Winnet Buchanan was born in Jamaica, West Indies, in the Parish of Manchester, about 2 miles from the Capital, Mandeville. She is one of 12 children born to their parents, Raphael and Leila. She migrated to the United States in 1969, attended Queensborough College and obtained a degree in Business Administration. Growing up in Jamaica was fun, she said, her parents had a farm where they grew all sorts of vegetables, fruits and other produce. They also raised their own livestock such as cattle & chickens. They always make delicious and interesting meals. Whenever we have family gatherings, we exchanged recipes.