It’s about that time! Meet our October babes of Jersey City! Know a local hottie and want to nominate them? Email editor@chicpeajc.com

Harveer Singh
@RealEstateSingh

Harveer Singh has been a resident of Jersey City since 2007. You may have seen his face on stickers or billboards around town with inspirational quotes! His love of Jersey City can be seen in his posts on Instagram and everything else he does. If you need a laugh, you can find him making corny jokes and funny real estate videos on his page @RealEstateSingh.

What do you currently do for a living?

I work in real estate! Love every second of it!

What is your dream job?

I am a CPA but I don’t do that for a living anymore, thank god! After working for years in the industry, I decided waking up stressed and unhappy wasn’t the way I wanted to live my life. I ended up finding my way into the real estate industry where I realized that I had found my dream job. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but truly love what I am doing in life now!

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

What a question! There are too many places to name, but I will give it a shot! Some of my favorite places to eat are Uncle Momo, Eira Café, Edwards, the Hutton and Corta! You can find me up and down Newark Ave chilling at Lucky Bar, Petshop, the Ashford, Six26, Barcade, Dullboy… pretty much named everything in the area haha

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

During the last posting of JC Babes I jokingly commended, “ahh, I must have been #6!” To be honest, I figured I more closely resembled Babe the pig over an actual Babe! Jokes aside, I am truly honored to be picked among so many of our vibrant and amazing Jersey City residents!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

Alright, let’s do this.

1.     My hair is really long. It goes down to my bum.

2.     Wifey has told me I sometimes sleep with my eyes open. Must be a terrifying sight, sorry honey!

3.     I can play the Dhol. It is an Indian drum and is pretty cool. Google it!

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Well, this wasn’t something that I chose to do, but it was pretty crazy nonetheless. While in Bali, I asked our driver if he could take us somewhere that tourists usually wouldn’t go. I figured, maybe he will take us to a secret beach or something cool like that. We got to this area where there was a huge crowd surrounding some sort of a ring. I walk out of the car and somehow found myself witnessing a cockfight (rooster fight)… Definitely wasn’t my cup of tea, because I love animals. I left very soon after I got there, but gotta say… that was pretty crazy.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I never thought I would fall in love with a location, but after being in Jersey City for years, I don’t think I can ever leave. We have such an amazing and vibrant community, we’re the most diverse city in the country! The people are so amazing and supportive of each other. I am blessed that I ended up here. 

Gaby Yen
@gabyyen / @yogabyyen 

Gaby Yen is originally from Panama and has lived in Jersey City for 6.5 years. Her simple pleasures include sushi and watching trash tv. 

What do you currently do for a living?

I am a certified Yoga teacher, teaching in JC/ NYC. Living la vida yoga and making the world a better place one class at time. Check out @yogabyyen to yoga with me!

What is your dream job?

I’m doing it! I’m grateful to be doing what I love, especially after over a decade of working a corporate job in fashion that was not as personally fulfilling or rewarding. 

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

It’s hard to choose but you can always find me at South House or Frankie, running along the waterfront or biking around LSP. 

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

I have the most amazing friends who nominated me and support me in everything I do— everyone should have friends that make them feel like a babe (inside and out) every damn day!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I was born in Germany.

I have a twin sister (not so random but definitely my favorite fact).

I have never been able to turn down an empanada in my entire life. 

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

I’ve always wanted to dye my hair some bright color or go skydiving. To this day I have never dyed my hair, and out of the two I’m most likely to actually go skydiving. 

What do you love most about Jersey City?

MOST DIVERSE CITY IN THE US.  I love all different cultures and the people of JC. 

Ivan Setien – @butterxcaviarco

Ivan Ignacio Setien has lived in JC for 6 years. You can catch him singing and dancing at the drop of a hat, he will always try to feed you food and cocktails, and you can always find him making new connections and networking.

What do you currently do for a living?

I currently bartend at South House in downtown JC and I also own a food and lifestyle brand called Butter and Caviar Company in which I am a private chef, food stylist, professional mixologist and a cocktail consultant. It’s quite a few things that I do under the umbrella that is Butter and Caviar, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is your dream job?

Ultimately, my dream job is to own and operate a fleet of small restaurants and cafe/markets that offer food, cocktail culture and homemade products that tie in my Spanish, Latin and American roots. I love entertaining so much in many different ways, so why not do that forever?

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Besides hanging out at my second home and forever love South House, I love hanging out at Low Fi up in the Heights. It’s just down the street from me and I know every time I walk in, I’m getting exceptional service from an amazing staff and all the love and positive vibes. The cocktails are alway so on point and their Detroit style pizza is, for lack of better words, “crack.” I love it.

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

I feel like a little kid who was just told im being taken to Disney World lol. I’ve always seen these pop up on your blog with people that I know from around town and I secretly always wanted to be a Babe of JC because who wouldn’t want to be? That day has finally come and I feel honored, look mom made it!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I pursued a professional career in music from ages 16-22. I’m obsessed with basketball. I also tried to pursue acting and voiceover work.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

I’ve gone hiking in the beautiful rainforests and volcanic trails of Nicaragua and Costa Rica and it was crazy because at one point, the tour guide nonchalantly says, “If you see a puma, just stay really still and don’t make any sudden moves.” Okay bro, thanks for the pep talk lol. Something crazy I want to do? I want to drive a Formula 1 race car.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

What I love most about Jersey City is the sense of community and culture. It’s so beautifully diverse and it’s such a tight knit community. There’s always something so cool happening. Whether it’s an art exhibit, a festival downtown, a farmer’s market, a concert, a restaurant industry event, etc. There’s always that buzz that you look for in a city and there is always a positive vibe no matter what you choose to do. People helping people and truly enjoying it. I am most definitely going to be here for a very long time. Love you JC.

