It’s been a while since our last Babes of JC, and we really don’t have a good excuse for that other than 2020 being a total shit show. That being said, this column is a guilty pleasure and a fav. A much needed distraction! Going forward we would love to include all of the babes in the tri-state area! Know a babe that should be featured? email us at Editor@chicpeajc.com

Let’s meet our January hotties shall we?

Dan Halliday – @catsandswords

Dan Halliday lives in Journal Square with his cat Loki and an alarming number of swords. He has a love for great whisky and awful puns.

What do you currently do for a living?

For money: I’m a carpenter. I work in the entertainment industry building film sets. It’s got its ups and downs, but being able to eat my weight in Craft Services is definitely a plus.

For love: I run Liberty Sword Club, an organization that studies and practices Historical European Martial Arts, with a particular focus on one of the fencing traditions of Late Medieval Germany. The Longsword is the popular weapon, but it gets into everything from wrestling to spears. I adore it and can’t imagine life without it.

What is your dream job?

Were money not an object, to run a safe, inclusive, and equitable martial arts collective to serve the community, particularly those for whom things like economic cost and toxic training environments have served as a barrier in the past.

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

My usual haunt used to be Jack Miller’s. I loved that place. Quiet every night and old Butch knew just what I liked. I don’t get out much on account of covid, so the back end of Lincoln Park where my club trains has been the most common spot these days. To eat? Anything and everything on Newark Ave west of Kennedy. I need that spice! 

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

Neat! I didn’t know that this was a thing and I have no idea who nominated me, but I’m into it.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I’ve never seen that movie. You know, the one that everyone has seen and how could anyone have possibly not watched it? Yeah, never seen it.

When I was four, I wound up as a soundbyte on the local news on the first day of Pre-K. The lone soundbyte in question? “If I have to go to the bathroom, I’m gonna tell the teacher.”

I really like googly eyes. They’re hilarious and bring life to otherwise mundane objects. If you’ve seen things on the street adorned with these wiggly eyeballs of joy, there’s a good chance it was me.

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

I’ve jumped into a bunch of stupid dangerous situations, though I don’t know if crazy is the word I’d use for those… A fun one, though, is that time I met a bunch of Moldovan rastafarians on the train in Moscow and wound up chilling in a squat house overnight and watching the sun rise on the roof. Some might say that was ill-advised.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

When I moved here from Brooklyn, the first thing I thought was that this place felt like Brooklyn in a way Brooklyn hasn’t felt in a long time. I still can’t put my finger on it. That hasn’t changed, but I think that what I love about this place is that it’s this strange little in-between zone that doesn’t feel like any of the other places around it. It’s a place full of people who don’t quite fit anywhere in particular and I am certainly one of those. I’m not here to make this place mine, I’m here to Belong.

JT – @jtellsyouoff

JT is a 30-year old non-binary and gender non-conforming fashion professional. Born and raised in the suburbs of Bergen County, they’ve now found a home in Jersey City Heights for the past 5 years. With a passion for healthy living, fitness, interior design, and real estate you can catch them just about anywhere just enjoying this amazing city. You can also peep their pup, Luna, on the 2020 Animals of Kanibal merch!

What do you currently do for a living?

I work in the fashion industry, more specifically for a men’s textiles and clothing manufacturer and wholesaler. It’s a family business that has been around for over 60 years. 

What is your dream job?

Boutique real estate developer. The idea of “home” is so special to me. The concept of a place where you can feel safe to be your entire authentic self without fear of judgement or criticism is so important. I think it would be so beautiful to help someone design and create a space where they can feel safe from this crazy world we live in that also reflects who they are on the inside. 

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

There are so many amazing places in Jersey City that it’s virtually impossible to pick one. I recently tried Corto in The Heights and when you go to their backyard space, you feel transported to somewhere else entirely. The food was incredible and it is BYOB also, which doesn’t hurt! 

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It’s an honor! I appreciate it. I tend to keep to myself so to be recognized publicly makes me feel great and it motivates me to be more outgoing and work towards being the best version of myself every day. 

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I’m half Dominican and half Eastern European

I’m a pescatarian

I’m a pisces to a T

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

I bought a manual transmission sports car without knowing how to drive it. I had my friend drive me home from the dealership after signing the paperwork and made him teach me that night. I had to drive myself to work the next morning…let’s just say a lot of people stuck behind me that day were pretty angry.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I just love how diverse this city is. Someone who looks like me tends to turn heads (not always in a good way) elsewhere, but here in Jersey City my neighbors just see me as another person living and enjoying their life. It truly feels like home. 

