In L.A., Even the Strippers Are Sober and Vegan
Luna Miu amassed her 18,600 Instagram followers from more than just sexy selfies.
Her page boasts sexy artwork, funny memes, and lots of lingerie inspiration. When she’s not killing her social media presence, she’s defying stripper stereotypes in L.A. Luna is vegan and sober, which is almost too cliche of an LA-inhabitant, but also dope as hell.
We talked to Luna about how many strippers are actually sober, why Amazon has the best bargain lingerie, and how she would love to give Drake and Rihanna a joint lap dance.
How did you get into stripping?
I had thought about it for a long time. My “sister” had been doing it for a year or so and seeing the money she would bring home definitely appealed to me. Shortly after turning 18, she took me to her club to get an idea of what it was like. She ended up dressing me in lingerie and throwing me on stage like, “okay, well you’re starting today, get on up there.” It was so awkward. I was so shy and nervous and looked like a newborn deer probably, but eventually I learned rhythm and have been stripping ever since.
What would you be doing if you weren’t stripping?
I think about this a lot, and I can honestly say I have no clue. I’ve been stripping for three years now and I genuinely enjoy it, I can’t even imagine where I would be without it. I have a day job as well, where I work 6-8 hour days and work 5-6 days a week making minimum wage, which isn’t enough at all to cover my rent or bills.
What’s the biggest false stereotype that people make about strippers?
Lots of people think of strippers as lazy, and consider stripping the easy way out of working, which is super offensive. Stripping is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. It’s not for people who are weak in any form or easily hurt. Men are ruthless and you actually have to work very hard for your money. It took me about a year and a half to really get the hang of it and learn my hustle. When I first started, I would leave work sobbing almost every night because of how stressful and harsh it can be.
So many people think of strippers as unintelligent and cold, but I’ve met some of the most kind hearted and intelligent women in the club. I’ve worked with girls who have their PhDs, I’ve worked with girls who eventually quit [stripping] and are now CEOs at big companies. If you’re smart and strong enough you for sure have the possibility of making more money than most grown men, yet strippers and sex workers in general are the least respected people and it’s so hard and exhausting to find anyone to take us or our jobs seriously.
If you could give a lap dance to any celeb in the world, who would it be?
Could I give a couples dance to Drake and Rihanna? That is honestly goals and would probably be such a fun pair to dance for.
You’re sober, is this uncommon among strippers?
About 75% of the girls I work with are completely sober. People have this image in their head of strippers always being drunk or spending their money on drugs, but that’s not what it’s like at all.
Is it difficult working in nightlife while sober?
Not at all. When I first started dancing I would drink at work and it was just messy. I then realized I was there to work, not party, and stopped drinking at the club before I stopped drinking altogether. I personally work a lot better and can focus a lot more sober. And seeing customers who are wasted makes it easier, if anything.
What do you think of the fact that Pleaser/stripper style heels have become “stylish?”
I think I got my first pair of Pleasers when I was like 13 or 14 and would always wear them out. Stripper heels are hella cute and I have no problem with it being a trend or whatever as long as the person wearing them respects and acknowledges us!
Can you give us some stripper beauty secrets?
I don’t wear much makeup to work. I get lash extensions, but other than that I usually just wear a primer, some highlighter, and setting spray to keep my face matte. Baby wipes, dry shampoo, and sample sizes of perfumes become your best friend at the club though.
Where are your favorite places to buy lingerie on a budget?
I refuse to wear anything over $20, minus my shoes, to the club. It’s such a physical job and lingerie can get worn out and rip easily. I get all of my outfits from H&M, Forever 21, or Amazon. Amazon honestly has such good pieces for so cheap, I’ve gotten some of my best pieces on there for $5-$12, you just have to read reviews to make sure the item is legit.
Photos by Danielle Defoe
