The Weeknd credits first job for helping build confidence in music career

The Weeknd opened up about his humble beginnings and how he shaped his path to becoming one of the most renowned musicians in the world.

The Hurry Up Tomorrow hitmaker, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, began his career in 2011 with the release of his debut mixtape, House of Balloons. 

He later released his debut studio album, Kiss Land,  and in September 2013 it peaked at number two on the charts.

During his appearance at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, the singer spoke about his early days in the music industry.

The One of the Girls crooner revealed that before his rise to fame, he used to work at American Apparel. "I was like 19, I was trying to fold clothes," he recalled.

At that time, his biggest goal was to "quit his job" and pursue music full-time. 

He shared that by keeping his true self hidden from from public and not showing his face ,helped build the confidence he needed. "Nobody knew what I looked like," he said, reflecting on how staying behind the scenes worked in his favour.

Tesfaye recalled the turning point in his life when his co-workers his work place began playing his songs. "That was the validation I needed. I was like, 'I'm quitting this job, and this is mine. Yeah, it's my full-time life.'"

He went on to share how he is still in touch with his old boss.

"My boss is actually one of my creative directors. He does all my typography for my albums now."

For the unversed, The Weeknd was at the show to promote his own film Hurry Up Tomorrow, which arrives in theatres on May 16 and stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.