Time is flying. and ChicpeaJC is going to be celebrating 6 years in May!! The fact that this is still a “thing” blows my mind. It’s been a very crazy year for me, both personally and professionally. There were so many ups and downs, but looking at this list and looking at all we accomplished in 2019, I can’t help but feel incredibly blessed. We met and interviewed so many incredible individuals from all walks of life, each with their own unique story, and our job was to simply tell it. Below are my favorite blog posts/interviews of 2019.

Dylan Chidick

We had the honor of interviewing Dylan Chidick, a then-senior at Snyder High School who got accepted into 18 colleges including his school of choice. He told us about his life journey, his academic drive, and how his friends and family helped him along the way. It was a heartwarming interview with him and his mother Khadine.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/people/dylan-chidick/

JC Spot: Lee Sims Chocolates

A few months ago we started doing a new series called “JC Spot” where we visit small businesses in Jersey City and interview the owners. Back in November, I decided to stop by Lee Sims, a family-owned Jersey City business (and a personal favorite for any chocolate craving). We met with Valerie and learned a little bit about the business and the Lee Sims empire. She was awesome.

Check out the post: https://www.chicpeajc.com/jersey-city/jc-spot-lee-sims-chocolates/

JC Cribs: Kayvon & Anna Zand

JC Cribs gives us the chance to showcase some standout designs in home right here in Jersey City. In October, we highlighted the home of Kayvon and Anna Zand, a 102-year-old house filled with eclectic and vintage furniture and decor.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/people/jc-cribs-episode-4-kayvon-anna-zand/

Barbers of Hudson County: Lady Jaekutz

Episode 3 of Barbers of Hudson County puts the spotlight on Lady Jaekutz, celebrity barber on Monticello Ave. Steven Spesh visits her at the shop to learn about her career and her experience in the field.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/culture/barbers-of-hudson-county-lady-jaekutz/

12 Days in Greece

One of several travel guides we published this year, the 12 Days in Greece post covers everything from how to get there to top restaurants and clubs to visit. If you’re thinking about traveling to Greece or just want to get a glimpse of the experience, the guide is definitely a great place to start!

Check out the post: https://www.chicpeajc.com/travel/12-days-in-greece-a-travel-guide/

Malayah Baskerville

Writer Anna Avendano met with 5-year-old boxer Malayah Baskerville and her father. Through the interview, we learned about her passion for boxing and how her father encourages her to pursue her dreams.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/people/malayah-baskerville/

Cake Boss

We had the opportunity to sit down with the Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro! We got a tour of their headquarters in Jersey City and interviewed Buddy to learn about the business and how it’s grown over the years.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/people/buddy-valastro-the-cake-boss/

Hi, I’m Lynn

Nate Franx captured a few days of footage to show a typical week in my life. Learn about my hectic, yet exciting schedule.

Check out the post: https://www.chicpeajc.com/columns/hi-i-am-lynn/

A Lesson on Affordable Housing

We sat with Emmy Tiderington, a local Professor of Social Work, to get an honest look at the affordable housing crisis in Jersey City through her own professional research as well as her previous conversations with people in the community.

Check out the post: https://www.chicpeajc.com/community/a-lesson-on-affordable-housing-in-jersey-city/

JC’s Finest: Bizznice

After being friends for so long, we finally sat down to interview DJ and overall entrepreneur Bizznice. We enjoyed some of his most popular Park & Munch items while we talked about his business, music, and how it all started.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/people/jersey-citys-finest-bizznice/

Pamela Johnson & Chris Gadsden

In order to further understand the state of affordable housing in Jersey City, I met with Pam Johnson and Chris Gadsden for an honest, straightforward discussion.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/people/a-conversation-with-chris-gadsden-and-pam-johnson/

Orlando Wharton

It was so awesome to chat with the Senior VP of A&R at Atlantic Records while the CCAJC students toured the space on a field trip. Orlando Wharton is from Jersey City, raised in Downtown JC, and grew to sign some of this decade’s biggest artists – Fetty Wap, Kodak Black, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and PnB Rock.

Check out the interview: https://www.chicpeajc.com/people/orlando-wharton-senior-vp-of-ar-at-atlantic-records/

12 Days in Thailand

The post that started it all. This travel guide was a comprehensive look into my solo trip to Thailand, where I stayed, everything I ate, and how life-changing it all was.

Check out the post: https://www.chicpeajc.com/travel/12-days-in-thailand/

Sex and Jersey City – The Digital Breakup

In one of our earliest Sex and Jersey City installments, we took a look at the digital breakup – deleting photos, unfollowing each other, and the constant reminders of your past relationships on social media.

Check out the post: https://www.chicpeajc.com/lifestyle/sex-and-jersey-city-episode-4-the-digital-break-up/

Sex and Jersey City – The Podcast

Which brings me to season 1 of Sex and JC- The Podcast. Which was born from our column, we explore various topics around dating, relationships and everything in between with co-hosts Anatalie David and DJ Dramos. Super excited for Season 2!

Check out the podcast: https://www.chicpeajc.com/podcast/