After listening to everyone, I went back and revisited the mix . . .

I had never taken the breaths out so I expanded and figured I would do that before changing the sound . . .

When I did that, I saw the waveform up close (magnified about 10X) . . . top of waveform is flat when blown up which would hint that there was brickwall limiter . . . that is part of reason vocals are a lil brittle, some of the waveform is missing.

I have contacted a couple of studios in her city - going to try and get that wonderful voice on a 8K dollar tube mic with a Red preamp and see what happens . . . .

Appreciate all of the feedback and encouragements!!!