Cyndi Lauper Recalls Being Embarrassed to Work in Retail

Cyndi Lauper has admitted she felt "embarrassed" about working in a clothing store after her first band, Blue Angel, failed to take off.

The 73 year old singer was part of Blue Angel early in her career before finding success as a solo artist. Looking back, Cyndi recalled taking a job in retail during the period before she became a household name.

Speaking to People, Cyndi explained that she had been a regular customer at New York vintage store Screaming Mimi’s, where owner Laura Wills eventually offered her a job. She said: "I used to go shopping there when I was in Blue Angel, my first band to record music, because I absolutely loved the clothes.

"Then Blue Angel stopped working out, and I was devastated by the thought that it was over. A friend suggested I get a job at Screaming Mimi’s, telling me I'd love the clothes, the shop and the people who worked there."

Although Cyndi wasn't immediately sure about returning to retail, she eventually gathered the courage to ask Laura if she could work at the store.

The singer recalled: "They gave me a job! I probably wasn't very good at it because whenever other musicians I knew walked in, I'd hide underneath the counter or grab my handbag and pretend to be a customer myself. As soon as they left, I'd go back to being a sales assistant."

Cyndi admitted that working in a shop was difficult for her because she had once imagined herself becoming a successful recording artist through Blue Angel.

She explained: "I felt embarrassed because Blue Angel got a great review when I first started out, and I remember thinking, 'They've heard me sing. They think I'm a wonderful singer. Oh my goodness, I'm going to make it.' I never imagined that it could all disappear.

"When people you know from the industry come in and you've convinced yourself you're going to be somebody, only to find yourself in a completely different situation, it's difficult to deal with. I was young."

Rather than allowing the experience to leave her bitter, Cyndi eventually learned to accept the setback and keep moving forward.

She has since maintained a close relationship with Laura, who helped put together Cyndi Lauper: Suitcase of Memories, an auction featuring pieces from the singer's personal fashion collection and accessories.

Cyndi reflected: "It's about how many times you're prepared to get back up, brush yourself off and keep going. That's what I'm willing to do.

"All of those memories and pieces are part of this exhibition, and it gave me the chance to create something new alongside the colleagues I once worked for and those who worked alongside me."