Carla hosts an all-new season of Best Baker in America, where these contestants have to show the judges that they have what it takes to win.
Caitlyn Cox, Nashville, TN
Caitlyn is the executive pastry chef at the RT Lodge in Nashville. When she was just 26 years old, she landed the executive pastry chef role at the James Beard-nominated Henrietta Red in Nashville. Caitlyn cites her grandma as the person who inspired her to start baking.
Yassmeen Haskins Jackson, Baltimore, MD
Yassmeen owns Cocoa & Nuts Pastries in Maryland. She specializes in stunning cakes, which she’s made for famous clients like Barack Obama and Stevie Wonder.
Jackie Joseph, Louisville, KY
Jackie was recognized as one of the "Six Faces of the South" by StyleBlueprint. She used to work at the Omni Louisville Hotel, where she baked for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Clarice Lam, Brooklyn, NY
Clarice owns a bakery in Brooklyn and also works as a pastry consultant for the restaurant Kimika. She’s been featured in the New York Times, Oprah Magazine, and Bon Appetit, among other publications. Clarice enjoys baking with Japanese and Italian flavors.
Aaron Manuyag, Tucson, AZ
Aaron is the executive pastry chef at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Arizona. He went to the French Pastry School in Chicago, where he learned from some of the industry greats. Aaron has baked with unique ingredients like mesquite and blue cheese.
Caryn Martinez, Columbus, OH
Caryn is the executive pastry chef at the Hilton hotel in her hometown, Columbus. She also spent seven years as the pastry chef at a Hilton in San Francisco, specializing in breads and cakes.
Felicia Mayden, Chicago, IL
Right out of culinary school, Felicia worked with a James Beard-award winning pastry chef. She now works as pastry chef at the Ace Hotel in Chicago. She wants to win to show her son he can do anything he puts his mind to.
Michele Pompei, Walla Walla, WA
Michele is a co-owner and executive pastry chef at the Walla Walla Bread Company in Washington. In between working at Michelin star restaurants, Michele also taught culinary and baking skills to other aspiring chefs. His specialty is high-end optical illusion desserts.
Miranda Prince, Las Vegas, NV
Miranda is the executive pastry chef at Hexx Kitchen and Bar in Vegas. Her specialty is beautifully decorated cakes, which she’s made for celebrities like the Kardashians and Nicki Minaj.
Katrina Tayo, Las Vegas, NV
Katrina is the executive pastry chef at SUSHISAMBA in Vegas. She’s worked at a multitude of the best bakeries in Las Vegas. Katrina likes to incorporate savory flavors into her desserts because she didn’t grow up eating many sweets.
