Carly Rae Jepsen worked 8 minimum-wage jobs on her way to the top

Carly Rae Jepsen made it big with her super-hit “Call Me Baby” but it wasn’t easy getting there. The 27-year-old pop singer paid her dues and in a new interview, she’s opening up making her way to the top, being inspired by Justin Bieber, and her new boyfriend.

“In college there was a time I felt lost and had the blues. I wanted to write songs, but I didn’t know how to make it a career,” Carly explains in the March 2013 issue of Seventeen Magazine. “But I also knew I’d be happy working eight minimum-wage jobs to try to pull it off. I was doing every job imaginable to pay rent while I was pursuing this career. I guess I like the hunger of not knowing if things will work out.”

But things did work out for Carly and it all started when she got linked up with teen heartthrob Justin Bieber and signed on to his label Schoolboy Records. Instantly, “Call Me Maybe” took over the airways and everyone from kids to grandparents knew the catchy tune.

“Justin leads by example. I love that he works hard and has fun,” Carly says of her mentor. “I was in Paris promoting my new album, Kiss, for three days with no time off. So I went out at four in the morning to go explore the entire city. I try to make moments happen that feel very special and memorable because that’s exactly how Justin does it.”

Carly, who split with her “Call Me Maybe” inspiration Jordi Ashworth in June of last year, recently found love once again with fellow singer Matthew Koma and although their romance is new, Carly is totally head over heels. Oh, and in case your wondering, he definitely calls her.

“When you meet the right person, you’re just like, Wow! I’m having the busiest year of my life and somehow I’ve met an amazing person who has been a grounding force,” Carly gushes. “I don’t think anything can get in the way if you both really want it badly.”

Seventeen Magazine will hit newsstands on February 5.