It’s officially spooky season and if you’re doing October right, then you’re fully embracing all the Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Salted Caramel candles, scary Halloween decorations, and candy corn you could possibly have. But just because October might be spooky, doesn’t mean our babes of JC are! We’ve got your favorite monthly column here just in time to keep any of the spookiness away. Keep reading to get to know our October Babes of JC.
Meet Shawn @witchywisdoms
Shawn Engel is a Professional Witch, Instagram influencer, and business consultant living and teaching in Jersey City Heights.
1. What do you currently do for a living and what is your dream job?
Right now I’m wearing many hats. I’ve gained a fairly large following on Instagram reading Tarot and teaching about magic, and since I’ve been making money off of it, I now consult other spiritual practitioners to be successful at it too. But I constantly create, evolve, and collaborate to expand my brand, WitchyWisdoms! As for dream job, honestly, I’m living it! But I have big plans in the next five years so the goal is to keep growing, networking, teaching, and making money.
2. What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?
I love the Archer downtown for cocktails; every time I walk in there, it feels like home. But the Hutton in the Heights has fantastic food and a beautiful patio.
3. How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?
Pretty rad! Being a spiritual and politically active woman with the added bonus of being a babe is super empowering!
4. What are 3 random facts about yourself?
1 – I would say that being a witch isn’t so random, since it’s my entire platform, but it’s one people have a lot of questions about
.2 – I used to play piano classically for 10 years.
3– I still don’t know how to ride a bike!
5. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?
I think the craziest thing I’ve ever done is swim in a hot spring in Budapest in below zero degree weather. It wasn’t as so crazy daring as it was crazy awesome, but I think it still counts.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
I love the community vibe. Everyone knows each other, and it feels so familiar and comfortable.
Meet Eliott @chefeliott
Eliott Sanchez (or “Chef Eliott”) as he’s often referred to, is quickly becoming Jersey City’s very own “celebrity chef”. He’s 23 years old, & is already in the process of opening his own restaurant in Downtown Jersey City!
1. What do yo currently do for a living and what is your dream job?
I am currently a private chef in Manhattan. My dream job is the one I currently have! However, I am in the process of opening my own restaurant in downtown Jersey City!
2. What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?
My favorite place to eat is “The Kitchen Step” on Jersey Avenue & my favorite place to hang out is at Liberty State park with my 10-month-old black lab mix named Gussy.
3. How does it feel to be nominated as a babe of JC?
I was surprised to be nominated, but it feels great! I think the whole “chef” thing definitely had something to do with earning me this honor. Haha
4. What are 3 random facts about yourself?
Random fun facts about me! I absolutely love fishing, & the great outdoors. I’ve lost count if how many tattoos I actually have. I have a blackbelt in Isshinryu Karate.
5. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?
The craziest thing I’ve ever done is kayak through a bad lightning storm at night. (Long story)
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
The things I love the most about Jersey City (as a second generation Jersey City diehard) is the diversity, history, & deeply rooted culture. (not to mention the incredible food scene that’s getting better every day!)
Meet Maria @marleydarling_
Maria Olivares is a 21 year old entrepreneur born in Brooklyn, NY., raised in Jersey City, NJ. She is a single mom aspiring to make her mark by motivating young adults to follow their dreams despite life’s obstacles and hindrances.
1. What do you currently do for a living and what is your dream job?
I have been a legal clerk for 4 years and decided this year to direct my focus on pursuing my dream. I now own a business named Take A Peek, A Graphic Tee design and Embroidery company. We design and create Graphic Tees and I can easily put any image you desire on apparel and accessories like hats, mugs, plates and even tile! We embroider logos and even monogramed towels, there are so many options available. We work as a team with the client to bring their ideas to life. My dream job is so be a U.S. President – since the third grade. More realistically, I aspire to become a model.
2. What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?
Rumba Cubana just opened a new location in downtown jersey city, my go-to when I don’t feel like cooking. A very close second, Edward’s Steakhouse on Marin Blvd. When I’m not out stuffing my face, you can catch me at a local karaoke bar terribly singing my heart out.
3. How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?
As a mom who’s been “living under a rock” the past three years raising my child, it’s flattering to be nominated. It’s good to know I haven’t lost my “babe” factor.
4. What are 3 random facts about yourself?
– I love to drive. Doesn’t matter what it is, car/ bike/truck/dirt bike/go-cart/scooter, whatever I’m down for the ride.
– I’m extremely competitive with myself, setting high standards and applying lots of pressure until I’ve met them.
– I’m left handed.
5. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?
I went kayaking in the Florida intercostal and immediately regretted it. Once we took off and I noticed the “caution manatee season” signs and the murkiness of the water, I imagined every piece of debris and floating coconut was a manatee about to tip my kayak. Never again! Lol
6. What do you love most about jersey city?
Honestly, the diversity. From the heights of Jersey City to Exchange Place in downtown, it is filled with eclectic creations. I’ve witnessed my community connect on multiple projects and create something truly iconic. We ALL play a part in putting Jersey City on the map. I love my city.
Meet Lamar @lamarmcknight
Lamar Tre’ McKnight – an opportunist that see good in just about everyone he come across. A mentor to many! 26 years old who loves to be challenged and doesn’t mind being outside of his element. He’s an adaptor to society, which he takes pride in and always wants to be on the positive side of thinking. Isn’t full of himself, but is extremely confident in everything he does and is highly aware of his blessings… to say the least!
1. What do you currently do for a living and what is your dream job?
– I am a private Quarterback trainer who owns a Quarterback Academy.
– A football coach at Union City High School
– A business & careers teacher at Union City High School. My dream job is to be a sports agent. I’ve been considering going back to school for my masters in fall ‘19
2. What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?
Downtown Jersey City is for sure my go-to whenever I’m looking for a good time. Porta to be specific. My favorite place to eat would be Taqueria on Grove.
3. How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?
Amazing. I would always read the posts about those who made it to be a JC babe, never saw it coming my way next. But I’m honored for the opportunity. As we all know, Jersey City is an extremely diverse city so to be picked out of the bunch is definitely an ego booster! I won’t discredit that at all LOL!
4. What are 3 random facts about yourself?
– I played division 1 football at Tennessee State University
– My favorite movie is Home Alone (first 3)
– I love the outdoors. Hiking, walking trails, walking by the water.. weird I know.
5. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?
I want to sky dive, but I must be persuaded to do so. I would never just wake up and say “I’m going skydiving today” – I need some pressure!
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
Great question. One thing I always took pride about in this city is how diverse we are. We get the opportunity to learn so many different cultures and backgrounds that I think many people overlook. It’s a growing city (still) and has so much talent it’s hard for ONE person to be recognized. But I guess that’s what makes it the place to be if you don’t mind a challenge or two. Everyone is overly competitive here, especially if you’re in the entrepreneur field. Good luck standing out! LOL
Do you know a babe of JC? Have someone you want to nominate? Email us! info@chicpeajc.com
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