Name: Iris Acevedo

Where do you live? East Orange

When did you move there? December 2020

Where did you grow up? Miami, FL, and I moved to New Jersey in December 2014.

How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion? I am a permanent makeup artist, and I own Ace Studio in Nutley, NJ. We offer microblading, lash extensions, and more!

Coffee, tea or … ? Cuban café con leche for life

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? Brunch + Beach in the summer, Brunch + The Met in the fall

What’s your favorite local restaurant? The Corner for dry brunch, Fabourg for wet brunch, La Salbuen for lunch and Halcyon for dinner. And so many honorable mentions…

What’s on your nightstand? Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

What are you listening to? My friend’s “Growing Up Cuban” playlist on Spotify

What are your current indulgences? Going back home to Miami every couple of months

What talent you would most like to have? Finding joy and peace in all

What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about our area? Best-kept secret in Bloomfield, where I lived for 7 years before moving to EO: R&L Diner on Franklin Ave. It’s owned by a Filipino family, and the husband, Ray, makes a dish called “tosilog”…we have had it about twice a month for 8 years now. Go, seriously.

What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? She was tough but kind and had excellent taste.