JoAnn Baylor

With family roots in West Point, Mississippi, and an upbringing in historic Harlem, New York, it is no wonder that JoAnn Baylor’s decadent desserts are known for their authentically soulful, homemade flavor. Retraining as a baker began decades ago when she would help her beloved mother, Josephine “Ma’’ Smith, to create scrumptious dishes and serve guests with attentive Southern charm. Later, JoAnn would hone her skills in hospitality management, nutrition, and recipe development with associate and bachelor’s degrees from the City University of New York (CUNY) as well as many continuing education courses in cake styling.