Belle Sisters: Hi everyone, welcome to the Belles Beyond Podcast by Belle Sisters.

My name is Nmasichi, and I am your host here at the Belles Beyond Podcast. We are a community-driven social enterprise building support systems for female founders of color in our community. We foster safe spaces where women can make informed, genuine connections and grow together.

It’s basically a space where women can be vulnerable about their entrepreneurial journeys without fear of judgment.

Today, we have the amazing Kris Keppeler with us. Kris Keppeler is a narrator, actor, writer, and voice actor. After discovering her singing talent in junior high, she never stopped using her voice to tell stories, both musically and through spoken word.

What’s especially amazing is that Kris has impersonated a cat, a prince, a princess, a witch, and even a dragon. She has also narrated and produced over 50 audiobooks. Wow. Welcome to the show, Kris.

Kris Keppeler: Oh, thank you so much.

Belle Sisters: Can you tell us a little more about yourself?

Kris Keppeler: Yeah. I started out as a singer in junior high choir and continued through junior college. At one point, though, I got bored with it. I was also told that I couldn’t sing properly, mostly by choir directors who didn’t really want to figure out what the issue was.

The truth was, I didn’t grow up taking piano lessons or hearing music in a technically correct way, so I never really developed a musical ear. That was the real problem. But especially in public schools, people sometimes don’t want to take the time to understand what might actually be wrong.

It wasn’t until junior college that a choir director really took an interest in everyone. With just a few tweaks, he realized that maybe I actually could sing.

Later, I got bored with choir again. In my 30s, a blind date took me to a Gilbert and Sullivan production. In the program, they mentioned they were looking for chorus members, and I thought, “That sounds interesting. I want to sing again.”

I had already started taking lessons, so I auditioned. In the next production, I was a fairy with wings and a wand, dancing on stage. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is so much better than choir.”

After that, I wanted to move to the front of the stage, so I started taking acting lessons. I just kept exploring. For me, life has always been about exploration. I even learned to sing opera along with musical theater. I’ve always been someone who says, “This is interesting, I’ll give it a try.” I tried film acting the same way. Even now, if something new pops up, like AI tools on my computer, I’m curious enough to explore it. I’ve always loved learning and trying new things.

Belle Sisters: It sounds like you explored different paths until you found what you truly love to do.

You’ve also narrated and produced over 50 audiobooks. Can you tell us what that journey looked like? Producing that many audiobooks is a huge accomplishment.

Kris Keppeler: Oh yeah, it was tough. I had taken voice acting lessons, but even with an acting background, you still need specialized coaching for voice acting. I really enjoyed it, but I didn’t enjoy commercial voiceover work very much. Reading commercial copy felt boring to me, so I started asking myself what else I could do.

I eventually joined some freelance sites, and most of the jobs I got hired for were audiobooks. At the time, I only had basic recording and editing skills for auditions, but audiobooks are a completely different level. So I decided, “Okay, this is what I’m getting hired for, so I’m going to learn how to do it properly.” I especially enjoyed non-fiction because you learn so much while narrating.

I spent a lot of time on forums asking questions. I also took audio editing and audio engineering classes because audiobook specifications are very different from commercial work. They’re extremely technical and very specific.

Honestly, one of the hardest parts was learning audio engineering well enough to meet audiobook platform requirements like Audible’s. The specifications are unusual compared to standard commercial audio.

So I kept taking classes, asking questions, and learning from people online. Eventually, it became easier. Now Audible has ACX tools that allow you to test files before uploading, which helps a lot.

Belle Sisters: You mentioned learning sound engineering. Would you say that was one of the biggest challenges that almost made you quit freelancing?

Kris Keppeler: Yeah, it was really frustrating trying to figure out the sound specifications. I had to ask a lot of people for help. Eventually, someone introduced me to a program that could test my files before submission.

At that time, Audible didn’t have the tools they have now, so you would upload files and just hope they passed quality control. Once I found that program, things started making more sense.

I also created systems to make the process smoother because audiobooks require very precise timing and formatting. I had to figure out ways to simplify the editing process for myself.

Belle Sisters: What kept you going even when things became frustrating?

Kris Keppeler: I’m extremely persistent. I really enjoyed the work, and if I wanted to keep doing it, then I knew I needed to learn how to do it properly.

I kept looking for answers, asking questions, joining Facebook groups for narrators, watching YouTube videos on audio engineering, and continuing to learn. A lot of it came down to persistence and curiosity.

Belle Sisters: So basically, a lot of grit.

Kris Keppeler: Exactly. Grit, persistence, and continuing to explore.

Belle Sisters: I think that’s one of the realities of entrepreneurship. You have to figure things out. When one door closes, you look for another door, and if there’s no door, you find a window or even a tiny crack in the wall. You just have to keep searching for what works.

