Suvechha Sarkar
Food Network’s ‘Holiday Baking Championship’ has long been the ultimate festive battleground, and Season 12 is no different. It introduces 12 talented new bakers in the kitchen who sculpt their way through a series of challenges. Each of them entered the competition from diverse backgrounds, bringing their own traditions, flavors, and creative flair. From self-taught home bakers to the seasoned pastry pros, these contestants weren’t just competing for the $25,000 prize but also served pieces of their personal stories.
Violet Zoner is Flourishing as a Food Photographer With Deep Personal Bonds
Violet Zoner has built an impressive career as a Pastry and Food Photographer in Ithaca, New York. Her passion eventually led her to the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated in April 2025. As of writing, she runs her own website, where she shares recipes for a variety of treats, including cakes, decorated pastries, macarons, and oatmeal cookies. Violet’s blog is filled with personal baking tips, while her curated Shop My account highlights her favorite kitchen products. She is building a strong online presence with over 3.9K followers on Instagram, where her feed is filled with stunning pastry photography, recipes, and occasional product promotion for Positively Tea Company.
Beyond that, Violet’s life is deeply grounded in her family. As part of a triplet, she shares an unbreakable bond with her siblings, Alex and Mason. Moreover, she remains incredibly close to her mother. Another significant part of her heart belongs to her boyfriend, Jake Paradisin. Whether they’re strolling hand in hand during sunset or clicking romantic photos during a photo booth date, she cherishes every moment with him. Violet also loves visiting waterfalls, embarking on hikes, or simply basking in the sun by the beach. As a devoted music lover, she has attended several concerts, including Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in June 2023 and the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance in July 2024. Violet has also traveled to several exotic locations, including Slovenia, Italy, and Puerto Rico.
Daniel Gray Has His Own Bakery and is Quite Close to His Mother
Daniel Monkonjay Gray’s life has taken him down more than one unexpected path, but each step has led him closer to where he truly belongs—behind the counter of his beloved bakery, Uncle Cheesecake. Founded in 2014, the bakery has become a haven for dessert lovers. It is also a place where Daniel pours his creativity into beautifully crafted cakes. Aside from that, he opens the kitchen of his venture to others by hosting private cooking and cake decorating classes. He continues to expand his offerings, as most recently, he taught a turkey cake decorating class in November 2025. Daniel further conducts homeschool cake pop classes for young aspiring bakers.
Before Daniel found his calling in the culinary world, his life was entirely rooted in service. He was a Firefighter and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). At the center of his personal world is his mother, with whom he shares an incredible bond. He never hesitates to express his gratitude and love for her. It becomes evident when Daniel pens heartfelt messages with her photos, writing, “I love this woman, I’m eternally grateful for her!!! My mother!!!” Currently, he resides in High Point, North Carolina, where his adorable pup, Thor, fills his days with warmth and laughter.
Camrey Smith is a Rising Detroit Pastry Innovator With Family at Her Core
Camrey Smith completed her degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College before becoming the owner and Cake Artist at her venture, Halcyon Patisserie. Through her website, she showcases stunning creations and offers catering services for her clients. She also brings people together through events like cake decorating workshops and lively pop-ups at other restaurants. Camrey’s culinary path has helped her become a significant part of James Beard-nominated Patisseries and Bakeries in the Detroit, Michigan area. By December 2024, Camrey proudly shared about becoming the 2024 Black Kitchen Initiative Award and Grant recipient.
It was followed by her return to Neighbor x Folk Detroit’s workshop on April 19, where Camrey taught the participants how to craft one of her signature cakes. In November 2025, she announced her involvement with Folk Detroit, joining their monthly evening gathering series. Behind her success stands her family, whom Camrey holds close to her heart. She is deeply connected to her parents and frequently expresses her gratitude for their unwavering support. Her friendships are another joyful cornerstone of her life, and she loves exploring restaurants with them, bonding over new dishes and discovering new flavors. Being a music lover has led Camrey to several concerts, where she enjoyed the electric energy of live performances.
Erin Michelle Luttrell Has a Multifaceted Career Rooted in Service and Food
Over the years, Erin Michelle Luttrell has honed her skills across a wide range of roles. It culminated in her appointment as Executive Chef and Banquets and Market Manager at Drumm Farm Center for Children in September 2023, where she served until February 2025. However, her journey stretches far beyond, as in October 2007, she joined United Labor Credit Union as the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, a position she continues to hold to this day. In April 2025, Erin also became the Serve & Lift Market Program Manager for the Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Alongside that, she remains a passionate chef, never relinquishing her culinary craft. Erin’s culinary talent has further helped her earn recognition.
