Janika (pronounced like “Hanukkah”, she proudly tells us) began driving with Uber over six months ago after hearing about the earning opportunity during SXSW. Like many people, she learned about Uber through the local news and friends.

Meet Janika 

Janika is a native Austinite living on the East Side, a “pseudo-musician” who plays the drums and sings. She also works in education for the State of Texas.

Why do you enjoy driving?

I love to meet new people. I also like knowing that I am helping someone by taking them safely from one place to another. I also really enjoy the disruptive nature of Uber. On top of it all, I like to provide a positive space for people when they get in my vehicle. I want them to be happy and  comfortable. When they step out of my car, I want them to feel better about themselves than when they got in my car.

What prompted you to partner with Uber?

It’s pretty simple actually, I just want to make some extra income to pay off my credit card. I also enjoy driving my Audi A4 around town and helping people out.

Any great driving experiences that stand out?

Driving has really opened my eyes to the vast number of successful businesswomen that are here in Austin. I’ve been very impressed with the female ridership and their varied interests and all the successful businesses owned by women in the city. I also enjoy driving solo-female passengers around. I like the surprise on their faces to see another female driver, even though one in three drivers in Austin are women. Although we have different professions, it makes me proud to drive other women around.

How do you like to “Keep it Weird” in Austin?

Well, I’m a bit of a “pseudo-musician” playing some drums and singing. Then I also really enjoy talking to everyone on the street. They all have such interesting stories and I really like to learn more about people from all walks of life, which is also a great part about driving with Uber.

Thank you, Janika, for sharing your time with your neighbors and fellow Austinites, and letting us share your story.