Laima Vaikule admits that she did not consciously choose the profession of a singer at first. She did not specifically strive to become popular — it was just the circumstances and the people she met along the way that gradually led her to the big stage. One of the most important people on this path was undoubtedly Raimonds Pauls. "His music essentially shaped me," Vaikule says. She noticed a pattern: the singers with whom the maestro began to work became popular. "This is the person thanks to whom all the stars of Latvia emerged. All popular singers — Raimonds worked with all of them," the artist emphasizes. Laima Vaikule finds it difficult to define in one word who Raimonds Pauls was for her — a teacher, a mentor, or a support. According to her, respect for the maestro and his name played a huge role in their collaboration. The singer recalls a time when she was already performing with various ensembles, touring extensively, and even singing in stadiums. It was then that Pauls informed her that he had written new songs and invited her to participate in his concert. Although Vaikule's work schedule at that time was extremely tight, and her phones were literally ringing off the hook, she could not refuse the maestro. "I thought: how can I refuse Raimonds? How can I even do that?" the singer recalls. At the same time, Vaikule associates her success not only with Raimonds Pauls' music. She considers her own persistence and willingness to work until complete exhaustion as the second most important component. According to the artist, rehearsals in those years could last from midnight to seven in the morning. "If you are going to do something, then do it with all the strength you have," Vaikule emphasizes. It is precisely the combination of Raimonds Pauls' music, Vaikule's respect for the maestro, and her exceptional work ethic that helped create the stage image and the songs for which Laima Vaikule is known not only in Latvia but also far beyond its borders.