The Perfect Recipe: How Black Magnolia Patisserie Achieved Triad Culinary Fame

By: Sheridan C. Watkins

If you’re looking for a Black-owned spot to satisfy your sweet tooth, make a stop at Black Magnolia Southern Patisserie in Greensboro inside of Revolution Mill. 

The bakery migrated their loyal followers and customers to their new location that opened on Aug. 9, 2022 and is serving up the sweet dishes to bring more customers through the door. 

The owner, Venée Pawlowski, is a renowned pastry chef in her community and found her love of culinary arts early in her childhood. 

“My grandmother is the reason I bake. I grew up in the kitchen around her baking and making food. She was an amazing cook as well as baker,” Pawlowski said.

Black Magnolia Southern Patisserie was born because Pawlowski recognized the need for a bakery that brought the luxury of unique treats made with love while honoring the nostalgia of sweet southern desserts. She specifically wanted to make sure the items on the menu were representative of her as a Black woman and her community.  

Pawlowski began baking to satisfy her cravings while she was pregnant and, soon after, she wasn’t only baking for herself anymore. As a result of the pandemic, Black Magnolia Southern Patisserie officially started in 2020 out of Pawlowski’s house because she was not able to continue working her part time position at a country club as a pastry chef. In just a few months, customers were lining up outside her house to take home her baked goods. She says it’s because she provides an elevated taste by tweaking a few simple ingredients to enhance flavors. 

“People would be surprised to learn how many layers of flavor are [unlocked] just by adding salt to a sweet,” She said. 

The bakery’s most popular items are cinnamon rolls and cookies followed by cakes and pies. Oftentimes, Pawlowski adds new things on the menu based on customer request. Her customers are the heart of her business which is why she strives to keep her prices affordable while maintaining incredible flavors. 

Pawlowski has a team that helps her in the kitchen including her husband, an intern, and pastry assistants. Though there are other bakeries that some may consider competition, Pawlowski understands what she brings to her audience and knows how to keep them coming back for more. 

“Don’t worry about what anybody else is doing. You have to do what’s right for you,” She said. 

Find Black Magnolia Southern Patisserie at 1162 Revolution Mill Dr. in Greensboro.