Jon’nae Smith is a notable contestant on Season 11 of the Spring Baking Championship, a competitive baking show aired on Food Network. This season features a talented lineup of 13 bakers who showcase their culinary skills, with the guidance of host Jesse Palmer, alongside judges Kardea Brown, Nancy Fuller, and Duff Goldman.
Originally hailing from Miami and currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, Jon’nae was born on September 21 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of West Georgia in 2015. She is also a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, where she received professional culinary training in 2016.
Throughout her career, Jon’nae has worked with prestigious hospitality brands, including Four Seasons, Walt Disney World, and Loews Hotels, showcasing her versatility and talent in high-pressure environments. With a growing fanbase of over 4,300 followers, you can connect with Jon’nae on Instagram @chef.jaye.
The Journey of Chef Jon’nae “Jaye”Smith
Chosen as a contestant for the Food Network competition, Jon’nae follows in the footsteps of fellow Atlanta pastry chef Nickey Boyd, a finalist from Season 10. During a March 5 interview with Eater, she shared her childhood memories of watching Food Network shows with her father, who instilled in her a passion for cooking and baking.
Jon’nae’s foray into baking stemmed from a moment of curiosity when she baked a dense cake and was eager to learn what went wrong. The excitement was palpable when she received the call to compete on Spring Baking Championship, as she recounted the moment with sheer joy, leaping in her living room.
“When I got the call, I remember running out into the living room, and I leaped so high, I could’ve flown through the roof,” Jon’nae expressed.
After completing her education at Johnson & Wales University, Jon’nae honed her skills by working in various Atlanta establishments. She garnered experience under renowned Pastry Chef Jennifer Paul at Canoe, as well as at Loews Hotel and the Hill at Serenbe. Additionally, she collaborated with Executive Chef Demetrius Brown, contributing to innovative supper clubs at Bread & Butter.
Jon’nae began her baking journey with internships at the Four Seasons in Atlanta and Disney’s Magic Kingdom in 2017. She is also a proud member of The New South, a collective of Black chefs who organize special events in Atlanta. Grateful for the support from her culinary peers, she feels fortunate to have a robust community behind her.
Infusing her dishes with flavors from the Caribbean and the South, Jon’nae particularly enjoys using mango in her creations. Texture is another focus for her, often incorporating crunchy components such as crumbles, tuiles, and macarons into her desserts. Moreover, she places great emphasis on the role of sauces in enhancing flavor.
Her expertise shines through in her use of infused chantilly, which sometimes includes alcohol, to deepen the taste of her baked offerings. She embraces dramatic presentations, ensuring that her creations stand out visually.
“I use a lot of infused chantilly, especially with alcohol. And then drama. I love drama,” stated Jon’nae Smith, highlighting her unique baking style.
During her interview, Jon’nae attributed her efficiency and precision to her culinary education at Disney, where she learned to produce large quantities of desserts. However, she found the time constraints on the show particularly challenging, recalling how the contestants had to meet tight deadlines for each task.
She remarked on the chaotic nature of filming, noting that essential ingredients like various chocolates and high-quality heavy cream were sometimes unavailable in the show’s pantry. Nevertheless, Jon’nae valued the constructive criticism from the judges throughout the competition.
Catch new episodes of Season 11 of Spring Baking Championship on the Food Network every Monday at 8 PM ET, and witness Jon’nae’s incredible baking journey.