What is the best thing that I love about my work? Writing songs for other artists gives me a chance to be somebody else and see the world through their eyes. I love writing songs for kids, because I can create a fantasy world that doesn’t exist, like writing a fairy tale, and that an adult would never sing about.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness for me is the opportunity to have an established career and a full family. I came to a realization last year that having children is a sign that your success is stable. I am the result of hundreds and thousands generations living on Earth before me, and it would be very selfish to live this life just for myself.

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is probably deep water. I was afraid of deep water as a kid so much that even a big bowl full of water could make me feel uncomfortable. I go to a swimming pool, but I don’t feel comfortable on a boat. Maybe because I am a Sagittarius, the Fire sign.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Being too kind.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? Sia, Lady Gaga, Diane Warren. Sia is an amazing songwriter with a distinguished and recognizable songwriting style. I respect her a lot for releasing the amazing songs declined by other artists herself and singing the released songs by other artists she wrote for at her concerts. I love Lady Gaga because she is bigger than music and she is the one using this chance to be famous, that doesn’t come to everybody, for all 100% by showing people something they’ve never seen before. Lots of people have a chance to walk a red carpet and they look so ordinary like they don’t appreciate the gift their life gave them. And Diane Warren is a strong woman who has been writing songs for decades and who was strong enough to pursue her dream when her mother didn’t believe she would be able to make any money from songwriting. She is so strong that she was able to stay on knees asking Cher to sing her song that became a big hit later.

What is my greatest extravagance? I love buying good clothes. Some of my garments look like wearable art, so I can’t wear them often. My fragrance is also unique, you can’t buy it at a common fragrance store. Sagittarius is the most sensitive to the smell sign, maybe it explains why I am so picky.

What is my most treasured possession? My life journey and experience.

What is my most marked characteristic? I have a very vivid imagination. It is the best thing for songwriting, but sometimes my vision is too complicated to be understood by other people. With some people I prefer not to share my thoughts because I know they will misunderstand me.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? In the city where I grew up, the most inspirational location was the Botanical Garden. In Los Angeles where I am living now, it is West Hollywood, to be precise – walking the streets in between houses in West Hollywood. It is very quiet and the houses look very nice, I can feel the energy of achievements.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? Fishing With Dynamite, a restaurant in Manhattan Beach. They have amazing fresh seafood and banana cake.

What books influenced my life and how? “Mastery” by Robert Greene. I believe everyone must read this book when they are young. It proved my beliefs that the standard education doesn’t make you an outstanding master, but sometimes it’s rather the lack of this education that gives people a chance to focus on what they truly love and become masters in those fields. It explains why it is essential to spend hours and hours practicing and says that it is possible to become outstanding by practicing a lot instead of believing that people are born talented.

You only die once. What music would I listen on my last day? “Daysleeper” by R.E.M.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Alice in Wonderland

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Jack Ma, the alibaba owner. Oprah Winfrey, the most powerful woman in entertainment.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? “Amelie”. The most wonderful movie that I have watched 9 times! Also “Leon: The Professional” by Luc Besson.

What role plays art in my life and work? My life itself is sort of art.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My boyfriend who is supporting my ideas and believe in me even at times when I don’t believe in myself.

Whom would I like to work with in 2017? Pharrell Williams and Max Martin.

What project, in 2017, am I looking forwards to work on? I’m looking forward to work on the song in which I am going to be a featured artist on an EP in Australia.

Where can you see me or my work in 2017? I am going to be a featured artist on an album in Japan by HIMEZAWA for which I also co-wrote almost all songs. It will be released on December this year.

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? We can’t stop loving what we love to be doing. At least as long as we don’t feel bored about it. When an artist tells me (s)he wants to quit music, I say you can’t cut music from you the same as you wouldn’t cut your arm from you!

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Danielle W Carter, Meredith A Lockwood and Lucy Monciel.

How can you contact me? I am available on social media. You can contact me on Instagram @flaviyake and Facebook music page Flaviyake.