Meet Rachel Fulginiti

We recently connected with Rachel Fulginiti and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My dad’s favorite story about me was that when I was about 4 years old, we were at the Ulster County fair (a local fair in our community). There was a haunted house and I wanted to go in, but when we stepped inside I got scared and backed out, crying. I couldn’t do it. The next summer we went back to the fair and when my dad asked me where I wanted to go first, I took his hand and made a bee-line to the haunted house. I’d waited a whole year and I wanted a “re-do”. We went in and I successfully navigated the whole thing. Where did that resiliency come from? I think part of it is innate. I’m someone who’s always been fiercely determined, almost to a fault. I have an inner drive and a tough time letting go of things. I’ve always believed in second chances and my loyalty and dedication makes it really difficult to quit something once I set my mind to it. I think it’s why I lasted as an artist for my whole adult life. I just wouldn’t quit. I knew I could do it eventually.

Then when I was seven I experienced a deeply traumatic event that I had to essentially navigate and “get over” by myself. It was a different time and no one talked about anything; hard things were swept under the rug and therapists were often referred to as “headshrinkers”. I had to tap in and find a way out of that darkness. I had to rely on myself. And I did get through. Surviving something like that gives you grit.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a creative, I never lose sight of how fortunate I am to be able to work in my chosen profession. I started as an actor but once I found voice acting and narrating, I was in my lane. I’ve voiced over 200 audiobooks and I’m proud to have earned multiple Audie nominations and many other industry awards. As a voice actor I’ve represented too many brands to name – Lexus, Tennis Channel, Marriott are a few examples. Chances are you’ve probably heard me on the radio, tv or internet somewhere along the way.

Last year I branched out and began a podcast called “From Foster to Forever: True stories of non-traditional families born through foster-to-adopt” (https://www.fromfoster2forever.com/)

My husband and I adopted both our kids through the foster care system. Though it was a very challenging journey that spanned nearly a decade of my life, (talk about resilience – that was a master class!), I wouldn’t change it for the world. They’re the best thing that ever happened to me. Once we were a forever family, I felt called to give back, using my voice to educate and inform about this scarcely talked about subject. My intention is to educate and inspire people who might be curious about this path, and to amplify the voices on all sides of the foster care constellation.

I’ve also recently accepted a position as a columnist for the online publication Fostering Families Today. My first article will be out in the upcoming July/August issue. Really excited because all of this work comprises what I’ve been up to for the last ten years. I’m happy to be able to lend my skills and experience to a subject that deserves much more attention. To that end, I’m also writing a memoir about my personal journey through infertility, failed IVF, foster care and adoption.

I think if we’re brave enough to share the tough times we’ve been through, it might help someone else feel less alone. I’m here for that.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Grit/Resilience: To be an artist this is non-negotiable. You face so much rejection. It’s important to face your demons, get therapy, take care of your inner child, all of that stuff. Because at the end of the day, you have to be the one who believes in you, to keep going.

Skill/Craft building: Being an artist is a life-long journey and the learning never ends. It’s great to have talent, that helps a lot. But it will only get you so far. You must invest in learning your craft. Put in the time. Be humble. Learn from others who’ve come before you and done it successfully.

Find your people: The importance of having true friends and colleagues who are along on the journey with you can’t be understated. Find others who want what you want and pursue it together. It’s so much more fun that way and makes the ride a lot smoother and more enjoyable. You help each other and lift each other up when things are hard. when I was starting out, we formed workout groups, we went to networking events together, we celebrated the wins and cried together at the inevitable failures. These people are still my people. They became so much more than just colleagues, they are life long friends.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

As a voice professional, I’ve watched my income steadily decline over the years as more and more people have entered the field, in addition to all the stars that are doing it as well. Now, the threat of AI replacing us looms large. The industry has already shifted and will continue to do so. I know as a creative, I need to reinvent myself to stay afloat. My pivot is to create more of my own projects and opportunities. That includes my podcast as well as more original writing projects like audio dramas and musical projects.

I have a band with my husband and we just started playing out again. I think live performance is one of the only things that AI will never be able to replace. People will be craving that raw humanity and the shared experience of gathering to witness and create something together.
Our band’s name is Fantasizer. Our motto is “Be Your Fantasy”. Everyone deserves that. Be who you are. Let’s create the world we want to see.
https://fantasizertheband.framer.website

I’m also excited to be training to become a Workshop Leader for TMI Project, a storytelling organization that helps people craft and perform their own true stories. Their work is incredibly potent and transformational and I’m so happy to be a part of it, using my previous skills in a new way.

TMI Project

I think as artists (and even just humans, these days) we need to accept change and figure out how to tweak and reinvent ourselves. Thinking outside of the box is a must. There’s always an outlet, a place to continue to funnel your energy and sacred life force. It’s what we do and if we stay creative, we will persevere.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Family adoption photos = Aurelia D’Amore

Headshot (brick background) = Adenrele Ojo

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