Elisayra Padilla
@curlzbyeli

My name Elisayra Padilla. I am a proud wife, mother of three, a 13 year old girl, a 7 year old boy, and a beautiful baby boy in heaven. I am also a pre-nursing student.

What do you currently do for a living?

At the moment I am a stay at home mom, My husband is the sole provider of our family, we feel beyond blessed to have him in our lives.

I am a self-taught hair stylist (in the near future, I am planning to become certified). But as of now it’s more of a part-time hustle. I mainly braid, style curls, among other hairstyles. It brings a smile to my face when a client is satisfied with my work, I truly enjoy making others feel their best.

What is your dream job?

My biggest dream job is to one day become a Pediatric RN. This career path has been difficult to achieve because life and responsibilities always get in the way, but when there’s a passion for something, giving up isn’t an option, right!

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Many might not tell by looking at me. But I am a big foodie gal, I love all things food. I have so many place that I enjoy eating at, but a top favorite would be Diesel & Duke in the downtown area. Their burgers and loaded fries are so delicious.

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

What an honor to be nominated as a JC babe. When I was reached out by Lynn, I was honestly surprised to find a big Jersey City blogger in my DMs. And as I share this information forward to my husband, he saids, “Oh yeah I have been following her for a while, her content is very interesting” lol and it is.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I am very passionate about natural hair health, My desire is to inspire other young girls and women to accept and learn how to love their own natural kinks, curls and waves.

Many people thing I am from the middle east, but I was proudly born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the U.S since the age of 7.

A lady once told me, “you’re so pretty, I bet you don’t cook and have a maid” lol lol lol!!! But in reality, I cook all my meals from scratch, I am the cleaning service, handyman, teacher, personal assistant, and nurse of my home.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Three years ago, I decided to cut my hip length manes to a pixie cut. Many loved it and some thought I was losing my mind. For the most part, some women’s goal (not all) is to achieve long healthy hair. So it shocked so many people that after I achieved the long healthy hair goal, I decided to chop it all off. It just annoyed a couple of individuals. But of course, I shook off  the negative comments because at the end of it all, I did it for me. I wanted a change,  so I did it, and I was very happy with my decision. All in all, one big lesson I learned through simply cutting my very long hair short, is not to be afraid of change. Change can fuel the soul.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

Jersey City is my home, I have so many beautiful memories in this city. I met my soulmate here and gave birth to my babies here, I developed a relationship and got closer to God here. What I love most is the resilience and beauty of my city.  We have risen from so many difficult circumstances, especially this pandemic, which truly has hit hard for so many families. Nevertheless, Jersey City keeps moving forward with strong conviction that tomorrow will be a better day.

Melanie Carugan
@theycallmeshmelanie

This is Melanie Carugan, an almost 29 year old (sup Scorpio) living in Jersey City. She has a cat named Tiny Dancer & spends her time sleeping or playing Animal Crossing when she isn’t working (very rare she’s not). Her favorite food is a cheesesteak from Dos Amigos & her favorite drink is an Old Fashioned. A Puerto Rican, Irish, German, Italian girl just livin’ the dream.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am the owner of Phoenix Rose (@itsphoenixrose) a mobile bartending & event planning business catering to the tri-state, Bar & Projects Manager for The House of Six (NJs elite restaurant consulting group) and the Beverage Director responsible for all the delicious drinks at Monroe’s in Hoboken (and its speakeasy, The Sinatra Room).

What is your dream job?

To own a farm to table restaurant with a farm onsite & a garnish garden right outside the restaurant itself for drinks & dishes. I already have my Chef & the person who would be my GM & who I’d have lead my beverage program (besides me DUH). I’m working on this!! Manifesting!!

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

I was part of the opening team for Cellar 335 so it’s always home to me. Otherwise, I am usually at Pet Shop enjoying a T&T or at Six26 dancing & eating wings – I love the team at all of these places and I feel really comfortable going solo when I need some me time.

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

Really flattering actually! I’ve really enjoyed seeing a lot of locals featured in the past and either seeing friends hit the spotlight or finding new people to follow. I think it’s been a great opportunity to feature a lot of inspirational people from all walks of life & different industries. Very appreciative & honored to be part of that.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I am a great swimmer and feel most at peace in water.

I am a super believer in the paranormal, I feel very sensitive and have witnessed a few things in my lifetime. I credit this to my bloodline.

I am a beast in the kitchen. My dreams were to actually be a Chef & I took that inspiration into my bartending.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Craziest thing I’ve ever done was max out my PT Cruiser on Route 22 just to see how fast it went. I hadn’t driven before and had just gotten my license (young, dumb & reckless). Craziest thing I wanna do is deep sea dive!!

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love how inclusive it is and how at home I feel. My family on both sides is deeply rooted here so it’s really nice to grow as an adult where they grew. It’s fun to talk about the changes they see & they love to hear about what I do here. I also LOVE the restaurant industry here, it’s the most supportive and diverse I’ve been a part of. I credit so much of my inspiration and a lot of drunken nights to the people out here.