The multitalented Isha Blaaker was born in South America in Paramaribo, Suriname, and raised by a single mother in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Isha proudly speaks Dutch, English, French, German, and Surinamese Creole. Before turning to acting and modeling, Isha received both his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and his master’s degree in Consultancy at the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
While he was attending university, Isha signed with the international fashion modeling agency, MAX Models. Shortly afterward, he was recruited by Soul Artist Management to come work in the mecca of the fashion industry, New York City. Throughout his modeling career, Isha has starred in major international luxury brand campaigns for the likes of Hugo Boss, L’Oreal, Tommy Hilfiger, to name a few.
He also has an honorable martial arts background. Until he was 23 years old, Blaaker competed in full-contact karate, having earned the title of National Champion a few times before going semi-pro as a kickboxer.
This February, Isha is set to star in his debut leading role in the upcoming 12th film in Tyler Perry’s iconic Madea franchise, A Madea Homecoming for Netflix. The Madea films have become widely recognized as a cultural phenomenon, having grossed over $1 billion at the box office, and will now debut the newest installment on Netflix for the first time. This will allow over 214 million subscribers to simultaneously watch and enjoy the film around the world. A Madea Homecoming continues to follow the journey of Perry’s infamous femme senior character, Madea. As she prepares to welcome her family who are coming to celebrate her great-grandson’s graduation from college, some hidden secrets threaten to destroy the gathering. The film is slated for release on Netflix on February 25, 2022.
Chilled had the chance to catch up with Isha to learn more about his bartending past, future projects, and who he’d like to share a drink with.
Tell us about the projects you are working on.
A Madea Homecoming will be my first red carpet and premiere. So, there are a lot of things that need to be organized and on top of that I still have my auditions/training with my coaches.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
When there’s a good fight, watching the UFC with my buddies is a must. Vacation is not something I do all that much, but I get to travel a lot for modeling. When work takes me close to my family in South America, The Netherlands, or London, I try to hop off the trail and spend some time with them.
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
My mom’s house. That’s food for the heart and the brain. In New York, the Red Rooster in Harlem. Otherwise, I’m always down for good Sushi or Ethiopian Injera.
What types of dishes do you typically order?
I turned Pescatarian, last year, but secretly I went back to being a Flexitarian. If it’s special and you can’t find it anywhere else, I’ll taste it.
Any favorite bars?
Speakeasys are my favorite. Even though I don’t really drink, I think they’re a cool place to hang out.
What drinks do you order when out?
If anything, an Old Fashioned, a cocktail, or a Desperados. But usually just water. I will say though, any time I do have a drink in front of me, it usually gets downed in a couple minutes. I have no idea why. So, maybe it’s a good thing I don’t drink.
Do you prepare drinks at home?
No. My dad used to drink whiskey with a good Cuban. He’d have a little glass with a lid to preserve the aroma. So, I could have the Balvenie or a Glenfiddich with him.
Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?
Beers for my friends.
Have you ever been a bartender?
Yes, at an event once, so they were mostly pre-made drinks. I did however try to get people to try Flatliners. It’s Sambuca at the bottom of a chilled shot glass. Layer it with a line of tabasco and top it off with half a shot of Tequila.
If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?
Israel Adesanya, Conor McGregor, or the Rock. I like the innovative mindset the first two brought to their crafts, and I like the business mindset of the last two.
The post Chillin’ With Isha Blaaker appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
