We started our interview with Mónika Fischl talking about her first steps. It will not be surprising – given the dog and the kitten actively involved in our conversation – that originally Móni wanted to be a veterinarian. She had many other ideas, but becoming an operetta primadonna was not among them. We talk about her alternative plans, choices, important people who influenced her path. Our conversation also reveals the importance of family support and encouragement in the earliest years – and how diverse childhood experiences come together in the path of a prima donna.