Today we’d like to introduce you to Milena Tinoco.
Hi Milena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think I was always meant to be a performer and an entrepreneur. I was born to two hard-working immigrant parents from Colombia. My dad was a musician and a doctor, and my mom—after succeeding in several career paths, from ballroom dance instructor to hairdresser—created a character called “Ooopsy the Clown” when I was six and started a children’s party and event business.
When I was homeschooled in elementary school, I’d tag along to my mom’s events, and in between lessons and schoolwork, I’d dress up as Baby Bop, Pocahontas, Minnie Mouse, or whoever my mom needed me to be that day. It was a weird (and incredibly fun) way to grow up.
As a teenager, I began taking acting more seriously—enrolling in acting classes and eventually booking on-camera work in commercials, independent films, and short films. Later, I became a TV host for a Telemundo affiliate in Indianapolis, where I wrote, directed, and helped edit my own segment. That experience gave me the chance to sharpen my Spanish and really find my voice on camera.
Still, acting didn’t feel like a “real job” at the time, so I decided to pursue a more “stable” career—something with a regular paycheck and health benefits. I went to nursing school, but acting remained a creative outlet, something that kept a spark alive in me.
I didn’t discover voiceover until 2010, when I was asked to record pickups for the radio version of a commercial I had appeared in. I had so much fun in the studio and thought, “Wait… what is this voiceover thing, and how can I do more of this?”
That curiosity turned into action. I convinced a sound-engineer friend to let me sit in on sessions and learn from him. I eventually created a demo, started learning everything I could, and began auditioning—all while finishing nursing school and starting a family.
For years, voiceover was a fun side gig. But during the pandemic, while working in the emergency department, I started to feel really burned out. I loved being a nurse and caring for people, but the emotional and physical toll was heavy in 2020. I decided to take a break from the hospital and bet on myself—to see what could happen if I gave my “fun hobby” a real chance.
What happened next exceeded my wildest dreams.
In 2021, I signed with my first agent, CESD New York, and booked my first SAG job shortly after. Since then, I’ve gone on to be represented by some of the top agencies nationwide, I’ve received incredible award nominations and wins, and I’ve had the privilege of voicing projects in English and Spanish for major brands like Verizon, Ford, Universal Studios, Walmart, AmBetter Health, MSC Cruises, and many more. Today, I work full-time in voiceover from my broadcast-quality home studio. I still keep my RN license active, but my heart and energy are fully in VO right now.
There was a time when I struggled with that shift—when I worried I was “selling out” or no longer helping people. But I’ve since realized that I am still helping, just in a different way. My voice isn’t just for entertainment or selling products; it’s also for connection, encouragement, and truth.
Through my platform, I try to speak to others who might feel the same things I’ve faced—imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or questioning their worth. In doing that, I’m often speaking to myself, too.
I may not be holding hands at the bedside anymore, but I’ve learned I can still use my voice to bring comfort, inspiration, and courage—to remind others (and myself) to keep chasing their dreams and to believe that they’re enough.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Sure, jumping into a completely new career wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. When I left nursing to pursue voiceover full time, I quickly learned that having talent behind the mic was only part of the equation. The business side — marketing, clients, networking — felt like learning a whole new language. And at first, the biggest challenge was simply finding enough work to replace my nursing income.
I’ll never forget my first year. My husband lost his job, and I went a full month without a single booking. It was terrifying. We had two small kids at home, and I remember lying awake at night wondering how we were going to make it work. But then — almost like a message from the universe — the next month I signed with my first agent, and everything started to shift.
I often joke that I made every mistake possible on the way to building a thriving career. But each one taught me something important along my journey. Through A LOT of trial and error, I learned the business and the tech, made the right connections, honed my craft, and found my flow. More than anything, I learned that success isn’t just about skill or a nice voice — it’s about resilience, faith, and the courage to keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
oh sure… I’m a bilingual voice actor — which basically means I’m an actor whose voice tells the story. You can hear my work in TV and radio commercials, corporate and medical videos, Broadway show and concert tour promos, PSAs, video games, and even throughout Universal Studios and the new Epic Universe theme park. Every project is a new opportunity to tell a story, connect with people, and bring words to life.
What sets me apart is simply… me. I really believe we all have something special and unique to offer just by being ourselves. For me, that includes speaking English and Spanish fluently, understanding both U.S. and Latin American cultures, my background in healthcare, and the compassion and warmth that come from being a mom.
What I’m most proud of is the example I’m setting for my boys — showing them that it’s possible to build something meaningful from the ground up through hard work, authenticity, and integrity. My journey reminds me every day that success isn’t just about achievement — it’s about staying true to who you are while you build it.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Oh wow! I have a lot of those. One that stands out is from when I was about 5 years old. My mom and dad packed my brother and I up early and told us that my dad had a work meting a few hours away.
The car ride felt like it took years, but I remember the moment when the road signs started changing to Mickey Mouse ears and we saw the “Welcome to Walt Disney World Resort” sign and realized that there was no work meeting. My parents had surprised us with trip to Disney.
Maybe that’s why I love theme parks so much! Ha ha! I’m a child in an adult body.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://milenavoiceover.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milenavoiceover/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milenavoiceover
