Celebrating Black History Month

Bread is more than sustenance—it is dignity. It is warmth, care, and a symbol of stability. For Amatullah Jabriel, the founder of Sweet Spice & Honey, baking is about providing that dignity to her community. Her journey began during the 2009 housing crisis when she turned a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity that would change her life and the lives of those around her. Today, her cottage micro-bakery is an integral part of the Brooklyn and Newark food ecosystems, baking with purpose and passion while ensuring that high-quality, locally sourced artisan bread reaches those who need it most. We are honored to feature Amatullah in this Black History Month Guild Member Spotlight.  

How did you start baking?  
Amatullah Jabriel: Sweet Spice & Honey was born out of necessity and inspiration. In 2009, after being laid off from my temporary consulting job, I found myself on a walk that led me to Ten Thousand Villages, a store in Highland Park, NJ, featuring artisan goods from developing countries. Seeing the resilience of those artisans struck a chord in me—I realized that I had resources, and it was time to make the most of them. That was my turning point. I approached local stores, offering homemade slices of Banana and Carrot loaves. The experience was fulfilling, and from that small spark, my business grew.  

Can you give us a short background on your career today?  Over the past year, my partnerships have expanded significantly. The RiseBoro Community Partnership invited me to provide 300 loaves for their pantry shares, which became my largest order then. Soon after, New York Common Pantry requested 1,400 loaves monthly. Today, Sweet Spice & Honey produces 2,000 loaves every month. Looking ahead to 2025, I plan to build even more partnerships and participate in a baking residency, sharing my menu repertoire on a broader scale.  

Who are your baking or food industry heroes?  
I've been blessed with incredible mentors. Chef Pearl Thompson, Master Baker & Pastry Chef Gilberto Ruiz Sanchez, and Chef Leroy Baldwin played pivotal roles in my development.  

Elijah's Promise, under the visionary leadership of Lisann Finston, nurtured Sweet Spice & Honey in its early days. Through their Baking & Pastry program, I refined my craft. I had the opportunity to place my products in major markets. After my time at Elijah's Promise, I met Gilberto Ruiz Sanchez, who became my mentor, dear friend, and ultimately family. His lessons in baking were invaluable, and his legacy remains with me today. Chef Leroy Baldwin, a seasoned culinary professional, has been another guiding force, generously sharing his knowledge and experience with me.  

How does your baking connect with the community?  
Baking is more than a business; it's a way to serve my community. My partnership with organizations like New York Common Pantry ensures that high-quality, artisanal loaves make it into the hands of those who may not have had access otherwise. When someone struggling gets a handcrafted loaf—something made for them, not just given as leftovers—it brings dignity to the experience of receiving food. It means everything to me that someone can sit down, take a deep breath, and enjoy a slice of bread made with intention.  

Good food should not be a luxury, and working people deserve access to the same high-quality bread as anyone else. I have had people tell me that struggling individuals "won't know the difference," but I reject that idea entirely. People know quality, and they deserve it. Whether it's a single mom, an elder, or a worker juggling multiple jobs, they deserve to experience the warmth of a good, well-made loaf. My goal is to break the cycle of food inequality—one loaf at a time.  

What does the Guild mean to you?  
The Guild is an invaluable resource. It connects me with like-minded professionals and keeps me engaged with everything happening in the world of bread. I look forward to the editorials and love the sense of community it fosters.  

What are your goals for the future? 
I want to continue expanding my partnerships with community-based organizations and possibly return to retail in spaces that align with my values. I am focused on collaborations that uphold integrity and sustainability. Another goal? A baking externship at Tyler Perry Studios. They need Sweet Spice & Honey, even if they don't know it yet!  

What started as a $20 sale has grown into a business rooted in resilience and empowerment. Sweet Spice & Honey is more than a bakery—it's a testament to what's possible when determination meets opportunity. I hope to inspire women over 50 to know it's never too late to pursue their dreams.  

Follow Along

Sweet Spice and Honey Instagram

Instagram: @Je_taime_Patisseir, @Naughty_Bread_Baker, @Leo.thebaker  

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