Meet Caylee McFarland: Photographer & Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caylee McFarland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caylee, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
While I still have a long way to go on my path to success, what has gotten me to where I am today is just going for it, taking risks, and staying humble. When you start a new business venture, you have to let go of your ego and your fears and do what makes you happy. There is nothing scarier than taking your passions and showcasing them to the world. In order to overcome that fear and be successful, I needed to take that leap of faith. I needed to book that first shoot, sell that first cookie, and take that risk. From there the gigs kept coming and people started ordering more baked goods from me. It all started from taking that very first step into something so new and exciting. That being said, it is also so important to stay humble if you want to be successful. Allowing myself to be open to feedback, failures, and mistakes have only made my business ventures stronger. If I let my ego get in the way, then that wouldn’t be the case.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My latest business venture that has been a life long dream of mine is my home bakery Caylee Cakes. What sets me apart from other bakers in the area is my dedication to providing options for all dietary restrictions. I personally have a condition called IBS that forced me to go on a Low-FODMAP diet for about 6 months. Through that process I saw a huge gap in the market for baked goods that are health conscious, accommodate a wide range of restrictions, and still taste good. Whatever your dietary restriction is, send me a message. I will find something delicious to make for you.

How did I get to where I am today? I have been baking since I was 11 years old and it’s always been a huge passion of mine. I would come home from school and watch hours of Food Network, dreaming of the day I could open my own bakery and compete on one of those shows. During my senior year of high school, I was raising money to go to the Dominican Republic and thought that the best way to make money would be to sell cookies and brownies to my classmates. Through that experience I made about $1000 in three months which is pretty good money for a 17 year old! Since then, I have been baking nonstop for anyone and everyone. If you know me, you have probably tried one of my baked goods. I created a name for myself and my baked goods simply by giving people things that I would bake. This past holiday season is when I finally decided it was time to launch Caylee Cakes and start selling. Over the past few months I have had so much support and encouragement in pursuit of this dream that is starting to become a reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oooh good question! This is a hard one! For me, any great day is centered around food. So I’ll share some of my favorite eateries. I would definitely take her to any of the farmers markets in San Diego and get us a morning bun from Prager Brothers to start the day, then go to Steady State Coffee in Carlsbad because what’s a pastry without some coffee? From there I’d show her the beach and take a walk along the coast. For lunch I’d probably have to take her to Kung Fu Noodle in Vista because it’s the best Chinese food in North County. From there, we’d head over to Green Thumb in San Marcos to see some plants. And to end the night, I would 100% take her to San Luis Mexican Food in Oceanside. If you haven’t been, you NEED TO GO. They have the world’s best California burritos that are as big as your arm.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Let’s give a shout out to all my friends out there who have supported me through each and every one of my business ventures. I’m what you could call a jack of all trades, master of none. And through all my projects (and I mean ALL just ask my friends how many businesses/Instagram accounts I’ve started) I have found tremendous support from my core friend group. I can’t thank you all enough for holding my hand as I embark on new adventures, listening to me when I cry, and for showing me love & grace when life gets a little crazy. You all know who you are! Much love my bbs. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

Website: www.cayleemcfarland.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/_cayleecakes