In August 2025, Erin appeared on ‘Live From Jasper’s Kitchen’ on KCMO Talk Radio. There, she shared information about the Serve & Lift program, which helps individuals with food insecurity and supports those managing chronic medical conditions through better nutrition. In October, she attended a major conference organized by Harvesters. It was followed by Erin’s interview in the next month’s Kansas City Star, wherein she reflected on her journey in the competition and how she had evolved since then. She also appeared on KCTV5, demonstrating a twist on the French pastry bostock. Beyond her professional achievements, her heart belongs to her children, including her daughter, Maxine. Erin often takes them to help her with various initiatives and instills in them a sense of community.
Nico Alkalay Always Cherishes the Time He Spends With His Loved Ones
Nico Alkalay completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from The Culinary Institute of America in December 2024, followed by another Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from Colorado State University Global in July 2025. Long before that, Nico launched his home-based baking business, Sweet Innovation Patisserie, in January 2019, as a Baker. He continued working on the venture until June 2025. While working there, Nico also joined SAFTA as a Pastry Chef in April 2023 and moved on in June 2025.
Presently, Nico continues his baking journey with the same passion, sharing the processes and behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram. Outside of his career, he maintains a close relationship with his parents, Irit Drobiner and Eyal Alkalay. They always celebrate milestones together, finding joy in simple moments. Nico’s heart once belonged to his beloved pup, Jaxon. However, he faced a major heartbreak when his furry friend passed away in April 2024. Amid the grief, the pastry chef finds comfort in the presence and companionship of his boyfriend, Nathan. Nico is also a traveler at heart who made his way to the Sequoia National Park in August 2024 and also to Germany in the same year.
Charles Zimmerman is Thriving as a Talented Executive Pastry Chef
Charles Zimmerman had first joined Farmington Country Club as an Assistant Pastry Chef in February 2021. Over the years, his skills developed, which helped him rise through the ranks to become an Executive Pastry Chef at the establishment by August 2024. His exceptional talent eventually paved the path for him to compete on ‘Holiday Wars’ in 2023. Charles then gained wider recognition, earning him interviews on CBS19 News and C-Ville in November of the same year. During both of them, he shared insights into his work and passion, helping the audience understand how they led him to the competition.
Additionally, Charles has earned formal features in restaurants like Per Se and The French Laundry. Though his pastries take center stage professionally, his life revolves around his family. He remains especially close to his parents, Tom and Jean Zimmerman, and also maintains an amicable bond with his sister, Alisa. They frequently travel together, with the most notable trip being to Kauai and Oahu in January 2024. In September 2025, Charles spent some meaningful time with a woman named Grey Valdes. While the nature of the relationship remains unclear, we do believe they share a great bond. By the following months, Charles made his way to the City of Love—Paris, France.
Jean Carlos Blends His Brazilian Roots in His Role as a Pastry Chef
Jean Carlos developed an interest in baking at the age of 10, which eventually led him to L’École Valrhona. He moved on from the transformative experience at the school in July 2025 before joining as a Pastry Chef at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin by the following month. Jean originally appeared on his first TV competition in Brazil back in 2021. Following that, he has been featured in several interviews. In March 2025, he was interviewed by The Pastry Depot, where he revealed that he was born and raised in a circus, working as a clown alongside his mother. Aside from that, Jean was interviewed by the news channel Jornal Leia Notícias and the website Tudo Para Brasileiros, which highlighted his representation of Brazil in the show.
Furthermore, Jean has been featured on JP News and the Orlando Sentinel as they discussed his culinary trajectory. By November 2025, he proudly announced that his 2025 holiday guide is available in the latest print edition of Watermark Out News. In his personal life, Jean has always openly discussed his struggles when his father and mother parted ways, as well as how working in a bakery fueled his passion for the art. Besides that, whenever he gets a chance, he always goes out to explore the outdoors. Whether it’s simply going out for a walk in the woods, heading out to hike on rough terrain, or enjoying the sound of the waves by the sea, Jean truly loves connecting with nature.
Ashleigh Wright Embraces Love and Adventure Besides Her Career
Ashleigh Wright’s professional journey began humbly in February 2011. She worked on improving her skills in several professional kitchens, which shaped her identity as a Pastry Chef. Ultimately, she took on the role of Executive Pastry Chef for Legends Hospitality – Dallas Cowboys in August 2020 and has held this position ever since. Ashleigh has amassed over 3.4K followers on Instagram, giving her fans a glimpse into her creations and personal life. Off the clock, her heart finds the brightest moments with the love of her life, Jon Volberding. From long scenic drives to the small daily gestures of affection, the two of them consistently create memories filled with joy and connection.
Family remains a powerful anchor for Ashleigh, as evident in her close bond with her father, Mac, and her brother, Keehan. Together, the siblings always make their father feel special, from celebrating his birthday to cheering alongside him in football games for his favorite team. Her life is also deeply touched by her two furry pups, including Hunter, who brings her endless joy. Sadly, Ashleigh was left grief-stricken when she lost one of her loyal companions in November 2024. It also created a massive void in both her and Hunter’s hearts. To seek comfort from the pain and recharge her spirit, Ashleigh occasionally turns to activities like hiking and camping.