Barbara – @1800.barbara

Barbara is a fun-loving person who, despite being only 4’11, laughs louder than anyone I’ve ever met and she could easily take down a linebacker. Seriously. One time in fourth grade she broke a kid’s arm for saying she couldn’t play soccer as well as he did.  Needless to say, she has 6ft energy.

Barbara can often be found running through Downtown Jersey City, working out at CrossFit or at home, knitting and binge-watching true crime dramas. She’ll never NOT try to pet a stranger’s dog and you can always count on her to over order at every meal. She’s also an illustrator, photographer and painter, mostly known for very erotic plant photography and bootylicious illustrations of naked ladies. I’ve also seen her eat an entire pizza in one sitting. If that’s not impressive, I don’t know what is.  –

What do you currently do for a living? 

I’m a medical assistant by day, illustrator by night, baker on the weekends. Sometimes I knit blankets. 

What is your dream job?

I’d like to take over for Anthony Bourdain and travel the world eating, drinking and being hungover in different countries. 

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

My absolute favorite spots are Prato Bakery and Cellar 335.  

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It feels like this is a trick question! 

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I’m originally from the SouthSide of Chicago. I just found out olives are delicious.  I know every word to The Goonies. 

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

I’ve had very serious thoughts about stealing a dog from a mean owner. Or stealing a dog from a nice owner. Sometimes you just wanna take one of those babies home right!? 

What do you love most about Jersey City?

It was my first home when I moved to the east coast as a kid so it’s imprinted on my life pretty heavily. It’s diverse, the food is great and we have a beautiful view of the skyline! 

Mark Bustos – @markbustos

At the young age of 14, Mark Bustos discovered the power of human interaction through his passion for cutting hair. That’s why he has dedicated the last 21 years, not only developing and honing his craft, but sharing his talents all over the globe with clients such as his own childhood friends in Nutley, NJ to fashion designer, Phillip Lim, NASCAR Driver, Jeff Gordon, billionaire Philanthropists- the Soros family and even 8-year old Isabella, living on the streets in the slums of the Philippines. 

As the founder of the #BeAwesomeToSomebody Charity, Mark has humbly given a new meaning to being compassionate by giving free haircuts to the homeless every Sunday- all around the world.

Mark has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, ABC World News, Forbes, Huffington Post, GQ, Details Magazine, Vanity Fair, People Magazine, and many more. The #BeAwesomeToSomebody Movement has also received international acclaim in several publications across Europe and Asia, notably the Philippines, which is both where his family is from and where the #BeAwesomeToSomebody Movement was born.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am a Hairstylist/Humanitarian. I own 2 hair salons: The Silver Vine Room in Summit, NJ and My Darling Ivy in Chelsea, NYC. And I founded a non profit 501c3 called BeAwesomeToSomebody.

What is your dream job?

I don’t ever want a job, never had one. I’ll just keep doing exactly what I am doing! ;)

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

Ani Ramen/Batello/Second Street Bakery (shhh)

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

I’ve never considered myself to be a babe- but apparently these masks really work wonders for me. LOL

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I don’t like raw apples, but I’ll eat anything apple flavored. 
I have never owned a video game console in my adult life. 
I am kind- but I do bite back. In other words, don’t take my kindness for weakness. 

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

Craziest thing I’ve ever done is.. Like most of us, I’ve recently questioned and contemplated whether or not I should get the Covid vaccine. Then I quickly realized that at one point in my life, I thought it would be a good idea to go to Ibiza and take (insert questionable foreign substance) from a random weirdo at 2am and put that in my body. THAT WAS 1,000% WORSE than any vaccine that the smartest people in the world created… BRB, my McRib sandwich is getting cold. 

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love Jersey City for its convenient proximity for any practical aspect in life. I love it even more because many people hate NJ for invalid reasons- and it keeps those same people away from the coolest and most diverse city in America. I’d rather not convince people anymore how amazing it is- it’s my most prized selfish attribute. 

