For her photo essay, MAGGIE McDONOUGH focused her camera on pole dancer Gayè. "I wanted to give insight into a profession that is often frowned upon by others," Maggie says.

Gayè, 20, puts on her cherry lipstick. Each day is different: during the week, men prefer a more feminine look, whereas on weekends they prefer a full-blown “stripper” look, she says.

Student by day, Gayè works long nights at Goldfingers Men's Club to help support her family and pay for living expenses.

Gayè keeps the money she makes during the night in an elastic band tied to her sparkly stiletto.

As she takes one final look in the mirror before going on stage, Gayè transforms into Khloe, her stage persona.

Khloe wears a lacy skirt on her way to the stage to entice men into paying for lap dances.

Khloe dances on the stage in a dim-blue light, her reflection looking back at her in the mirror. Although Khloe has never had pole dancing lessons, she says she knows what to do in order to get men to tip her. 

After removing her make-up a tired Gayè takes off her collar piece, ending a long night of work.