HEY THERE! I’M JAYLYNN
Recipe developer & food photographer. I enjoy preparing cozy meals for good people with good vibes.
After years of creating, a food blog is what brings me joy!
Creating is something I’ve been doing for years. One of my first creative businesses as a child was a hand crafted jewelry business where I sold beaded rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Jewelry then inspired beauty services such as hair braiding and loc twisting. In high school I discovered my passion for fashion & style. With the help of my parents who funded all of my many early passions, I learned how to sew and design my own creations. Sewing led to fashion shows, pageants, and designing prom dress sketches for my peers. I’ve always had a deep connection to the creative arts community and in 2011 I launched my first magazine, SOULife. The publication celebrated people, art, and their journey while providing a dedicated platform for emerging artists to connect with a broader audience. This was my baby and still holds a special place in my heart.
In 2013 I started Sweet Zenora, a home baking business. Truth be told baking was a means to an end and my creative attempt to keep the lights on. The lights stayed on (thank the Lord) and I continued to create while developing new relationships with customers through cookies, cakes, all types of desserts, and curated Sweet Zenora experiences. While working tirelessly on the marketing and design concepts for Sweet Zenora, God revealed to me my gift of design, placement, and style. I also noticed a need for a strong women-led creative design solutions in my hometown of Rochester NY. I wanted to help other women entrepreneurs design strategic brands they could feel good about. In 2014 I decided to close the baking business and pour my focus into my full service branding company, focused on helping women shine. I did this for 3 years and in 2017 I decided to take break and completely focus on me.
After a full two year break from everything and spending time with God, moving to a new city (hello DMV), and giving myself the freedom and grace to JUST BE, this food blog was born. In 2019 I decided it was time to get back out there and continue sharing my creative gifts. Cooking, baking, and documenting the process is something that has brought me so much joy and peace. I love the teaching aspect as well as connecting and forming a genuine food community.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been cooking for myself years but I started my baking business back in 2013 and launched the food blog in May 2019
Start where you are and however you can. You don’t need expensive equipment and a fancy site to start. I would suggest establishing a name, secure your domain & hosting, and secure your social handles. Make good food, take quality photos, simplify your recipe steps, share your recipes in your blog or social media captions.
No I do not but I will be offering personal chef services very soon!
I photograph and edit all of my photos. I use a Canon RebelT7i camera (nothing fancy).
Lens: Canon Macro lens EF 100m and Canon Macro 50mm
I’m not a professional cook or baker, I simply cook good food. I will always try my best to keep the recipes approachable with an occasional wild card recipe to keep things interesting around here. In addition to food and recipes, I also enjoy talking about things that matter to me such as Black Lives & Equality, entrepreneurship inspiration, and life goals.
I’m always on Instagram at @Jaylynn_Little so please make sure you stop by and say hello! I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you enjoy what’s on the menu each week and learn something new along the way.
Since launching the food blog in 2019, I have been featured in Food52, The Feed Feed, Huffington Post, and Blavity. I currently reside in Silver Spring, MD.
