SteezeLife: He Balances Side Hustles and Travels with Style

Living in Nigeria is not easy, especially in this current situation—people struggling and waking up to different problems and dramas. It takes hard work and tenacity to survive in this country. 

However, if there is one thing Nigerians do better, it is maintaining #Steezelife.  Where life gives you limes, you rearrange or exchange the letters, smile, and make oranges. Voilà!

Today's "Steezelife" edition features an interview with an Uber driver and style-obsessed full-time photographer. As he juggles his main employment with his side hustle, his friends and customers have dubbed him "AB Steeze" for his flawless fashion sense and unflinching dedication. 

His life is an adventure narrative, navigating the demands of employment, travel, and proper balance. 

First and foremost, who is the genius behind the "AB Steeze" moniker?

Guys, let's hear directly from AB Steeze what he has to share about his story.

Please introduce yourself.

Hi everyone! Oghenekaro Ebele here, popularly known as AB Steeze. I work as an Uber driver and fashion photographer, and I'm 28 years old. 

Two of my favorite parts of life are taking chances and honing my own unique approach to merging work and style.

Describe your line of work, please.

Fashion photography is my main job, and I enjoy telling stories with this medium. Usually, I strive to portray the models' feelings or accentuate the design features of the clothes to transmit a style and attitude from every picture. 

How did you choose to drive Uber and work in fashion photography as well?

As I cherish independence and self-sufficiency, I have turned to driving for Uber as a side business, as my photographic revenue is erratic. Driving is special in that it exposes me to a broad spectrum of individuals; occasionally, I even run across possible customers. 

One day, I was driving a French model around town when she asked whether I wanted to shoot for her team in Paris after noticing my love of interior design. That trip changed my life. 

When did you first get to know you were different?

I have to admit, this is quite a fascinating question. I suppose I always liked sticking out. Since middle school, I have pushed for the most unique rucksack, shiniest shoes, and cleanest uniform. 

I discovered when a student in college that photography gave me a means of expression for myself. I resolved to tackle everything from that forward with flair and intent. 

I hear you travel a lot. Is that true?

There's truth to that. My career as a photographer and way of life depend on me being consistent in travel. My life is a never-ending fashion adventure that has seen me shoot street style in Asia, visit fashion events in Africa, and present European niche designers. 

Do you travel due to your job as a photographer, or is it a hobby?

Both. I not only naturally want to travel, but my work as a fashion photographer regularly invites me to shoot in far-off places. Travel motivates me. 

Every trip I go on—to explore the streets of Paris or New York for fashion inspiration or to learn about the rich African culture—teaches me something fresh about life and style. 

Sadly, I will be the first to admit that most of my vacations are less expensive than first seems. My holiday preparation reveals that I am quite good at maximising a few resources to provide unforgettable events. 

Where have you been lately? Is this just relevant in Nigeria, or is it global?

Usually I travel within Nigeria, but I also visit other African nations with rich fashion history, such as Senegal, Kenya, and Ghana. 

Sure, I get to visit amazing European destinations like London and Paris for events like fashion weeks and brand photo sessions, but the expenses are considerable, so I usually make advance plans before I travel abroad. 

I aim to use the money from my shoots to pay for my travel costs in order to keep within my means.

I actually find it difficult to understand why you need a side job like driving when you have a global reach of your photography business.

This is, I think, a valid question. Though photography is a fulfilling job, it does not pay a constant monthly salary. Sometimes, the intervals between jobs are rather long, so I would rather not sit about waiting for the next one to come. Uber driving has given me a consistent income, which lets me follow my photography career as best fit. 

Apart from that, I have encountered a lot of people while driving for Uber; some of them have become clients. For instance, I once accompanied a fashion blogger who ended up endorsing my work and even helping me to land a shooting contract with a big brand. 

So, I drive as a side hustle because great possibilities are always hiding in these apparently everyday environments. 

So you do your driving side business abroad?

Surely not. I commit myself to my photographic career instead of driving when on travel. However, I drive in Nigeria to save money, which I apply to cover my vacations. 

Usually, I rent a car or use public transport when I travel overseas, but in both my personal and professional life, I am somewhat orderly. 

No insults intended to drivers out there, please, but how do you avoid resembling the typical Uber driver?

I see my car as my own "mobile fashion studio." Leather chairs, tailored fragrances, and a screen showing a slide exhibition of my photography work abound in the amazing interior design. 

I also give my clothing great thought. Even if it's just driving, my tailored shirt, immaculate shoes, and antique cap will accompany me anywhere. Whether on the road or in the studio, respect, in my view, is shown by keeping to one's own style. 

I wanted to know if anyone had any unusual tales about capturing pictures while Uber-driving. Once, a curator of an art gallery hailed a ride with me. Having looked over my business card, he then spoke about his gallery. I expanded my filming horizons and met some fascinating artists when he asked me to document an installation for a forthcoming show. 

I also once had the privilege of driving a fashion blogger. After she posted pictures of my car's inside on social media, my following expanded noticeably, and I had a frenzy of fresh booking requests. 

Where was your most transformative trip in life?

My last assignment was to shoot native textiles and animals in Kenya. The trip was somewhat dangerous since we tented close to a remote village and encountered an unexpected storm, but the team's efforts made up for my almost destroyed machinery. 

Seeing the pictures in a foreign publication made me recognise that, as long as we follow our own unique style and enthusiasm, no challenges are insurmountable. 

Are there any more gripping tales you would be happy to share?

Once, during Paris Fashion Week, the airline lost my luggage. A fashion newspaper dubbed me as their "most authentic street photographer," since I had to attend the place dressed just in my most basic sporting gear. Then a special edition of the magazine was published in my honour, which shot me to immediate Parisian stardom. 

How do you balance your multiple identities?

One needs to be quite prepared. I create weekly targets to keep my personal life, photo gig, and Uber driving career under control. I've also discovered ways to maximise my free time, such as driving, brainstorming ideas, or capturing pictures to edit in the drive. 

I also very carefully preserve my brand image. Whether I'm in the studio or riding an Uber, I always present elegantly. This shows respect for others as well as for oneself. 

What are your next plans?

I'm currently working on a worldwide photography project called "Style Without Borders." From African tribes' traditional attire to modern outfits on New York's streets, I aim to use the lens to portray the stories and spirits behind the trends, thus reflecting the fashions of other civilisations. 

I also want to change my automobile to an electric or hybrid one to make my side business more modern and ecologically responsible. 

Leave a final word for those wishing to adopt a "steeze" way of life.

Whether it's your attitude to your career or your wardrobe, figure out what makes you unique. Style is more about personality than about mindlessly following trends. 

Secondly, you should always try fresh activities. Every interaction, whether it's for travel or study in other disciplines, will help you get closer to your objectives. At last, establish some links. My contacts with others have always guided all of my efforts and achievements.