WELLS, Maine — If you've ever seen the TV show "Cake Boss," you know Buddy Valastro is known for making iconic cakes and inspiring bakers worldwide.
His annual "The Greatest Baker" competition began with more than 47,000 bakers this year, including one woman from Wells. Casey Marsh, owner of "Baked by Cam," is now a finalist in the top eight.
Marsh and her family watched "Cake Boss" often, she said. So, at first, when someone suggested she enter the competition, she was baffled.
"A friend of mine had seen it on Facebook and was like, 'You should enter yourself,'" Marsh said. "I was like 'What? Whatever.'"
But then, she decided to bet on herself. She entered by submitting photos of her baked goods for people to vote on which bakers they liked best.
"I didn't think that it would turn into what it has, you know. I've had a lot of support from the community in the last like few weeks and everything, so it's just great. It feels good," Marsh said.
She began baking in as a young girl, and eventually completed York County Community College's culinary program. She opened a bakery out of her home in 2018, and compliments from her customers inspired her to dream a bit bigger.
"Like your family telling you something looks good is one thing. Well, you know, they kind of have to tell you, right? So it’s nice to hear it from the customers, too," Marsh said.
Her mom, Judi Marsh, has been alongside her daughter every step of the way. While she said she's always known Casey's talent was special, she's beaming with pride that the world is acknowledging it too.
"It’s been a great confidence build for her, as well. You know, I think that there have been times along the way that you kind of look back and go 'Is this really gonna work?'" Judi said. "She puts her heart and soul into it. I'm so proud to have her as my daughter."
Marsh hopes one day she can open her own bakery storefront in the Wells community.
The winner of "The Greatest Baker" competition gets $10,000, will be featured in "Bake From Scratch" Magazine, and will meet Buddy Valastro at a baking workshop.
Voting ends Thursday at 10 p.m. EST. Click here to vote.
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