It wouldn’t be a summer in Jersey City without your babes of JC – August Edition! Want to nominate a local babe? email editor@chicpeajc.com

Dan Bassini – @danbassini

Dan is a New Jersey born and raised photographer living in Downtown Jersey City.

What do you currently do for a living?

I’ve been a freelance photographer for over a decade now, doing everything from corporate events, weddings, and headshots, to fashion and fine art. I love shooting both digitally and on film, and shoot most of my non-commercial work on small 35mm point and shoots. I just released my 10th photo book and had my 7th solo photo show at the 313 Gallery downtown. I also run a blog called The RangeFinder Diaries where I’ve been posting a new film photo everyday for the last 12 years. It’s a great exercise to keep me shooting for myself.

What is your dream job?

I like to think that I’m already working my dream job. It’s taken me around the country, allowed me to meet so many interesting and amazing people, gotten me into places not many other people have been, and I don’t really have to answer to anyone but myself. I can’t imagine working a 9-5 in an office doing the same thing everyday. I feel very fortunate being able to make a living doing what I love.

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

Modcup was my daily hangout pre-covid when I lived in The Heights and was where I met pretty much all of my JC friends when I moved here 6 years ago. I can blame most of my coffee snobbery on them, but they have the best coffee around. Now that I’m downtown, I’m dangerously close to 2nd Street Bakery and find myself ordering a Bergen or Hudson City more often than I’d prefer to admit. If I go out at night, I’ll usually end up downstairs at Pet Shop and can pretty much guarantee bumping into a friend or two.

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

I was honestly shocked when I found out. I’m proud to be featured among a city full of so many cool people.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I used to tour with bands across the country. 

I’ve been sneaking into New York Fashion Week for the last 5 years for a long-running photo project. 

I found an authentic Picasso etching for $2 at a thrift store. 

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

I took a 10 day cross-country road trip with someone I barely knew. She was a finalist on The Voice relocating from Boston to Bend, Oregon, and I had 2 weeks free and said “why not?” When we got to the end of our trip, she admitted that her car hadn’t been insured the whole time. The whole thing was a wild experience.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love how much it can feel like a small town sometimes. It’s great to be a part of such an active community. Plus, I get to keep that chip on my shoulder against any New Yorkers who make fun of New Jersey, but live somewhere stupid, like Queens.

Chandra Touch – @cambodionce

Chandra (no middle name) Touch is a first generation Cambodian American, originally from Maine. Her family came to the states to seek refuge from the Khmer Rouge in the 80’s.

What do you currently do for a living?

Chandra owns a bar, bakery and event space in Park Slope, Brooklyn. That’s right, a glass of Prosecco and a slice of cake, anytime. Before that, she was the Event Sales Manager at Porta Jersey City and longtime bartender in JC.

What is your dream job?

Her dream job was to open a indoor dog park with a bar and coffee shop.

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

Chandra is very loyal to Barcade. She has celebrated many Birthdays and milestones there. Her love for beer and NBA Jam is infinite.

Her favorite place to eat is Taqueria. Three tacos and a few Margaritas is her usual order.

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

She is utterly honored by the nomination.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

Right after college, Chandra joined the National Civilian Community Corps, through AmeriCorps as a Team Leader. She traveled through the Southern Region with her team to complete service projects in partnership with non-profits, state/federal govt, State Parks, Indian Tribes and more.

Chandra was Captain of her College Cheerleading team, three years in a row.

She loves themed parties and anything to do with Mardi Gras.

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

She went to a Drake concert dressed in a white, laced dress… with a veil. She had a sign that said “Drake will you marry me?” Crazy or motivated… you pick.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

Jersey City has been home to her for the past 8 years. She has been an active member in her community through coaching sports, mentoring youth and served on her neighborhood community board in Bergen Lafayette. The thing she loves the most about Jersey City is that there’s a big sense of community and support for one another.

Brian Hirt – @Bhirt126

Brian Hirt grew up in North Jersey and landed himself in Jersey City for the last 6 years. At work, he enjoys a good vlookup and pivot table. Outside of work, you can find him on an intramural volleyball team (pre-covid), making bad dad jokes and crafting on his Cricut (Etsy shop coming soon).

What do you currently do for a living?

Currently work as Merchandise Planning Manager for a clothing company

What is your dream job?

To own and manage a bunch of vacation cabins/rentals upstate.

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

I am always down for dessert so I can always be spotted at Torico’s or Bang Cookies.

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

I am speechless

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I am an Eagle Scout

I was on a hidden camera show in High School

I went to Rowan University for graphic design, turns out they don’t offer that so I went for Business instead

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

Run the NYC Marathon, which I have the opportunity to do this year with the help of enCourange Kids! It’s a great foundation that helps humanize healthcare for children and their families. I am still accepting donations if you are feeling generous (link in Instagram Bio).

What do you love most about Jersey City?

Always a new place to eat/drink and you can’t beat the view!

Essence Shannon – @Damn_girllll

Her name is Essence Shannon, she also goes by the name of ‘DamnGirll’. She is 23 years old born on June 3rd, 1998. She was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am a makeup artist and also a rapper.  

What is your dream job?

I hope to become a successful black female artist. 

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

My favorite places to hangout & get some food in Jersey City are Halftime and Light Rail Cafe. 

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

I am honored to be nominated as a babe, it feels good to know that someone has acknowledged my hard work & impact on the community thus far. 

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I attended Delaware State University.

My zodiac sign is a Gemini.

When I’m not booked or at the studio, I love to binge watch… with snacks. 

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

The craziest thing that I want to do would have to be sky diving lol, I’ve got to jump out of a plane at least once in my life. 

What do you love most about Jersey City?

What I love most about Jersey City is our entrepreneurship & talent, especially with our younger generations. They’re learning skills to start their own businesses at such young ages, it’s becoming to be a norm and I love that for the community.

Christa Najarian – @christanajarian

This is Christa Najarian and she lives in Paulus Hook, JC! She’s been living here for about 6 years and loves everything about the area. In her free time (pre-Covid) she loves to travel and experience new cultures and countries. Christa is a proud Armenian- American, loves dogs and binging Marvel movies.

What do you currently do for a living?

I work in advertising.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to create my own creative line of something for women. In the process of designing, I would love to travel and interview different women on what they prefer, wish they had accessible to them and what would make them feel the most beautiful.

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

This is impossible I love so many places! I really enjoy the rooftop at Ashford, and Southhouse for drinks. I love the food at Sam AM, The Garage, Porto Leggaro, and Laicos! Orale is a top too! 

How does it feel to be nominated as a babe?

This is such a cool opportunity. I feel unbelievably excited and honored! I never expected this so I think this is just really an amazing surprise!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I have an irrational fear of pigeons

I am obsessed with  all things Bravo (had a birthday party theme) and also Marvel movies.

I also pick my meals based on the condiment I’m in the mood for which is usually anything with ranch 

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

I went paragliding over the Swiss alps!

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I think JC is the best of both worlds. It has the convenience and culture of NYC, but it also gives a “home” feeling for me which is what I was looking for when I decided to move. The area is incredible, amazing food and drinks, there is always something to do.