Beauty, brains, talent — every man is looking for a woman who has it all. Even if these women might seem like a magical unicorn, ‘LLERO knows they exist. Maybe “SHE” is your vecina, the one who got away, or your sister’s BFF. So right here, we’ll be turning the spotlight on the ladies that we all know and love because we know that “SHE” means She Has Everything.
“Work hard, play hard,”
Is a saying we all hear time and again. New Jersey native, Nicollette Manresa, doesn’t just hear this motto — she lives it. The half Cubana y Puertorriqueña has a lifestyle, an ambition and an energy that is truly admirable.
A recent grad of Bergen Community College where she received a degree in psychology, Nicollette also bartends full-time at Son Cubano and Ozbar (the latter a family owned business). But it doesn’t stop there. She is also teaching art at a camp for autistic children this summer, and is preparing to return school in the fall for her Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy. Why?
“Art is a progressive way for kids to express themselves — through their art they can give more insight into their lives,” she says. When I ask her, “When do you ever sleep??” She laughs, “Never! I never sleep.”
There’s a clear sense of purpose in all that Nicollette does. She already has a plan for what she will do after receiving her Bachelor’s. This Jersey girl wants to be a psychologist for elementary level children. Here’s what else you want to know about this ambitious lady…
‘LL: What would people be surprised to know about you?
NM: What people might find surprising about me is how I have an old soul. I am your typical 22-year-old New Jersey girl. I go to school, I work hard and I hang out with my friends. However, I still find time to go to freestyle concerts with my mom because we both love [artists like] Judy Torres and Rob Base. I love classic disco and what I like to call “real” music that just makes you dance and feel good.
‘LL: You’ve told us of your love of music. So we have to ask, who is your favorite artist or band and why?
NM: Alicia Keys and Sade are probably my two favorite artists. Both of these women are so soulful and so full of talent that they have changed the way I listen to music. With the content of their lyrics and their voices, I definitely would consider them my top two.
‘LL: As a bartender were sure you’ve come across your share of single guys out on the town. Any advice for single men out there?
NM: My advice to single men would be just to keep it simple. Show a woman your true self because all the extra stuff we do not care about. Women can sense when a man isn’t genuine and it becomes a huge turn off.
‘LL: What’s your favorite thing about Latino men?
NM: My favorite thing about Latino men is the way they love their family, but especially their mothers. I feel like most Latino men have a special connection with their mothers and that helps shape the way they treat the other women in their life.
‘LL: What is your least favorite thing about Latino men?
NM: My least favorite thing about Latino men is that sometimes they can find strong women to be intimidating or even a turnoff. Most Latino men are naturally romantic and sweep women off their feet, but in today’s world no one needs to be rescued. Independent women want men to realize we are self-sufficient and that we just want an equal, not a savior.
‘LL: What’s your definition of a ‘LLERO?
NM: My definition of a ‘LLERO would just be a man who is confident with himself and his lifestyle. A man that can really call himself a man. A ‘LLERO has not just a job, but a career, goals and plans to make things happen.
‘LL: What’s your ideal first date?
NM: An ideal first date would be anything that takes me out of my comfort zone. It could be something as simple as taking me to a restaurant I’ve never been to, or even an activity that I’ve never done. I’m a competitive person so if a man took me to a flag-football game that I had to play in, I’m sure I would embrace it.
‘LL: What’s your ideal man like? Both physically and personality wise?
NM: My ideal man physically would be a Latino man that knows how to dress and carry himself. I also need someone as physically fit as myself. A gentleman that works out and is clean cut is something all women want to see. Still the most important quality in someone is that I absolutely need someone who can make me laugh.
‘LL: Favorite body part on a guy?
NM: My favorite part of a guy is his back and his hands. I like to see when a guy has a strong back and strong hands. When I hug a guy I like to feel safe and protected and those are two things that make me feel that.
‘LL: What do you feel sexiest wearing?
NM: I feel sexiest when I’m wearing clothes I’m comfortable in and when my natural curly hair is out. I [also] love to show off my legs, put me in some short shorts and a tank top and I’m happy.
‘LL: Favorite food?
NM: I love to eat, so any food has the potential to be my favorite. Still I have a soft spot for Caribbean food. During the winter I can never get enough Sancocho, but when I’m really hungry my “go-to” dish is simple white rice with a fried egg on top and fried yucca on the side. Real comfort food!
‘LL: Favorite sports team?
NM: Now of course being a born and raised Jersey girl my heart belongs with the New York Giants for football and the New York Yankees for baseball.
Come on guys, on top of all that she’s into football and baseball, you really couldn’t ask for more!
Images courtesy of subject