Unmasked: This is how I became the iconic ‘voice of Kmart ads’ across Australia

Mahalia Brown has one of Australia’s most recognizable voices.

The Melbourne actor, 39, is the voice behind Kmart adverts heard in stores, radio, social media and television.

It was the “friendly and welcoming” natural sound of her voice that landed her the role in mid-2023, after an audition early last year.

“They seemed to like that I had a more relaxed, smiley sound, not too aggressive or full of energy,” Ms Brown told FEMAIL.

While she doesn’t get recognized when she’s out in public, she can’t help but hear herself when shopping in a store.

‘I hear myself all the time! I love it! “I feel very proud because it is a dream come true,” she stated.

“I never thought my career would lead me to voice acting; I thought I would do mostly television acting.”

She has also voiced advertisements for other big-name brands including Target, Michael Hill, NAB, Just Jeans, Shell, and more.

Having been in the industry for over 15 years, he knows how to change his voice to fit different brands and underpants, even when he’s in a pinch.

She is often not provided a script in advance, which she says used to be “very discouraging” early in her career. She did not require training for the Kmart position.

Over the years, Ms. Brown has learned not to be too hard on herself and not to take anything personally if she doesn’t get a role, as she said several factors come into play when choosing an actor.

“Sometimes it can come down to something as small as hair color or eye color,” she said.

‘You have to be passionate and thick-skinned in this industry or you won’t get very far.

“I don’t allow myself to get too excited or celebrate too soon until things are finalized because sometimes things can take a turn or not move forward.”

He has also had roles in several television shows including Neighbors, Winners and Losers, Erinsborough High.

Recently, Ms. Brown shared insight into what it’s like to record in the sound booth and shared several now-viral videos on TikTok.

In one video She has been seen recording Kmart’s iconic “guaranteed low prices for life” slogan and at one point has trouble getting the sound right.

‘That was a weird ‘guaranteed’, do you want me to give you some?’ she says in the video.

The short clip nearly surpassed one million views and was inundated with comments from customers and even Kmart employees, which surprised Ms Brown.

‘Your voice is so iconic,’ one person wrote, another said: ‘OMG is that you?’

‘I listen to you every turn oml [sic]’ said one employer.

‘So that’s what you are!’ added another.