Courtney Roselle – @Courtney_Roselle

Courtney Roselle is the most recent winner of the title “Titan of the East” from the show The Titan Games on NBC with Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson,  In addition, she owns her own business called “IRON GRACE” which includes personal/small group training, a clothing line, motivational speaking, and fitness modeling. She has been published in multiple outlets for fitness modeling and has written for multiple health articles (Vogue, Self Magazine, Shape Magazine, Women’s Health, My Fitness Pal, etc.). In the fitness arena, Courtney is a certified CrossFit Trainer, Functional Strength Coach, USA weightlifting Coach, and NASM- CPT. Her main passion through IRON GRACE is motivational speaking.  Courtney’s main message during her speaking opportunities is to always encourage young adults/kids to find their authentic selves, to become the strongest versions of themselves. Her main tag line is BE STRONG. LIVE CONFIDENT.

What do you currently do for a living?

Own my own company called IRON GRACE. It includes personal/small group fitness training, a clothing line, motivational speaking, and fitness modeling.

What is your dream job?

Full Time Motivational Speaker/ Life Coach, but options are endless.

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

Pre covid: During the summer I loved hanging out on Newark Ave (loved the people out and about, all the amazing graffiti, all the outside tables, restaurants, and stores – it was everything)

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

Beyond Honored- especially coming from my home JC!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I have donated 8 ponytails to Locks of Love, making a full wig for a cancer patient (took me close to 14 years), I have never been to Europe (not cool), I could eat cuban food everyday for the rest of my life. 

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

Does competing on the Titan Games count?? Lol, but besides that I went sky diving in LAs Vegas which was an insane adrenaline rush. I would like to go sky diving again, but in an unforgettable place.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

The people and the culture they bring! The authenticity is real, it can not be duplicated. You can run into every race, gender, religion, nationality, ethnicity all in one city! There is nothing better in my mind.

Tatyana Reyes – @tatyanareyes_

Just a 23 year old Afro-Latina trying to make it through this pandemic in Chilltown JC

What do you currently do for a living?

I am currently a barista at a local coffee shop in Jersey City.

What is your dream job?

Freelance photographer traveling the world

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

I love to hang out in Liberty State Park, no matter what season it is enjoying the view.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

Honestly surprised, didn’t think I would ever be cool enough for it.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

Love love love thrifting 

Have a cat named Gata

I’ve traveled to Africa

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

Craziest thing I’ve wanted to do is probably paragliding in Rio De Janeiro.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

Jersey city is home!! What’s not to love the diversity in everything, food, and culture alone keeps me on my feet, never bored!

Tamika Heard – @ms.t.heard

Tamika Heard is a multifaceted woman, as so many of us are. The only difference is she taps into each part instead of allowing society to place her in a box. She is a businesswoman, an extremist, passionate, very emotional, the list can go on and on. Tamika’s rough beginning shaped her to be open-minded in a world that is so judgmental. She wants everyone around her to feel free to be themselves in whatever shape or form that is. “True happiness is the freedom to be authentically you. Take off the mask,” she says.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am the Owner and Esthetician at Truly Regal Spa Studio in Cliffside Park, NJ. A TRULY elevated spa experience. I do customized facials while using some of the best products and high-tech skincare machines. I also do lash and brow services. It’s something you have to experience, it is a whole vibe. 

What is your dream job?

What I’m doing now. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I get to help people feel beautiful in their skin, literally! As much as I’m helping my clients, the way they show their appreciation and love, it’s unexplainable. 

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

One of my favorite places to eat is Fire and Oak because the food is delicious. I miss summer brunches on The Ashford rooftop. And I’ve only been there a couple of times, but one of my favorite Caribbean spots is Nicole’s Caribbean Restaurant on Jersey Ave. 

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

When I received the DM, I was like wow that’s dope! Then the side my friends know so well came out, and I was like oh okay I deserve this. lol! It feels good to be recognized and seen. Especially by a blog that I appreciate so much. So thank you for this!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I was born in Panama City, Florida but raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Moved to NJ when I was 18 all by myself. 

You wouldn’t be able to tell the life I’ve lived by looking at me. I have stories for DAYS even though now I come off as a homebody.

I love a nude beach ;p

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

Why would you guys do this to me! lol I’ll give you one clean and one a little spicy.

So I went ziplining in PR, it was called The Monster. It holds the record of being the longest zip line in the world.

I have been tied up, spanked, tortured, and forced to edge (if you don’t know what that is… Google is your friend). And I loved it!

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love that Jersey City is a place people my age or around my age want to go to hang out. I know for me and my friends it’s definitely a place we consider every time we plan to go out. There is always something to do, so many options when it comes to cuisine and the waterfront views are beautiful. What’s not to love about Jersey City!