What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness is to live a long life with no regrets, knowing that every day I’ve spread some kindness around me. To love and be loved. To be healthy, so I can look after the people I love.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I bought a vintage Vacheron Constantin watch at an auction house. It’s a timepiece I will keep forever as my first vintage fine watch. It represents my love for antiques and my love for stories of the past.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Patience, to a point, makes some of us lazy. You can’t keep waiting patiently forever and believe things will fall into your lap. You have to work for it and often you have to be fast or the opportunity will be gone.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Apparently it’s “So! ”, “Why?” and “I can’t deal with this right now!”

Which talent would you most like to have?

Comedy. I’m very awkward when it comes to making a joke. Seriously, very awkward! I’m also very bad at remembering them, so it makes it even more awkward when I try to tell one…

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The release of my debut single Holding Back. I’m so grateful to my team. It’s finally out, after almost 18 months delay due to the pandemic. It represents the first segment of my album Tough Journey, which will be released next year.

What is your favourite pastime?

I love reading comics and manga. I was born in Belgium and I grew up in Brussels, which is the city of comics and there were always a lot at home. My mother is half Japanese, so it’s just been a big part of my life. When I was a child I would go into my room, in a corner, and read comics. It makes you go into another reality in a way – which I think is also the basis of songwriting, to transport you through storytelling.

What was your first job?

A bartender in a student cocktail bar. I still make killer cocktails!

What is your motto or favourite quote?

Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated. It’s something that I was told by my mentor. I would tell him about places I would go where I didn’t feel treated right – whether as a woman, or a person of colour or just as a young adult. And he reminded me that it’s a learning curve, you will learn where you are celebrated; don’t spend time where people are just tolerating you and they’re just ticking a box to fill the guest list. If I go somewhere, I want to be treated respectfully. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Which book do you always recommend?

Awareness: The Key to Living in Balance by Osho.

What book did you last read and why?

All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman. I’m still reading it and it’s a fantastic book to make decisive moves in your music career.

Which wardrobe items do you seem to never have enough of?

I love dresses. Since I was a kid, I’ve never been much into trousers – I only have two pairs in my whole wardrobe. I love getting a new dress, however, I have a rule of one item in, one item out. So, I’ll give it to my local charity or a friend. The rule of “one in, one out” is a great way to be more conscious about fashion and the way we make a wardrobe purchase.

What do you enjoy most about London Fashion Week?

It’s electric. It’s a fashion hub to discover new designs and new talents. I love meeting people who love what they do and who are so driven; it’s inspiring. I love catwalks, especially when they are accompanied by a live performance. Music and fashion blend so beautifully together.

Whose show are you most looking forward to seeing?

Kaushik Velendra. I’ve seen several of his presentations and catwalks. He makes a big statement with his tailoring shapes and bold shoulders. His designs are worn by celebrities, dancers and musicians across the world. He attracts a very cool crowd, so I’m looking forward to his next show during this London Fashion Week.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build a successful career in music?

Never ever give up. Talent is one thing, but hard work and consistency will be what makes you or breaks you.

What do you enjoy most about living in the neighbourhood?

Definitely the fashion. People here are always dressed so chic! I find that people in Chelsea like to make an effort because of the luxury stores and even the interior of some of the restaurants makes you want to dress up. There’s a feeling of collective “chicness” in the area.

Ciinderella Balthazar is a singer-songwriter and music composer. Her debut single, Holding Back, is out now. Discover more at https://linktr.ee/CiinderellaBalthazar

Follow Ciinderella Balthazar on Instagram @ciinderellabalthazar

Photography by Kirstin Sinclair