Kathleen Sone AKA “Voice Over Flowers” Shares Her Journey and Hard-Earned Lessons in Voiceover and Dubbing

 

Kathleen Sone AKA “Voice Over Flowers”

Behind every confident voice heard in commercials, IVR systems, and dubbed series is a story shaped by uncertainty, perseverance, and growth. For Kathleen Sone, also known as “Voice Over Flowers,” her journey into the voiceover and dubbing industry is a testament to how passion, mentorship, and continuous practice can transform doubt into purpose.

Kathleen did not begin her career with a clear roadmap. Already doing voiceover work without formal training, she found herself questioning where her voice would eventually lead—whether it would remain a side hustle or evolve into a long-term profession. With no guidance and no structured direction, the path felt uncertain. That changed in 2015, when she discovered Sir Pocholo Gonzales online. What started as a simple discovery soon became a turning point in her life.

At the time, Kathleen was a fresh graduate, struggling financially and unable to afford the workshop she had been saving up for. Unexpectedly, she was offered a full scholarship, an opportunity she never anticipated. She embraced it wholeheartedly—attending every workshop, learning from mentors, and immersing herself in the craft. That season marked the beginning of a major shift: her confidence grew, doors opened, and her network expanded to include fellow voice artists and directors.

Today, Kathleen balances voiceover work as a side hustle while maintaining a full-time career as a creative writer at GMA Network, where she writes comedy scripts for weekend shows. While her writing career may not always be visible to the public, both crafts—writing and voice—intersect in her ability to tell stories with authenticity and emotion.

One of the most memorable milestones in her voiceover journey was becoming the voice behind the Jollibee Delivery IVR, a project that significantly boosted her reach and visibility. The opportunity came unexpectedly—a late-night message, a script sent in advance, and the realization that the first line read, “Thank you for calling Jollibee Delivery.” Recognizing the magnitude of the project, Kathleen prepared diligently. Despite initial hesitations and restrictions around behind-the-scenes recording, the project eventually went live, and the rest became history. The viral success of the Jollibee IVR recording played a crucial role in the growth of her YouTube channel, Voice Over Flowers, which she intentionally built as part of her marketing strategy. More than a portfolio, the platform became a space where aspiring voice artists could see the realities of the industry—behind-the-scenes work, preparation, and discipline. While client inquiries and paid opportunities became a welcome bonus, Kathleen’s main goal remained clear: to inspire and guide others who are starting their own journey.

Kathleen sone

She openly acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges for beginners is creating a demo reel—deciding what to include, critiquing one’s own work, and building confidence before putting oneself out there. For Kathleen, self-doubt was part of the process. Over time, practice and consistency helped her refine her portfolio and market herself with confidence. Kathleen also highlights the important distinction between voiceover and dubbing. While both fall under the same industry, they demand different skill sets, discipline, and physical engagement. Her first dubbing experience—a Thai series aired on Philippine television—opened her eyes to how dubbing requires the use of the whole body, precise timing, and heightened emotional expression. Neither craft is better than the other, she explains; understanding their differences allows artists to decide where their passion truly lies—or if they can pursue both.

Looking ahead, Kathleen remains optimistic about the future of the industry, especially as digital content continues to grow. While acknowledging the rise of AI-generated voices, she firmly believes that human emotion remains irreplaceable—a core element that technology cannot fully replicate.

For aspiring voiceover artists and dubbers, Kathleen offers simple yet powerful advice: keep practicing. Use downtime to improve skills, listen to podcasts, study movies, observe vocal acting, and connect with people in the industry. Challenges, she says, are not setbacks but essential parts of the journey. “If you’re going through a hard time,” Kathleen reminds aspiring artists, “remember that one day, it will become your beautiful testimony.” Her story stands as proof that every struggle, every hesitation, and every challenge contributes to a voice worth hearing—not just on screen, but in the lives of those inspired to follow the same path.