Bucket Babe: Jade Hubner

It's hard to tell that Summer is around the corner with all the cold weather we've been having of recent but while we still feeling the midst of winter's cold hand, we have something to warm you up on the blog today. Today's featured model, a former Miss South Africa finalist in 2014 and currently one of the countries most popular television presenters. She has warmed our hearts after winning a TV presenter search and now features in one of SA's glamorous lifestyle magazine shows. She's a lover of animals and it goes to show with her recent #GoWildForWildlife campaign where fans could donate and dare her to do anything, all in the aid for protecting our wildlife. She is genuinely one of the most down to earth individuals around and even with her hectic schedule, she will always make time for people but enough from me, please meet the lovely...

Jade Hubner

She is a very passionate person and has a lot of interests. She enjoys being active and doing anything outdoors! She has a love for singing, acting, presenting, dogs and hanging out with her close friends

Some quick facts about Jade: 

• She saved and bought her first car at 17.  
• Paid for her own studies at UCT, completing a BCom degree.
• Lived with 5% vision and saved and paid for Lasik eye surgery at the age of 20. 
• Unlike the majority, Jade loves math and obtained 92% in matric!
• Jade played Provincial water polo for 2 years.
• She also teamed up with two engineering students and entered an international entrepreneurship competition, The Mazars Innovation Challenge, with their idea #Toilets4All and won.
• She played a lead role alongside Jay Anstey, Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Stevel Marc in the feature film, Hell Trip, an American Horror which is due to be released worldwide in 2016/17.

Links

Q&A

1. Many first saw and got to know you through the Presenter Search on SABC3 which you won a spot as a Top Billing Presenter. How has life been since?

• My life has done a complete 180, from planning and scheduling my weeks, I now live almost day to day.  It has taught me to just let go and go with the flow which has actually been a welcome change. Every day is completely different. I meet new people; I learn something new, which appeals to my adventurous side as I get bored very easily. It's also been completely surreal, although it's been a year and half, when I am on set, I still can't believe I am living my dream.

2. What was it like watching yourself on TV during the presenter search?

• Watching myself on TV was awkward, every episode I watched there was something I did which made me cringe but it was good because I learnt what didn't translate well and what I could improve upon. Some spectators feel the need to point our faults however the truth is, we are our own worst critics - we see that fault and more. I don’t know if I will ever get comfortable with watching people watch me while I am next to them or them watching me, watch myself.  

3. You seem to lead a very active lifestyle, how do you manage to find a balance between your TV life and exercising?

• I love being active, it's always been a part of my life which I did for fun. Even though my life is busy, I'll try to get up at 5am or exercise later but I don't beat myself up if I cannot manage to fit it in my day. Gym is my last resort, I prefer activities/ sports as they distract me and are fun. I love going to S.W.E.A.T1000 and Boxing at Point Break Fitness Centre. 

4. You've done a fair bit of modeling in your career as well, what would be your dream cover shoot?

• Modeling for me was always a means for me to get into the industry, because I wanted to be a TV presenter, singer and actress. It was also a way to support myself financially because I paid for my own studies and had to support myself in high school to keep up with my friends. That being said, I still always wanted to be on certain covers and still do, locally and international (baby steps), I'd love to be on the cover of Men’s Health, Glamour, Women's Health, GQ, as many as possible! 

5. If you had to choose between modeling and presenting, which would you opt for?

• I would definitely choose presenting over modeling, if I had to choose acting over presenting that is another story as I really enjoy both. I shot a movie in January this year, in which I play a lead role in an American movie, Hell Trip.   It will hopefully be released next year - it was the most amazing experience.  In the future, I hope to play strong roles portraying women in high power positions, action woman or roles where I get to sing.

6. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to see yourself in?

• Right now I'm driving the Mini Countryman Cooper S, it's like a giant Mini! It's sporty, sexy and classy but it’s still young. I just love it plus I can fit my surfboard in it.

7. Growing up, did you have someone you aspired to be, a role model?

• When I think role model there are a few people that come to mind, those who have lived moral lives or are good people - for example my Ouma, Nelson Mandela, my mom – specifically for her independence and strength. She is a single mom and has taught me to persevere and make things happen for myself, not to rely on others. Other role models in terms of career, Candice Swanepoel and Charlize Theron because they are South Africans who have made it internationally. In terms of career goals, I really admire Ellen DeGeneres, I love her realness, work ethic and how she is not shy to just be herself. Jennifer Lawrence as an actress as well. I really look up to these people and would love successful careers like them. 

8. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?

• I'm married to my career right now but there is someone special too.

9. How are your kitchen skills? If you had to make a sandwich for me, what would be in it?

• Yeah I'm phenomenal in the kitchen… I'm a brilliant eater! Basically I’d rather be outside playing sport than cooking and thereafter come in to enjoy the amazing meal someone has already prepared ;) If I really have to, I can whip something together but I’d rather not. If I'm with somebody, then it is a lot more fun to cook and then I don’t mind. The men in my life always like to cook, so my dad loves cooking and he is absolutely brilliant! My brother also loves to cook, he started studying hospitality and to be a chef; he cooks amazingly as well so I never really needed to cook.   I can, however, make the most amazing fridge family cheese cake - it's been in the family recipe book for decades.

10. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what is your topping/ sprinkle of choice?

• Definitely cream cheese and chives! 

11. Best meal abroad?

• COCONUT ICE CREAM IN ZANZIBAR! I have dreams about it still.

12. What type of music gets your booty shaking?

• Anything that has an amazing beat that makes me want to get up and dance, or an amazing voice that makes me tingle. Adele, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith are favourites!  I do enjoy mainstream music as well, my current favourites are Rihanna and Calvin Harris, "This Is What You Came For" and love Drake's "One Dance". I'm thinking of releasing a song next year, I’m currently working on something…so we’ll see.

13. What is your favourite travel destination and why?

• I saved up for 10 years and recently went snowboarding. Of course tomboy me was instantly hooked and naturally became obsessed. So anywhere there is snow and I can snowboard, I’m in!

14. Describe your ideal night in, and out.

• My ideal night in would be cuddles, dogs around me, warmth, good food and a movie. An ideal night out would be a dinner anywhere with fun and happy people.

15. As a Top Billing presenter, you get the opportunity to see the world but also a lot of our country, what do you love most about South Africa?

• SA has got to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world, rich in culture, liberal and fun! Despite my extensive travels with the show, I still think we have the best food! I’m so proud to call it HOME.

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Bucket Babe: Tamika Doubell

Its Bucket Babe time again and this weeks featured model is Tamika Doubell. Although modelling isn't her main passion, she has reached success in this field - having been chosen to represent South Africa at the Top Model Worldwide competition recently held in London.  She took part in Top Billings presenter search and made it quite far into the competition. Unluckily she didn't end up being chosen but just from the auditions you could see the energy she had in front of the camera and her charisma that instantly captures your attention. In fact, she has an interview coming up with them this weekend where they will be catching up with her since the last time they saw her, as well as ask her advice for this years current Presenter Search hopefuls. So be sure to watch Top Billing to catch her in a few weeks when it airs! Not only does she look good in front of the camera she also has the papers for it, as she mentions her degree in Film & Media. She has done a fair bit of modeling as well as own her own business but I'll let her tell you more about that...

Tamika Doubell

I was born & bred in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I Graduated from the University of Cape
Town (UCT) in 2009 with a degree in Film & Media Production. I’m currently living and
working in Cape Town in the Film & industry as an Actress, Voice-over
Artist, Event MC and Business Owner. I do model when I have time, it’s a fun way to
make some extra money! The business which I recently started with my brother and a few
shareholders is called “SkyBok”.

SkyBok utilises Google Maps to display location and information on local points of interest,
providing video profiles of venues to gain more insight into what they are about. It’s primarily
an online business, it’s URL is “skybok.net”. I travel all over the country to shoot. Some of
my clients include The Mount Nelson Hotel, The Two Oceans Aquarium, Pezula Resort
Hotel & Spa, Simonsig Wine Estate, the Humewood Links golf course and various other
well-known venues. I started it with my brother and a few shareholders. I edit everything
myself and record all the voice-overs in studio with well-known sound-engineer Frank Smuts.
The website went live for the first time last month and so it’s a very exciting time! I am in the
process uploading all the videos.

I have begun a blog about my life which I am really enjoying! I find blogging to be very
rewarding and satisfying!

Links

MY BLOG: http://tamikadoubell.wordpress.com/

MY BUSINESS: http://www.skybok.net/

MY TWITTER: @TamikaDoubell

MY TOP BILLING SHOW REEL:

MY AGENT - ACTING, PRESENTING, MC'ING, VOICE OVER WORK
http://www.samanthabernhardi.com/

Career Highlights

- I was a Grand Finalist recently in “Top Model Worldwide 2012”. It was a massive
competition held in London at The Hilton Metropole in March and it was an incredible
experience for me!

- I was in the Top 6 of the “Top Billing Presenter Search 2010”. For the show, we travelled
all over the country and also to Mauritius. I got to Bungee-jump in Soweto which was
exhilarating to say the least!

-I MC various parties & events in Cape Town and around the Eastern Cape. Some of my
favourites which have stood out for me have been the SKYYVODKA Pool Party at The Cape
Milner Luxury Hotel, the Traffic Winter Collection Fashion Show at The Loop Nightclub, the
FCM Fashion Show at ZAR nightclub as well as the Varsity College Fashion Show at ZAR
nightclub….also the Fashion With Purpose Fashion Show in affiliation with UCT last year,
held at one of my favourite theatres, The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town. I'm also very excited to be MC'ing the upcoming 'Help Save Elephants' cause at Cavendish square! A two day Artjamming paint-a-thon with kids from Reach for a Dream, in association with Younique Concepts.

