Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Livesay.
Hi Cameron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started my baking business, Soul Man Sweets, 3 years ago. I made cookies and cupcakes for my sports teams and people liked them and started asking me to bake for birthdays and baby showers. It’s now grown into weddings, corporate events, and pairing at vineyards are breweries. During the holidays, Cocoa Bombs are my biggest seller, I sold almost 2000 last year. I won a national contest for my Honey Churro Cookies and have done well in other baking competitions. The Farmers’ Almanac asked to me be a guest writer after one of my recopies was featured in their 2023 edition. I’ve written several articles for their online editions and am in talks for more.
I launched my philanthropy project, Sweets for the Soul, during Covid. I saw an ad asking people to adopt a resident for Christmas because they couldn’t have visitors. I asked if I could bake Christmas items for the staff and all the residents. I’ve continued to do so for every holiday since coming up with fun items like cigar cake pops for Father’s Day and Cookie Bouquets for Mother’s Day. Once visitors were allowed, I did a cookie decorating class at the nursing home. The Sweets for the Soul Project has expanded and now I do fundraisers for organizations like the Carroll Community College Foundation and have donated a portion of my monthly sales to families in need.
In 2022, I was awarded a Guppy Tank Grant that recognizes up-and-coming entrepreneurs that give back to their communities. The grant also included a mentorship program with business leaders, chefs, and creators to help me develop my business and expand my project.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been pretty smooth considering my age. People didn’t take me seriously at first. My business has grown because of word of mouth and a story that WBAL-tv did when I won a national contest.
I was just nominated for “Best of Carroll” by the Baltimore Sun in two categories. Scheduling is sometimes difficult during baseball season. I play travel ball and sometimes have to deliver in uniform on the way to a game.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in custom cookies. I like painting cookies and cakes. Technology has taken some of the heart out of baking. You can now print images directly onto cookies.
I like making things that people will appreciate. I also do some unique flavors like a Lemon and Old Bay Smith Island cake or a Macadamia, Peach cookie.
Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
Baseball! I love watching, playing, and looking a baseball history. From my business and project, I like the smiles from people that enjoy my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: soulmansweets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulmansweets/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulmansweets
