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

Mahalia Brown has one of the most recognizable voices in Australia.

The 39-year-old actor from Melbourne is the voice behind Kmart adverts which can be heard in-store, on radio, social media and TV.

It was the “friendly, welcoming” natural tone of her voice that landed her the role in mid-2023 after she auditioned early last year.

“They seemed to like that I had a more relaxed, smiling sound that wasn’t too pushy or energetic,” Ms Brown told FEMAIL.

Although she is not recognized when she is in public, she cannot get over the fact that she hears herself when she shops in the store.

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

‘I hear myself all the time! I love it! “I’m so proud because it’s a dream come true,” she said.

“I never thought my career would lead me into voice acting; I thought I would mainly do television acting.’

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

Having been in the industry for over 15 years, she knows how to adapt her voice to different brands and assignments – even when placed on the spot.

She often isn’t given a script in advance, which she says was “very intimidating” early in her career. No training was required for Kmart’s role.

‘I hear myself [in store] always! I love it! “I’m so proud because it’s a dream come true,” she said

Ms. Brown has also voiced advertisements for other major brands including Target, Michael Hill, NAB, Just Jeans, Shell and more

Over the years, Ms. Brown has learned not to be too hard on herself and not to take anything personally when she doesn’t get a role. According to her, a number of factors play a role in 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 have thick skin in this industry, otherwise you won’t get far.

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

Recently, Ms. Brown shared an insight into what it’s like to record in the sound booth and shared several now-viral videos on TikTok. In one video she is seen using Kmart’s iconic slogan ‘low prices guaranteed for life’

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

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

In a video she’s seen recording the iconic Kmart slogan “low prices for life guaranteed” and at one point she struggles to get the sound right.

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

The short clip has been viewed almost a million times and was flooded with comments from customers and even Kmart staff, shocking Ms Brown.

“Your voice is so iconic,” one wrote, while another said: “OMG is it you??”

‘I hear you every shift [sic]’, says one employer.

“So that’s you!” another added.