Bellator beauty Jade Bryce is poised to have her biggest year to date. Between Bellator’s breakout move to Spike TV and her acting and writing aspirations, the charitable world traveler is taking her passions to the masses.
Hey Jade, happy 2013. How did you ring in the New Year?
Well, for more than a decade, I’ve wanted to be in Thailand for New Years. But Bellator’s break was only one month, and I want to go over there for three months. So, I spent New Years in Malibu, ringing it in with the positive people in my life—some of my writer friends.
What are you writing these days?
I’ve still got my blog, Diary of a Travel Size Model, but I’m writing a semi-autobiographical book about remaining positive during a negative upbringing. I hope it will serve as an inspiration. It’s about my earliest memory to the present. It’s called Om Mane Padme Hum, which is Sanskrit for “Behold the Power of the Lotus Flower.” I’d get that tattooed on my leg, but Bellator likes to tone down the ink.
What’s your resolution for 2013?
I’ve got three: One, establish a manager in L.A. It’s a lot harder than it seems. Two, raise $40,000 for charity. I raised $35,000 in 2012, so I want to raise more this year. Three, travel. Every year I like to backpack to a different country. I stay in hostels or camp—it keeps me alive, creative, and grateful for my life in America. I want to go to Southeast Asia for three months—volunteer in Cambodia, explore Vietnam, and live in Thailand for a bit.
This is your third appearance in FIGHT! You’re in exclusive company with Arianny Celeste, Brittney Palmer, and Amber Nichole now.
That’s unbelievable. I’m a huge MMA fan, so this is a big honor.
Are you excited about Bellator’s move to Spike TV?
Of course. Everything is going to blow up. Our following is going to grow. And I’m going to try and use my spotlight to do some good things in this world—raise more money for charity.
Last time we spoke, you told me that Michael Chandler was going to upset Eddie Alvarez, and you were right. Give me your predictions on Ben Askren vs. Karl Amoussou.
I told you so [laughing]. Look, I’m not a huge Ben fan, which will probably make it awkward when he gets on the treadmill next to me in the gym. But, I love Amoussou. He comes off as cocky, but he’s so classy and super entertaining. I’d love to see him win. I hate to say it, but I’m totally ready for someone new to get the belt from him. I don’t think Bellator would like me saying that, but I’m rooting for Amoussou.
You’ve been with Bellator since Season 4, and now they’re into Season 8. Has the time flown by?
It’s made my whole life fly by the last two years.
Does the travel schedule wear you out?
It’s exhausting, but this job is one in a million. And I’m so lucky to have it. That’s my mindset. There are so many girls who would kill for my job, and believe me, I see what they say on Twitter and Facebook. But I don’t worry about them. I’m my own competition. I want to be with Bellator as long as they will have me. But, I do wish I could teleport.
In 2012, you appeared in a Beach Boys video and on Dexter. Can you top that in 2013?
I hope so. I remember listening to the Beach Boys as a kid, so being in their video is something I can look back on fondly. I didn’t get to do as much on Dexter because the shooting days overlapped with my Bellator travel schedule. But I got to meet everyone, and it was worth it to see how the whole process of shooting a television show unfolds. It was good networking for when my Bellator career is over and I try to get into acting more.
What’s your workout routine been like recently?
I love to hike, so I try and do that as much as possible. I watch what I eat, and I hit the gym to do my cardio and squats. Gorgeous women need butts. I’m such a butt person, so I’m adamant about my squats. When I’m on the road, a lot of the hotel gyms close at night, so I pull up Insanity on my iPad. It’s not that hard, but it’s better than nothing.
Between the road and your home base in L.A., how’s the dating scene?
The dating scene in L.A. sucks. I’m such a Southerner, a Texan, an Austinite. These guys in L.A., especially celebrity types, think they get to skip the steps of dating and get right down to business on the first date. There’s only been a couple of guys that I’ve had a connection with, a relationship with. If you think it’s gonna happen after one date, think again. These guys are so aggressive. I don’t mind an aggressive guy if I’m in a relationship with him, but skipping dating steps, that never works.
Are there any celebrity types you’d like to bash in the pages of FIGHT!?
Yes [laughing]. But I won’t. I’ll keep it classy.
So you don’t have any celebrity crushes?
I liked Josh Hartnett when I was younger, but he disappeared. So, no—no celebrity crushes. I like going on a good date. I like funny guys. I love laughing.
Knock, knock.
[Laughing] Who’s there?
The speed round. You ready?
Hit it.
Best movie of 2012?
Moonrise Kingdom. I’m such a sucker for an adventurous love story. All my friends who saw it told me the lead character Suzy reminded them of me. I want to see the world, just like her.
Last concert you attended?
Mumford & Sons. Their music speaks to me so much it brings me to tears.
Worst job you’ve ever had?
When I was 16 years old, I was a papergirl from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., and there were no holidays. The paper never stops. Tough hours, but I look back and giggle at that job. Actually, the worst job I had was as a cashier at Chuck E. Cheese’s. The amount of noise, all the racket, and moms stressing over their kid’s birthday was too much.
Guilty pleasure food?
S’more fudge brownie at Yamashiro Sushi in Hollywood. It’s a chocolate brownie with a roasted marshmallow served on a graham cracker with a scoop of ice cream. The restaurant overlooks the city. It’s the best place for a date.
What Pandora station are you listening to right now?
Little Walter. I’m a huge Blues fan. I just bought a waterproof case for my iPhone so I can listen in the shower.
Beer, liquor, or wine?
I’m not a big drinker. I maybe have champagne or wine twice a month when I’m eating sushi. I feel like I’m a health nut. I won’t go anywhere where people are smoking.
How do we know you’re really a Texan at heart?
I still wear my cowgirl boots and Wranglers.
Favorite book?
I love to read. My favorite is Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. It’s about unveiling the mystery of a woman’s soul.
How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?
Part of me wants to stay 28 years old, but that’s too close to 30. I want to be 25 forever. I’m young at heart. I want to explore forever. I want someone to grow young with.
Thanks, Jade. We’ll be watching you grow young on Spike TV.
You’re welcome! It’s going to be a great season!
__________
Photos by Paul Thatcher
Hair & Makeup and Wardrobe by MARAZ
Special thanks to Mary Todd Hairdressing Company & Steven Sloss / marytoddhairco.com
Comments are closed.