We were lucky to catch up with Jacki recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jacki, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

Most recently while working as a voice artist, I submitted an audition through Audible and got the right to produce a new book about AI. When speaking through the platform email to the author, she expressed to me that she loved my audition but was hesitant in general, as he had hired two voice artists prior and they had terrible communication, with one completely ghosting her halfway through the project.

I assured her that this would not be the case with me, but I wanted to no only be better, but show her in several ways why she can trust me, and feel comfortable with her decision to hire me. I gave her my personal email, so she could connect easier and made sure to giver her updates as I went along. I put her as a priority on my recording schedule as I knew she was already running past deadline due to the poor service she had received before me. I sent her samples of tones, to make sure she liked the direction I was taking. I also contacted her if I found any errors.

She was not only happy with my work, saying it exceeded the other talent, but more importantly, she raved about the great communication saying I was well worth the wait. I am now about to start working on another book for her. Communication is the key to client success, and going the extra mile.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started Blue Lava LLC after working many years in the radio and music industry. My career was always exciting and I enjoyed many aspects, however, I never felt like I had creative freedom or time to enjoy things I love, like travel for example.

With some help from a colleague, I used my LLC to purchase an online software company ( something I had never done, in a niche I was not familiar with) but learned about running a business on my own, with my decisions effecting the outcome. I also started my passion project, voiceovers. I built a studio in my home and began to audition on websites. Now I have large listing of audiobooks on audible, as well as a fantastic recurring client list.

I wound up selling my business and learning more about the online biz world by attending conferences, and groups etc. My Linkedin profile got a lot of traction as I was open to work, and eventually landed an amazing position with Diageo as an event producer, something I really missed doing. It started out as a contract position and now I am about 3 years in. Additionally I have a published comedic book out for sale, and continue to help book live music for local artists when I am able. I always like to have a foot in the door no matter how busy I am with other projects.

I am always looking for opportunities that I am passionate about. Though diverse, I am able to utilize my talents in different ways and enjoy doing it! All on my own terms. I offer a personalized, fun, and positive experience to my clients and co workers. I won’t ever work on a project or trade that isn’t fun for me, and I am very fortunate to have a lot to be proud of and continue to grow in these various industries.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the most versatile lesson I have learned is that no matter how much you plan, there will always be surprises. This goes for anything but especially in event world. You can prepare and prepare, make lists, dot all of the I’s, but something ( weather, people, technology) will always throw you a curveball here and there. I have learned patience and not to let it stress me out. I actually now enjoy the challenge instead of being afraid of it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Having the ability to plan my own day and use my talents on my own terms is amazing. When I am feeling creative, silly, inspired, I can go in my studio and audition for all sorts of books and voiceover spots. I might even throw down some tracks and put some music together or edit a sizzle reel for my event work.

When I am feeling the need organize, plan, come up with new ideas for events or my own online business ventures, I can go to a coffee shop, backyard, or even a balcony in Italy and enjoy doing this type of computer work instead. I can network with my events and clients when I feel social.

There are so many rewarding parts to what I do, and because I wear so many hats, I am able to enjoy each one in a different way. The greatest thing I ever did was tell myself I can do whatever I want, but I have to love it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Bluelavallc.com jackigvoiceovers.com Jackigsfakewedding.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacki-g-79401023/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bluelavallc2316
• Other: Audible

  https://www.audible.com/search?keywords=jacki+giardina&k=jacki+giardina&crid=055b0ba96da64650959e835d7e0b214a&sprefix=jacki%2Cna-audible-us%2C132&i=na-audible-us&url=search-alias%3Dna-audible-us&ref=nb_sb_noss_2