Everyone knows Cameo Cakery & Café as the charming little eatery on Libbie Avenue and the perfect place to grab a decadent cupcake. But it’s so much more. From morning coffee and delicious lunches to handcrafted cocktails and dinner, Cameo Cakery & Café is three businesses spun into one: a cake shop, a full-fledged coffee shop, and a restaurant and bar. What started as just a side gig for Christina Miller became an all-embracing business venture, and she opened Cameo in 2021. Christina spoke with Short Pump City Lifestyle about her journey from buttercream to business, and here’s what she had to say:
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BAKING?
It started as a desire to bake and decorate my children's cakes for their birthdays because that's what my mother always did for my sister and me growing up. It was a fond memory, so I wanted to share it with my children. Once I developed my secret buttercream recipe, it became a side business out of necessity. Everyone started asking me to make cakes and cupcakes for their events, and I couldn't afford to keep giving them away for free, both in terms of time and money.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
After I noticed how much people loved my product, I began to consider the possibility of starting a business someday. Nine years later, the stars aligned, and the opportunity presented itself, and I decided to take that leap of faith.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT CAMEO?
I love working with my employees and customers. I enjoy fostering the growth of our employees and helping them discover the fulfillment and enjoyment our business can offer.
WHAT IS CAMEO’S MISSION?
Our mission is to provide high-quality food and beverage in an exclusive environment, creating an all-around unique and fulfilling experience that our customers cannot necessarily find anywhere else.
HOW DO YOU HOLD A MANAGEABLE WORK-LIFE BALANCE?
I have worked hard to establish a solid, consistent workforce based on a culture of teamwork and a family-like mentality. Having a dedicated, committed staff allows me to take time away that I may need daily, weekly, or monthly. I incorporate as many self-care and health-focused activities in my downtime as possible.
HOW IS CAMEO DIFFERENT THAN SIMILAR BUSINESSES?
We are three businesses in one: a cake shop, a full-fledged coffee shop, and a restaurant and bar.
WHERE DO YOU SEE CAMEO IN FIVE YEARS?
We hope to have a second location and maybe even more down the road.
HOW DOES CAMEO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
We make many charitable contributions to the community by donating baked goods and gift cards and partnering with local organizations to hold fundraisers.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST BAKING ACCOMPLISHMENT?
My greatest baking accomplishment is the creation of my savory cake recipe. This is an original recipe I perfected after numerous trials and errors. I almost gave up on this pursuit, but I'm glad I didn't because now I have a completely unique product to offer.
Stop by Cameo Cakery & Café for coffee, cocktails, or delicious food on the patio at 306 Libbie Avenue in Richmond. cameocakery.com
After I noticed how much people loved my product, I began to consider the possibility of starting a business someday. Nine years later, the stars aligned and the opportunity presented itself, and I decided to take that leap of faith.