What would you say has been one of the most fulfilling moments in your journey as an audiobook producer?

Kris Keppeler: Crossing the milestone of producing over 50 audiobooks was huge for me. In the audiobook industry, that’s a major accomplishment and it really elevates your credibility.

Another big win was getting audio credits on my IMDb page. I now have credits for a video game and an animated film, and those felt like major milestones for me too.

Belle Sisters: That sounds amazing. Crossing over 50 audiobooks is definitely something worth celebrating.

Now, what about the downsides? What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur?

Kris Keppeler: Since I’m a solopreneur, it can get lonely. Sometimes you feel like you’re working really hard and nothing is happening, and that can be discouraging.

There are also projects that just don’t work out, and sometimes you have limited funds, so you can’t always hire help. That means you have to find free resources or spend time researching and learning things yourself.

Belle Sisters: Definitely. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, even when you have a team, because you’re carrying a vision that no one else can fully see yet.

How did you navigate the loneliness and challenges? Did you join communities or network more?

Kris Keppeler: Yes, definitely. I started joining communities and networking more. I realized it’s important to join communities that are adjacent to what you do.

For me, joining women-focused entrepreneurial communities and groups related to media and communication really helped. One of the best things I’ve done recently was joining a women’s publishing group that hosts monthly networking events. I also joined Women in Media groups.

It helps to connect with women who understand your journey, where you’re headed, and how you can support each other.

Belle Sisters: I completely agree. Community and networking can be incredibly helpful. Honestly, that’s one of the reasons we started Belle Sisters. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating when you’re working late nights and no one really sees the effort behind the scenes.

But when women come together and share their experiences, you realize you’re not alone.

Were there moments when you questioned whether entrepreneurship was really for you?

Kris Keppeler: Oh yes, absolutely. I would get discouraged when I wasn’t booking enough work or networking with the right people.

It took me a while to realize that general networking wasn’t enough. I needed to network specifically with women in media and creative spaces.

That realization eventually led me to start a group on Alignable, which is a small business networking platform. During the pandemic, I felt there should be a space for artists of all kinds.

That’s how I created the Creative Arts Business Coalition. It’s for all types of artists and creatives. We hold monthly virtual meetings, and it has grown tremendously.

Belle Sisters: That’s amazing.

Kris Keppeler: Yeah, we now have over 30,000 members.

Belle Sisters: That is incredible.

Kris Keppeler: Not everyone attends the virtual meetings, of course, but there’s a lot of activity in the group. People support one another, and that was always my goal, artists helping artists.

Belle Sisters: That’s really beautiful. So would you say the group has also become one of your business?

Kris Keppeler: It’s not technically my business because Alignable owns the platform, but it’s definitely been great for visibility and public relations. It has helped put me in front of more people.

Belle Sisters: It seems like you’ve had a lot of success, especially with the group, but I’m sure it wasn’t always smooth. What mistakes did you make early on that taught you important lessons?

Kris Keppeler: I should have invested in marketing help much earlier. I really needed a business coach who understood creative businesses and marketing.

I tried teaching myself, but it was difficult, and finding the right coach took years. Creative businesses are different, and not every coach understands that.

Belle Sisters: Have you finally found the right coach now?

Kris Keppeler: Yes, finally, after several years.

Belle Sisters: And would you say that has improved your marketing and visibility?

Kris Keppeler: Definitely. I’ve learned how to create better landing pages and stronger lead magnets.

I always struggled with figuring out what to offer people, something valuable that still leaves them wanting more. My coach really helped me understand that better.

Belle Sisters: Like creating a strong lead magnet.

Kris Keppeler: Exactly. I recently released one, so we’ll see how it goes, but it’s already been very helpful.

Belle Sisters: As we begin to wrap up, what advice would you give to a woman stepping into entrepreneurship for the first time?

Kris Keppeler: Take an honest look at your strengths and weaknesses. Then find help in the areas where you struggle.

Most importantly, find a business coach who truly understands your industry, your strengths, and your weaknesses. That kind of guidance makes a huge difference.

Belle Sisters: Thank you so much, Kris. One thing that really stood out to me was how much networking and community helped you navigate the loneliness of entrepreneurship.

It reminded me how powerful it is when women have spaces where they don’t need to perform or prove themselves. They can simply be seen, supported, and understood. That’s really the heart behind Belle Sisters.

So to everyone listening, if you’ve been craving genuine connection, sisterhood, and honest conversations like this, our community exists for you.

And Kris, thank you again for sharing your journey, your experiences, and your wisdom with us. Conversations like this are exactly why spaces like these matter.

Kris Keppeler: Thank you.