In a recent interview, Lady Gaga revealed that her independent days after she turned 18 was supported by waitressing and stripping. Known for her rich Italian blood and hailing from parents of the upper echelon of Manhattan high-society, Gaga never wanted support from anyone.

It all makes sense now as to why she is so comfortable in her “little-to-nothing” outfits. As she states, “I moved out from home, wouldn’t take any help from my parents and supported myself with waitressing jobs and stripping.” In one of her latest music videos, Beautiful, Dirty, Rich (see below), Gaga sports the stripper-apparel brand Vixens Visions. Talk about star power support for the industry!