We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Papy Saygbay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Papy, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is something deeply personal, and for me, it stems from a combination of my parents’ strength and my faith in Christ. I was born in Liberia, West Africa, a place of immense beauty but also great challenges, being the ninth poorest country in Africa. Growing up, I faced significant language and cultural barriers when my family moved to the United States. Our journey was far from easy. We lived in a New York City subway for a time until a kind Liberian family took us in, providing us with shelter and hope.
My father’s deportation was a devastating blow, and it meant we had to lean even more on each other. Neither of my parents had the educational background for well-paying jobs, but they never gave up. Their perseverance was a constant source of inspiration for me. When we moved to Dallas, TX, life didn’t get easier. We faced discrimination and racism, not just from other students but from the school faculty as well. It was a tough environment, but it taught me the importance of standing strong in the face of adversity.
Through all these trials, my faith in Christ has been my rock. I believe that God has been with us every step of the way, providing strength and comfort when we needed it most. My parents’ unwavering determination and the support of my faith have given me the resilience to face any challenge. Their example has shown me that no matter how tough things get, perseverance and faith can help you overcome anything.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a voice-over artist. My days are spent swimming through all types of scripts from 30-second commercials to epic narrations that seem to go on forever. You know, like giving the voice to whatever you’re watching, whether it’s a commercial, an animated movie, or even just a slideshow of your vacation pics.
But what I really love is TV commercials and promos. That’s my playground, where I get to flex those vocal muscles and give those words on a page my own special sauce, and let me tell you, I live for it.
What makes me stand out, I think is my deep, baritone signature sound, dripping with richness (if I do say so myself). I can switch it up in the blink of an eye, from a professional sound, to something more neutral and even a sound with a little urban flair.
It’s not just about the voice though—it’s about the impact we make. My sister and I offer scholarships in mine and my mom’s name to high school seniors who are majoring in fine arts or education.. THAT is something I’m truly proud of!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of my standout qualities is my consistency. I believe that showing up every day and putting in steady effort, regardless of the circumstances, builds a strong foundation for success. Consistency isn’t just about doing the same thing over and over; it’s about maintaining a high level of performance and dedication. It’s the quiet force that drives progress, even when immediate results aren’t visible.
Being detail-oriented is another strength I pride myself on. I pay close attention to the finer points, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks. This meticulous approach helps in producing high-quality work. Whether it’s double-checking the quality of the read, catching typos, or ensuring that voice is close to or at 100% that day, being detail-oriented means striving for excellence and reliability.
Lastly, I always strive to keep a positive outlook. This isn’t just about being happy go lucky; it’s about resilience and finding the silver lining in every situation. Maintaining a positive attitude helps in overcoming challenges and motivates others around me. It’s about seeing opportunities in obstacles and believing in the possibility of positive outcomes, no matter how tough the situation may seem.
For anyone just starting their journey, my advice is to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and the challenges you face are opportunities in disguise. Embrace the uncertainty and the discomfort, because that’s where you’ll learn the most and find the greatest opportunities for growth. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and it’s through embracing the unknown that you truly find your path to success.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was risking their lives to bring us to the United States. Growing up in Liberia during the civil war was incredibly dangerous and uncertain. My parents made the courageous decision to leave everything behind to give us a chance at a better, safer life. Their bravery and selflessness are truly inspiring.
Coming to the U.S. wasn’t just a physical journey; it was a journey of hope and resilience. God had a plan for our lives, and I am forever grateful for His grace and mercy that guided us through those challenging times. My parents’ sacrifice has shaped who I am today and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the opportunities we have here. Their story reminds me every day to be thankful, work hard, and never take anything for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.papyonair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papyonair/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/papyonair/
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