Not Just Heard - Felt.

In fact, two of my biggest strengths - voice and public speaking - were once two of my biggest weaknesses (and, honestly, failures).

 

Let me explain. When I was training to be an actor, I loved it because it meant stepping into the shoes of someone else. It meant I didn’t have to be me. The truth was, at that time, I didn’t like “me.” I placed my identity in other things - characters, career ambitions, accomplishments - the list went on. 

 

Then one day, we were required to do a public speaking assignment where we had to be ourselves. Oh-no. Even then, I tried to play a character just to get through it!

 

Lo and behold, I failed the assignment. The only one in my class to fail.

 

Up until that point, failure was one of my biggest fears. I avoided it like the plague! I’d make a Plan B, C, D - even Plan E - just to make sure I wouldn’t have to face that kind of humiliation!! That same year, I struggled to pass my Voice class. One of my tutors kindly told me, “Your voice is very thin, you’re not fully projecting. You also speak very fast.” Deep down, I knew why: I didn’t want to take up space or people’s time, and most of all, I didn’t want to be seen, or heard.

 

If I could go back to 2010 Esmée, I’d tell her those failures and struggles would be some of the best things that could ever happen to her.

 

They led her on a faith journey - one that took her identity out of things that could never truly fulfil her, and placed it in Christ, learning to follow the teachings and character of Jesus.

 

When I started pursuing voiceover professionally in 2012, I remember hearing my voice back for the first time. I could hear the brokenness, the lies I’d believed about myself - I could hear just how trapped it was. Through voiceover and my journey of faith, I was able to find my voice again, to reclaim it and treasure it, because I learned how precious and valuable it really is.

 

Today, I love who I’ve been created to be. I’m free. I’ve found my voice. But what gives me the most joy is taking these treasures refined through hardship and giving them away as gifts through my work - whether that’s voicing a campaign that brings warmth, reassurance, or a sense of home; transforming into characters that express the depths of the human heart; or helping others and their companies find their voice to tell stories that serve and uplift their communities.

 

There is power in the voice - a vocal fingerprint unique to each of us. And what was once my greatest weakness has become one of my greatest strengths: a voice I now use in service to others, so that their message is not only heard, but felt and remembered.