Alyx Abreu Thrives as a Competitor and Arnaud’s Executive Pastry Chef
Alyx Abreu relocated to New Orleans in December 2022, joining Hotel Saint Vincent as the Executive Pastry Chef. She left the position in June 2024 and stepped into the same role at Arnaud’s Restaurant. By February 2025, she showcased her leadership skills at the NFL House event hosted by her restaurant. There, in the course of three days, Alyx led her team to assemble, decorate, and plate more than 12,000 pastries, which highlighted her creativity and ability to lead with precision. Along the way, she utilizes social media, especially Instagram, to share pictures of her evolving artistry.
Alyx’s feed features several dishes, including chocolate and blackberry mousse, carrot cake, and ruby chocolate torte, among many others. Alyx has never shied away from competition, either, as she has participated in ‘The Greatest Baker’ in 2020 and Rice & Rumble in 2021. While she keeps most of her personal life away from the spotlight, we do know that she adores her niece and nephews. Spoiling them with cookies has become one of Alyx’s sweet traditions, which serves as a reminder that even the busiest chef makes time for the people who bring joy to her life.
Tarek Husseini Strikes the Perfect Balance Between Baking and Adventure
After becoming the runner-up in season 7 of ‘Kids Baking Championship,’ Tarek Husseini carried on the spark of recognition by creating his own bakery, Tarek Bakes. He runs a thriving brand as a Pastry Chef, crafting everything from strawberry and cream croissant tarts to vegan hummingbird cakes with vegan pecan praline frosting and raspberry coulis. With an active professional presence on Instagram, Tarek proudly showcases each of his baked goods, transforming his feed into a digital showcase of his pastries. Besides welcoming clients through email and messages, he also welcomes visitors to his own website. Additionally, Tarek is a student at Yale University.
Tarek possesses a wanderlust spirit, which has taken him to different parts of the world. In June 2025, he traveled to the charming streets of Seville, Spain, followed by a summer escape to Portugal in July. Aside from that, he had taken in the beauty and romantic atmosphere of Paris, France, in the same month. Whenever Tarek gets the opportunity, he loves spending meaningful time with his mother. They often explore the city together, sharing simple moments between adventures. He is also an enthusiastic sports fan who always cheers for his university team from the sidelines. Tarek’s love for celebration and culture extends to local events as well, which was highlighted by his visit to Soulard Mardi Gras in 2024.
Chase Maus Has Built a Creative Life as a Pastry Chef and Yoga Instructor
Chase A. Maus originally hails from Kentucky but moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2024. However, long before moving there, he had already crafted a life that blends his creativity and determination. He currently showcases his baking skills as a Pastry Chef at the Paloma Restaurant. Besides that, Chase discovered his passion for yoga in 2022, which helped him work as a Yoga Instructor. After his relocation, he joined Dirty Laundry Hot Yoga in the same position. It helps Chase significantly to keep himself grounded amid the fast-paced culinary industry. When he is not busy in the kitchen or in the studio, he is most likely to be found outdoors.
Chase loves immersing himself in activities such as skiing, hiking, and camping. In February 2024, he welcomed his beloved pup, Juneau, into his life. Since then, Chase’s furry friend has been his companion in all his adventures. He also spends considerable time with Sara Russo. Although we know that they have shared incredible moments, such as going on kayaking trips, the nature of their relationship remains unclear. There is another mysterious woman present in Chase’s life, who accompanied him and Juneau on their hike in March 2024. However, he has chosen to shield her identity and their connection from the public eye.
Jeanna Barnes Transforms Heartbreak Into Strength as She Grows Her Business
Jeanna Barnes, AKA Gia, has carved out a unique professional trajectory for herself. Presently, she is the owner of BSweet Dessert Boutique, a venture that she has lovingly built from the ground up. Known for its delicious baked goods, including handcrafted and elegant macarons, cupcakes, and breathtaking custom cakes, her bakery has become the destination for celebrations of every kind. Through Jeanna’s website, customers can browse upcoming shipping slots, place pre-orders for busy festive seasons, and book her special event catering services. Her more than 30 years of experience in wedding cakes brings a level of expertise that has earned her features on The Messenger and WTVy’s ‘Morning Mingle’ in 2025.
On both Facebook and Instagram, Jeanna invites her followers into her baking universe, sharing photos of her latest preparations, hosting fun cake decorating challenges, and even promoting a variety of cooking and baking classes to inspire the next generation of home bakers. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jeanna still carries the pain of losing the love of her life and her husband, Daniel Barnes. When he unexpectedly passed away in June 2022, it left a gaping wound in her heart. Even so, she finds strength in the presence of her beloved sons, Ethan and Chris. Jeanna also receives the unwavering support of her close-knit family. Apart from that, Jeanna has chosen to keep further details about her personal life under wraps.
Read More: Is It Cake Halloween: Where Are the Contestants Now?
