Lynn Davis—better known as CookingWithLynja—was a fun-loving, comedic content creator who brought laughter and flavor to the world of online cooking. Her unique approach to food and cooking set her apart, blending humor with down-to-earth recipes that anyone could try at home. While she often poked fun at traditional cooking techniques and overly serious kitchen tutorials, Lynn never lost sight of creating dishes that were not only delicious but also accessible. Think scallion pancakes that actually turn out right, or sweet and salty roasted nuts that become an instant household favorite. And let’s not forget her more unconventional posts—like bananas with mayo—that somehow still managed to entertain and intrigue millions.
It was her wildly popular TikTok account, CookingWithLynja, that truly made her a digital sensation. With over 22 million fans and an impressive 354 million likes, her content resonated with people across the globe. Audiences didn’t just come for the recipes—they stayed for Lynn’s charm, wit, and the joyful energy she brought to every video. She joined TikTok on June 5, 2020, and quickly gained attention with her very first post: a peanut butter, Nutella, and banana acai bowl that set the tone for her playful yet practical style.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Lynn had already built an impressive academic foundation. She earned her undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Never one to stop learning, she went on to complete a master’s degree in business from Columbia University—a testament to her drive and intellect.
Beyond the screen, Lynn was a devoted wife and mother of four grown children. One of her kids, a talented videographer, actually played a key role in helping her launch her TikTok journey, adding a heartwarming family touch to her digital rise. She also enjoyed being a grandmother, embracing each stage of life with grace and humor.
Through it all, Lynn—affectionately known as Lynja—remained authentic, funny, and deeply relatable. Whether she was flipping pancakes or cracking jokes, her legacy lives on through the joy she brought to millions. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to learn how to cook from someone like Lynn?
Back in July 24, 2020, she made a pretty big splash when she was featured on Vice.com in an article aptly titled I Want This TikTok Grandma To Teach Me Everything About Food. It was kind of a turning point for her, honestly. Around that time, people really started to take notice of what Lynja was doing—her energy, her style, the way she brought joy into cooking. And it wasn’t just fans who were impressed. In 2021, she actually took home a Streamy Award for Best Editing, which, let’s be real, is no small feat.
What made her stand out even more was how she embraced Gen Z slang in her videos. You’d see this vibrant grandma dropping phrases like “slay” or “no cap,” and it was hilarious—but also oddly endearing. It felt authentic, not forced. Like, she wasn’t trying too hard; she was just having fun. That charm? That’s what kept people coming back.
And before all the TikTok fame, she already had a presence as Cooking With Lynja on YouTube. Yeah, her journey wasn’t overnight—even if it felt that way to some. Lynja had been building her space in the digital food world long before the awards and features. But once she hit that spotlight, she truly owned it. Lynja wasn’t just a content creator; she became a vibe, a mood, a whole personality people loved tuning into.