Kiki Deville
A vintage microphone waits for its performer- Photo by Chloe LeKeux @ Camera Shy

2014 Winners Interview: Vintage Personality of the Year - Kiki Deville

I was born in Australia and I have lived in the UK for the last 11 years. I am a Mother of 4 beautiful children; Alec (23), Paris (18), Arlo (6) and Dexter who died when he was a baby. Dexter was born with a genetic condition called Zellweger Syndrome and he passed away when he was 4 weeks and 3 days old at Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley. I am now a parent ambassador for Derian and work with them to raise awareness and much needed funds. I have been married to Christopher Robinson for almost 10 years and we live in Earby in Lancashire. I adore living in the UK and I can't imagine ever living anywhere else now. I have been a professional singer for over 25 years now and can't imagine doing anything else. I started specialising in the vintage and burlesque world about 6 years ago and am very passionate about our lovely niche.

What do you have planned in the next year?

I am very excited to say that I will be recording and releasing an album in 2015! I will also be launching a brand new podcast "The Kiki deVille Show" and I plan on doing a lot more presenting. I plan on having a HUGE 2015!

What are your favourite events to perform at and attend?

My favourite events to perform at are the big burlesque shows like London Burlesque Festival. I love being able to watch so many incredible performers in one place. But I also have a real soft spot for Vintage Festivals. I adore seeing people all dressed up and enjoying the community feel of those sort of events.

How did you feel when you were nominated by the public as a leading Vintage Personality?

I was absolutely overwhelmed! I honestly couldnt believe it. And I was also incredibly honoured. To know that my community feels that I contribute positively is so humbling.

How did you feel when you won?

AMAZING! It was just such a huge honour and I felt like there was a really good opportunity to unite us all as a community. Obviously having been on a show like The Voice, raised my profile immensely and to know that my community felt I represented them well, was enormously heart warming.

What would you say to other people who are thinking about entering the NVAs in 2015?

It is a wonderful thing to be involved in such a vibrant and supportive community, and the awards are such a fantastic way of being acknowledged for the work you do. They are a great way to raise your profile and gain a valuable platform for promotion.

What business tip/quote would you give to anyone starting out in the vintage industry and/or as a performer?

The tip that I give anyone wanting to start a business is PLAN! Have a great business and marketing plan. Really treat it like a business, whether you are a performer or a business owner. Even if it is a hobby more than a career, planning will take it a whole other level. I think it also helps to know a lot about the era that you are specialising in. I honestly believe that as a vintage performer, it is my responsibility to know about vintage. And the same in the Burlesque world. Know your history.

How has being a NVA Winner affected your business/yourself?

Winning the award gave me a lot more confidence around presenting and performing. It made me feel that there is a real audience for what I do and that I am really appreciated for it.

Anything else you would like to tell us?

I feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. And I can't thank everyone enough for all of the support and love I have received over this last year.

www.kikideville.co.uk

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