Believe it or not, the Duchess was once just like us.

It’s no secret that the Duchess of Cambridge is our go-to girl for all things royal. Not only does she look dashing on the arm of her husband, Prince William, but she can also stand strong on her own, representing the royal family at sanctioned events. (But this is why the royal couple never show PDA.)

Although her designer dresses and flawlessly gorgeous hair might suggest otherwise, Kate was once just an average person who had to make a living. But even royal enthusiasts are a bit fuzzy on what, exactly, she pursued as a career.

Here’s the scoop: The Duchess completed a History of Art degree at St. Andrew’s College—where she met Prince William—in 2005, according to the couple’s official website. After graduating, Kate briefly worked for Party Pieces, a party goods supplier owned by her parents. Her responsibilities there included catalog design and production, marketing, and photography. She also spearheaded a junior brand called ‘First Birthdays’ for the company.

One year later, Kate landed a job as a part-time accessories buyer for a London-based clothing store called Jigsaw Junior. (Maybe that’s where she learned the clever trick she uses to repeat her outfits!) According to the company’s former owner, Belle Robinson, Kate never flaunted her status—despite constant bombardment by press and paparazzi regarding her relationship with Prince William.

“She sat in the kitchen at lunchtime and chatted with everyone from the van drivers to the account girls,” Robinson told the Evening Standard.

The Duchess was reportedly considering a career in photography at the time, too. But that likely got put on hold when, in November 2010, William and Kate announced their engagement to the world. Although Kate revealed that joining the royal family was “nerve-wracking,” she jumped into her new “job” with gusto.

Now, between her duties as a British royal and a mother to two precious youngsters, the Duchess probably has her hands full. Let’s hope that she still finds time to fit in her favorite hobby, though.