Does anyone else feel like it was just Feburary 1st and now suddenly we’ve fallen right into March yet Januaray lasted all of 2018?  Maybe it’s just me, however, just because it’s just the shortest month of the year doesn’t mean we haven’t got the best of Jersey City lined up and ready to go!  Keep reading and get to know our JC babes for Feburary.

Meet Kasey @_mckayla36

Kassey S. Cruz. is graduating from Montclair State University in May and wishes to continue her education in Psychology as well as Business. She is also a sister of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated in which she devotes most of her time to. She enjoys performing (stepping and strolling) with her sorority, and forming close relationships with other sisters in the organization.

1. What do you currently do for a living and what is your dream job?

I currently serve and bartend at a restaurant in Hoboken, while maintaining a Human Resources internship, and attend my university as a full time student.

My dream job would be working for a private practice in the clinical psychology sector of psychology. Although, I believe that any line of work that involves helping others become the best version of themselves, would potentially be my ultimate dream job. 

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

My absolute favorite spot to eat in Jersey City is called, “Guerrero Restaurant.” It’s a cute and cozy Mexican spot with amazing prices, awesome music, and drink specials on margaritas ;D! Their food is delicious! Not to mention I’ve gone a handful of times with my best friend and her parents, it just gives me such a welcoming vibe!

3. How does it feel to be nominated as a Jc babe?

It’s extremely heart warming to be recognized by a dear friend who is able to see individuals on levels of outer and inner beauty! I feel privileged to be able to support her endeavors irregardless of what those may be.

4. What are 3 random facts about yourself?

1. I have a permit in cosmetology. 

2. I have 15 piercings.

3. I’m extremely interested in animal totems and I am a firm believer in the universe.

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

The first thing that came to my mind was going to an airport and booking the next international flight. I would let time choose my fate! I wonder where I’d end up…

Because I’ve grown up in JC, the thing I love the most about it is I’m constantly surrounded by friends and family. I admire JC as well for its diversity! It’s hard to experience culture shock anywhere when coming from JC. Beyond that I love the easy access to the city.

Meet Awab @awab_habib

Awab Habib has a love for his family, friends, food, sports and music. He is an alum of the University of Louisville and has been working in NYC for 3 years.

1. What do you currently do for a living and what is your dream job?

I works in private aviation with a company called Wheels Up. I am responsible for their athlete and ambassador relations.  My dream job is to be a general manager of an NBA franchise.

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

My favorite place to hang out in Jersey City is South House.

3.How does it feel to be nominated as a Jc babe?

It’s an honor to be nominated as a JC babe and I look forward to meeting more young professionals in the area.

4.What are 3 random facts about yourself?

Three random facts about myself are: I really enjoy cooking (almost attended culinary school),

I have a strong interest in modern Men’s fashion

And I love everything about attending sporting events.

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

I’d would love to backpack through Europe and Asia and plan to do so before the age of 30.

6. What do you live most about jersey city?

What I love most about Jersey City is the diverse and cultured people this city has.

 

Meet Dina @dinaivas

Yoga teacher Dina Ivas specializes in out-of-the-box events like leading classes in nightclubs with DJs and disco lights.  Because she is not a fan of the cold, Dina escapes the Northeast winters by leading fun, beginner-friendly retreats worldwide; her most recent was in Costa Rica and she’s planning her next for Puerto Rico this spring.  A graduate of Sonic Yoga’s teacher training program, Dina’s classes are often sweaty, and always set to a fun, feel-good playlist.  A former cubicle inhabitant, Dina quit her career as an athletic apparel buyer in 2010 and went on to build a thriving business bringing yoga to offices…something she desperately wished she had access to when she was working in the corporate sector.  She also mentors new yoga teachers and co-led the inaugural teacher training at Anthea Yoga in Queens in 2015.

1. What do you currently do for a living and what is your dream job?

I’m a full time yoga teacher leading retreats worldwide.  In addition to teaching at Base and Surya Yoga here in JC, I train clients one-on-one and also teach yoga at corporate offices.  I’m a leggings-a-holic and wine lover. It was my dream to combine those 2 passions. In 2015  a friend and I launched “Yoga Wine Party”, it is a women owned and operated business where we offer a 1-hour yoga class followed by a 1-hour guided wine tasting.  We do public events monthly as well as private parties and retreats.  It’s such a fun way to celebrate a birthday, bachelorette party, etc.!

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

I’m still a bit new to the neighborhood but I love strolling down the pedestrian walk at Grove Street and popping into Word, or heading around the corner to Love Locked.  I’m also semi-obsessed with pizza and have had many meals at Razza since moving here.  It’s the best!

3.How does it feel to be nominated as a Jc babe?

I’m very flattered!  I’ve met so many amazing women since relocating here from Brooklyn and feel like it’s a great fit.  I hope through this nomination I can get to know more people and connect even more with the community.

4.What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I trained in karate.

I have a collection of sea fans from beaches around the world.

I can squat my body weight.

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

I once did a yoga photo shoot where I had to hold poses and smile calmly while being jumped over and speed at full-speed by professional mountain bikers (see pics attached).  In one of the shots the bike wheel was just inches from my face!

There so much character in this neighborhood.  I’m a big fan of street art and I love all the colorful murals scattered around JC.  And, there are so many hidden gems here…from vintage shops, to wine bars, to organic markets.  There’s so much to discover!

Meet Andrew @theeverythingbagel

Andrew Solomon moved from the suburbs to Jersey City in 2012.  Growing up with three brothers, sports and fitness has always been a big part of his life.  When he’s not trying to organize a pickup game of football, tennis or group workout, you can find him practicing for inevitable open mic appearances and losing staring contests with his cat, Rosie.

1. What do you currently do for a living and What is your Dream Job?

I am a Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor as well as the co-founder of a boutique fitness company called PIVOT Fitness here in Jersey City.  I also work as a recruiter in the financial services industry.  My dream job is to bring PIVOT to the next level and open our own facility in Hudson County.  I used to want to be an NFL referee – maybe a solid retirement plan!

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

2nd Street Bakery is my go to on a cheat day.  The meatballs, the stuffed breads, the sweet lady behind the counter.  I think it’s the only place in JC smaller than my apartment.  For a nice dinner, Liberty House is incredible –  amazing food, service and views!

3. How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?
Flattering is the obvious choice, especially in a city where you can’t turn a corner without meeting wildly attractive and talented people. But also curious, to know who nominated me…

4. What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I am a Master level Scuba Diver and have explored all over the Caribbean

I had a pet Iguana growing up named Solo.  He could whip you with his tail and make ya bleed.

I play the guitar and have an album of 20 parodies I’ve written poking fun at my friends and family

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

Taking a page out of Old-School, I went streaking across the quad in college

6. What do you live most about jersey city?
The Waterfront and Liberty State Park.  I love being outdoors more than anything – running, biking, playing sports or even just laying out on a nice day.  I think it’s amazing that we have this right in our backyard.