#4: A Conversation With Cheryl (aka Cehryl)

On the realities of freelance creative work + her mood-lifting playlist

When I launched this newsletter, I looked forward to sharing it — with people I admire, creatives working interesting jobs, and friends I’d appreciate an excuse to catch up with. Cheryl(aka singer/songwriter/producer Cehryl) ticks all of those boxes.

We met at school in Hong Kong and have stayed in touch since, albeit sporadically (as is often the case with long-distance adult friendships). As well as being one of the most talented people I know, Cheryl has an unmatched sense of humour and is a trusted source for recommendations of all kinds, from paperbacks to dai pai dongs to, of course, music.

She’s also one of my favourite people to share long, weightier chats with, which is what we ended up doing below. We discussed juggling work as freelancers, self-doubt, and feeling the pressure to have a breakthrough moment early in life, and I hope this email will resonate with at least some of you!

But first, a mea culpa: I did something I hadn’t done in years and forgot to record the rest of our chat when we switched over to a different call, hence the abrupt (and quite depressing) ending. Cheryl did, however, make us a playlist of songs that make her feel happier/more creative/at ease, so that should help balance things out.

Enjoy!