ALIYYAH BAYLOR

Aliyyah Baylor is the sweet staple of the Harlem culinary scene. Aliyyah and her mother, who is lovingly referred to as Ms. Jo-Ann by their loyal clients, founded Make My Cake from the kitchen in their family’s Harlem apartment nearly 40 years ago. Since then, Aliyyah has expanded the family brand from kitchen to couture by baking custom cakes, cupcakes and pies for celebrities like actress/producer Tina Fey, singers Vanessa Williams and Mariah Carey, hip hop entrepreneur Jay Z and various Fortune 500 Executives, while staying true to their southern roots.

Aliyyah has been featured in the New York Times, Essence, and Crain’s; on the cover of Bake and Country Living magazines; on the Food Network with Bobby Flay and in a national commercial for Verizon. A passionate entrepreneur, Aliyyah, who refers to her customers as “Sweeties” is known for treating every visitor to her two Harlem locations as an extended member of the Baylor family. Recently Aliyyah launched a Sweets & Cream, hand-made, ice cream line to compliment her desserts. With Aliyyah at the helm as Chief Baking Officer, Make My Cake has grown from a small Harlem shop into a sweet success that is recognized both nationally and internationally.

Accolades

A mother of two, Aliyyah is a generous philanthropist who is committed to improving the lives of New York City’s seniors and children. Aliyyah often opens the doors of her beautifully decorated Central Harlem location to host fundraisers, teaching sessions and community events which allow her and her family to both give back and pay it forward. Aliyyah sits on the board of Citymeals-on-Wheels and Black Women for Black Girls Giving Circle. She is the recipient of the American Heart Association’s Harlem Star for Heart Service Award, the 2014 Distinguished Business Woman of the Year Award from The Harlem Arts Council and has been recognized on many occasions for her dedication to community service across New York City.