Cami Barney

Connect What's your favorite thing to bake?

Cake is my favorite thing to bake because it’s a canvas for creativity, allowing me to decorate something truly unique. The process of transforming simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece is so satisfying! Cakes play a central role in special moments—birthdays, weddings, graduations and more—bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

How long have you been baking?

I’ve been baking for ~20 years! At age 7, I was obsessed with my Easy-Bake Oven. By 11, I had free rein of the kitchen and decided to tackle Lemon Meringue Pie Cupcakes. It took all day and three attempts at lemon curd because I didn’t know what a double boiler was! Despite the challenges, or maybe because of them, I derived deep satisfaction from creating something beautiful and delicious. I started Cami’s Cakes when I was 13, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon

What would you do with the $20,000?

I would put the $20,000 towards a down payment on a house, solving my biggest limitation: space. I currently run my bakery, Cami’s Cakes, from an apartment with a tiny kitchen and little storage. Owning a home would allow me to expand my operation, bake more custom cakes and treats to service my community, and grow my business significantly faster—about four years ahead of schedule. It would be life-changing for me and crucial for the success of my business.