Today we’d like to introduce you to Wyndie Oliver.
Hi Wyndie , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Born as Wendy Heather Oliver, I perform under the moniker of Wyndie Oh! which is just a mix of my initials. As a result of there being 3 Wendys in the theater dept at Germantown High School in the late 80’s, Thespian/SAG rules say there are no 2 actors with the same name and being a Cyndi Lauper fan back then I changed the spelling of my name. And I’ve been Wyndie ever since.
I remember standing on my grandmother’s coffee table with a long towel on my head, performing into the mirror, pretending to be Cher. I guess that was when i knew what i want to be.
I started singing I recall around 8 in church as do most R&B singers. I was the preacher’s kid and involved in multiple ways growing up. In high school I was more involved in choir all 4 years and did a few theater productions as well. In college I participated in auxiliary choirs and became a lead vocalist. In 1991 I won Miss Black Memphis and did the pageant scene for a while. As well as joining the BSU modeling troop, which also had me becoming a part of Erole’ Expose Models. That led to 14 years as a modeling and acting instructor at John Casablancas. One thing led to another, and my singing career took off joining 2 cover bands: Blue Silk and The Underground. I took sort of a hiatus while my son
was growing up. I went back to school finished 2 degrees. But as soon as he finished high school i was back up and doing more of my solo thing and more Praise and Worship for different churches. I released a gospel album in 2009 and eventually got back on stage through local theaters in 2018. I was in the ensemble of Dreamgirls (POTS) and Hello Dolly (TM) but in 2024 I ended up with a (supporting) lead roles as Becky in Waitress (POTS) and Faye in Skeleton Crew (Circuit). Today I am on the talent roster of Creative Aging performing for local Senior Living facilities and community programs. AS well I still sing for a number of churches and I am an Elder at my own church, New Growth in Christ. I stay busy and love being able to bring joy to many through song. I also support my son as much as i can as he is a professional actor performing nationally in regional theaters. Oh, I do have a regular full-time job as an accountant.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say the road has been fairly easy. I really haven’t tried for anything major. OF course, there were times I didn’t get a job after an audition. But I must say I have been BLESSED as some roles came to me as others referred me. Being a divorced single mother, I feel maybe I could have done more and moved away from the city, but I stayed. My son became my focus. Lately, I have noticed through age my body doesn’t move like some of the others on stage and there aren’t many roles for my demographic. So, I sit and wait on that next big chance.
Personally, I had some bad relationships and had partners who tried to hold me back. Told me i could NOT be out here chasing a dream (although I was already established) But I stayed strong and I noticed that as soon as I fully broke away from that person, I began getting more and more bookings. Again, BLESSED.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been an accountant all my personal career life. I have actually only had 3 jobs over the last 30 years. I left one job thinking i would end up getting a promotion and thankfully that job allowed someone else to not get laid off. The job I took was miserable but actually led me to meeting a number of people in the industry. Through them I produced my first (only) CD, “Songs from my Heart” (I guess I have had 4 jobs but since only there 9 months I don’t even count it. LOL) I say that was my time to ‘birth’ my future career.
I have been at my last job for 9 years now and promoted after my 3rd one there. I don’t have a full accounting degree but have learned from my time and my managers who actually knew what they were doing. Those who choose to teach and not just bark orders. I review the books for a Wendy’s franchise covering 200 plus stores across the US from Ohio to Florida, the majority in MS. I have an Associate, Bachelors and Master’s degree, in Business Administration, so it helps me as a business owner of “Oh! What an Event Entertainment”
Through my own business, I provide entertainment either solo or with a band, as well as event coordination. I have also been a production assistant for a local concert promoter (Fresh Ideas) working backstage and dealing with many aspects of putting on a successful concert.
I joke and say I am a hustler, making it do what I can in whatever comes my way!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Honestly, no. I am not a big reader but some in my family are. Ironically come to think of it, those who don’t sing are the big readers. Outside of the Bible. I watch plays and movies and look for bloopers. that is the actor and production assistant (PA) in me. Also listening for and learning new songs to ass to my repertoire.
Pricing:
- all pricing is based on length of performance and if solo or live band
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wyndieoh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wyndieoh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wyndieoh/
- Youtube: @wyndieoh7311
