As globalisation punctuates the fabrics of society, more digital jobs keep springing up that helps basically every strata of society.

Popularised by the entertainment scene but not limited to it, the profession of social media influencing is fast becoming a lucrative career choice especially for younger people.

And within the Nigerian entertainment scene, there has been an influx of people creating catalytic impact across several industries, including music, dance and fashion. Tobe Ugeh, professionally known as Tobeszn, is one of such mavericks bulldozing the fashion scene with a unique and bohemian approach to styling and influencing for social media.

He catches up with Guardian to discuss this exciting industry, as well as his journey to becoming a legacy creator, inspiring other people in their fashion journey one outfit at a time.

You have been active on the fashion scene, as an influencer. What drew you to that line?
So, for me, I have been doing fashion for a bit, although I am currently a final year law student. What drew me to fashion was the chance to express myself. Growing up, I was not the most confident child. So, when social media became a thing it was just interesting having to post my pictures and even get compliments from it.

So, would you say you can build an entire life around being a fashion influencer?
Truthfully, I am still very passionate about the law profession. I believe I can survive enough as a fashion influencer, but I am also passionate about change and impact. So, I would not be able to do fashion full-time. I intentionally chose to study law. Maybe for the first few years, I would pursue fashion actively but I would definitely get into law.

So, I want to know what it really takes to become a fashion influencer and what’s the role like?
So, when I was younger, I never really had people I could look up to and admire their fashion choices. With that experience, I feel like it’s not necessarily a show of numbers or awards to be a fashion influencer; it’s being able to inspire at least one person’s fashion choices, and feel better and safer about their choices.

I am not looking for everyone to validate my work; I just want to be a fashion safe space for younger people. I want people to know how to dress, because of me. In the term of influence, it’s not really about the amount of people, but the impact.

So, how lucrative is the fashion influencing scene?
It’s not like I am doing it for the money, but the money is a very good part. There was a time where fashion influencers didn’t have up to a million followers, but now we are having people amass up to two or three million followers. Now, fashion influencers and social media influencers alike are regarded as celebrities. Social media currency has translated into real life money. I live in a rented apartment in Lekki Phase One. Every penny I put to get into this apartment came from social media.

It could take years, but it is a lucrative business. I always tell younger people to go for it; because not only does it give you a community of younger people who care for you, it gives you real-life financial stability. As fashion influencers, you need to stay current and you need to keep posting videos. I have done campaigns for Coca Cola, Google, Roc Nation, and so many brands. When these brands meet you, they examine your engagement and your online community. We bring our creativity and still get paid for it. I genuinely love dressing up and showing people how to dress. There are times I have had to put all my money into improving my content. I need to keep updating my wardrobe. As much as it is expensive, it is still more lucrative.

As Tobeszn, what made you stand out from the pack?
For me, it’s my authenticity. No matter the number of followers one has, they have to bring something to the table. You bring yourself to the table. I have been with influencers who are insane solution finders and crazy radical thinkers. I have been with influencers who are great at pictures. Others with great personalities.

Everybody’s strength is in their individualities. Being a gen-z style icon is what I bring to the table, being myself with so much finesse. I believe that is what social media is made for – to be yourself and having to inspire people! It goes beyond just fashion; every follower I have known me for all I am. It’s like having a family. It’s being real to myself and doing it so radically that people love you for doing that.

What is the vision for Tobeszn?
I grew up in Benin City. I moved to Lagos a few years ago. Growing up, I always wanted to be the one who could do multiple things. I could be the child who left home early and I do not like how people box you in a label. I want people to look at me and say, ‘since Tobe could, I can do it too.’ No matter your background, you can do it. No matter where you are coming from, you can try. My vision is to inspire a relevant community of young brilliant and positive thinkers and doers. I would not label myself as a fashion influencer; I would say that I am a multi-talented creative. The odds are limitless, truly. The vision is to achieve so much so I can inspire the next generation.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Futuristic.