keep up with Kenita on Instagram and check out her demos here.