- I do a great deal of Voice work for radio and television e.g. for Axe Deodrant,
SKYYVODKA, Netcare, ComeDine, Chevrolet and so on.

- I enjoy acting in films and commercials, such as the Hollywood blockbuster Deathrace 3:
Inferno which recently shot in Cape Town. I was Olga’s Pit Crew and we shot on location
here in CT last year. My first exposure to films was when I was an extra on the sets of
Disgrace starring John Malkovich and Invictus with Matt Damon & Morgan Freeman. That
was while I was still studying my degree at UCT so I couldn’t afford the time to go into acting
full time. The British TV series The Great British Story was something else I did over this
past season, where we shot on location here in CT. It was a great experience! A recent
French campaign for Fortuneo Bank in Paris (TV commercial) was also very memorable!
And a big commercial I did for Thorpe Park Theme Park up in UK was one of the more fun
ones and I actually saw it on TV while I were there for the ‘Top Model Worldwide’ last month!

- Top Billing’s Presenter Search on SABC3 in 2010 was really what catapulted me into this
career path and exposed me to the world of television. It gave me a wonderful insight into
presenting and I learnt valuable skills, which I would use if was ever called upon to present
again. Before that, I was living in Port Elizabeth and my only exposure to presenting was a
gig I did for Bay TV here in the Eastern Cape where I interviewed the band Evolver One for a
special they were doing.

- I’m the brand ambassador for Longstreet Fashion Boutique in CT – Long Street,
Cavendish, Tyger Valley and Canal Walk (www.longstreetboutique.com) and also FCM – a
couture fashion label with offices in Loop Street.

I am very big on social responsibility. In terms of giving back, I work with the Rotary Club of
Algoa Bay. Have a look at my most recent blog article on all my charity work, for the names
of the charities I am involved with and also for photos you may want -HTTP://tamikadoubell.com/2021/05/02/photo-gallery-of-charities-ive-come-into-contact-with/

One charity event that stands out for me is a ‘Royal Tea’ which was held last year in
association with The Rotary Club of Algoa Bay and Yokhuselo Haven for abused women.
We got the famous British milliner Philip Treacy himself to donate a hat and had it auctioned
off. Proceeds were given to the charity. He is the milliner to the likes of Kate Middleton,
Victoria Beckham, Princess Beatrice and so on, so it was a huge accomplishment that we
were able to auction off this piece!

Something I am focusing a lot on now is giving motivational talks to under-privileged
children. I gave a talk recently at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as part of
Engen’s Saturday School Program which holds Saturday classes for learners from the
townships all over the country. I will be continuing to work with Engen on this project in Cape
Town & Johannesburg.

A cool page on my blog, which might be nice for you to check out, has photos of me with
some really noteworthy people I have met along the way through my work - including Scott
Eastwood, Danny Trejo, Noeleen from 3talk and Desmond Tutu himself! I call it the “Wall of
Fame”

Here is the link: Gallery

I am very grateful to UCT for the excellent education I recieved while obtaining my degree - a B/A Film and Media Production. Knowing how all the behind the scenes works, its made it somewhat easier when I perform in front of the camera (or microphone). Also those skills I learnt in editing and other post-production essentials are coming in very useful now with Skybok!

Q&A:

1. Hot girls and hot cars go hand in hand, what ride would you like to see yourself in? 
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - nice choice!

2. What sandwich are you most likely to make for me? and will it be toasted or plain?Sandwich? Sies! Is that the best you can do? Honestly Amith, reach a bit higher. ..- Im a simple guy ;-)

3. What type of music gets your booty shaking?
Anything with a good beat.

4. Dream cover shoot?
Vogue.

5. If modelling wasn’t an option, what career would you have most like to get in to? 
Hehe! Modelling isn’t my career. I don’t take it seriously. I do it on the side for fun.
It’s a nice way to make some extra money! It’s not a viable career unless you’re
a certain height. I’m in the Film & Entertainment industry as an Actress, Voice-
over Artist, Event MC and Business Owner. It’s going phenomenally and I’m
really enjoying it - I’ve always had that entrepreneurial quality about me, so it’s no
surprise that I’m delighting in it all! If that wasn’t an option I would go into my family’s
business… Brick-Making Machinery. We own Doubell Machines & Equipment. Our
Factory, Showroom and Head office is in Port Elizabeth. I would start a non-profit
organisation. I might still.

6. Everyone loves popcorn (well I think they do) what’s your topping/ sprinkle of
choice? 
I prefer Whispers.

7. Anyone holding that hand yet? or is it available?
Wouldn’t you like to know… - got to know if there is a chance :-D

8. Growing up you must have had someone you aspired to be, so who is your role
model? 
Different role-models for different things. I like Scarlett Johansson – her look, her energy,
her work. And then (even though he’s a dude) Ryan Seacrest! For his brain! He
knows how to make money in this industry, that’s for sure.

9. Obviously being a female you would love fashion, favourite label/ designer? 
Givenchy.

10. Which city is your dream party destination? 
Ibiza.