Aimed at taking an in-depth look into the lives of sex workers, specifically strippers, in Los Angeles, “Candy Coated” started as a personal project five months ago but has rapidly evolved into a microscope that reveals their lives both in and out of the club. These women, most of whom are mothers, feel that stripping has given them so much, like the freedom to be present in their children's lives during the day or a new found confidence in their appearance and sensuality that past partners either threatened or convinced them they didn’t have. These women have a tribe of girlfriends who surround them with love and understanding. But there are sacrifices. Left in the dust of the economy’s downward spiral, Tori, 26 who once made $10,000 a month is now lucky to get by with $3,000. She has moved back in with her mother, that helps take care of her child at night, to save money to get her own place again. Aeon, 29 has nearly quit stripping all together to focus her efforts on a full time day job. However, she finds it hard to leave the lifestyle behind and returns to the stage at least once a week. Shakira, 30 was born in Russia but raised in Kazakhstan and came to Los Angeles nearly a year ago to pursue her dreams of becoming a hip hop dancer and bodybuilder. She uses stripping as a means to practice her craft, and make the money she needs to support herself. Other girls are have resorted to different money-making methods to make up for slow days, often doing more than is legal in the back rooms of the club, and of course, dealing with feelings of objectification. Balancing the threat of stalkers or jealous customers with keeping their personal relationships private. Candy Coated is a photo essay filled with grey areas. Nothing in this world is black and white, right or wrong. The undesirable stigma that surrounds sex work is on its way out, and I hope to shed light on those grey areas by following these women.