Shaina Silver-Baird is a professional singer, actor and the lead songwriter for Crooked House Road, a folk/blues band that will be releasing their self-titled debut album in May 2015. This week, the band kicks off a monthly concert series, CHR for WOMEN, dedicated to helping women in poverty.

SDTC: What spaces in Toronto do you go to escape your regular routine?

Yoga studios, dancing at The Piston, any swing set in any park.

What aisle do you spend the most time in at the grocery store?

The vegetable aisle. Veggies usually fill about 75% of my cart. I eat sweet peppers like they’re apples, without cutting them. People look at me weirdly when I do that.

Which virtue do you try to cultivate within yourself?

Ease. I try really hard and I work really hard. But nothing is so productive and healthy as ease. It’s something I’m working towards.

The receipts in your wallet would indicate what?

I spend too much money on eating out, yoga classes and cabs when I’m running late… which is often.

What did you think you were going to be when you were 8 years old?

A writer. Specifically of children’s books with lots of magic in them.

If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?

Probably London, England. The artistic culture there is amazing: so rich and appreciated.

What makes you happy?

My man, his daughter, my friends, my mom, performing, moving.

What makes you cringe?

When women talk in that baby voice that they think they need to use to get what they want by being subservient. I love strong women who aren’t afraid to take up space.

What quality do you loathe most in others?

Narcissism.

What, in your opinion, is overrated?

Booze.

What frustrates you the most?

Feeling powerless and inactive. Like I can’t achieve what I need to. Also when people look down on me because I’m a young woman.

Toronto Photographer

What quality do you value most in a lover?

Respect & understanding – I don’t think you can have one without the other.

What is your favourite thing to do on a Saturday?

Homemade brunch, movies and then a Crooked House Road gig at night!

What is your comfort food?

Sweet potatoes. All ways.

What word or phrase should we all use more?

NO. I often have trouble saying no. I want to make everyone happy. But the truth is I just don’t have the time or energy to do EVERYTHING! I think “no” is a really important word for everyone to be comfortable saying and it really represents a certain level of self-respect.

CHR for Women kicks off at 3030 Dundas St. W this Thursday Feb. 26 to benefit The Redwood, an organization that provides safe and reliable services to help women and children escape abuse. Follow Crooked House Road on Facebook & Instagram for more information.