Neelam Nandra
Staff Writer

While many Cal High students are into a wide array of different activities, junior Harry Fiebelman stands out.

Unlike many, Fiebelman has set up his own business, “Cakes by Harry,” and has become an established baker at 17.

As a child, Fiebelman often helped his mother and sister bake for the holidays. From there, he began taking classes at the craft store Michael’s and began to recognize his full potential.

“I have been baking all my life, and I never really liked sports, so I didn’t play them,” said Fiebelman. “To me, baking came more naturally.”

Following different recipes has encouraged him to make more original creations that he can sell to his customers.

“Harry is good at baking because he has fun when he bakes and he obviously has a passion for baking,” said junior Katherine Wiedeman.

Fiebelman’s family is also supportive of his baking.

“My family is usually around to sample my new recipes,” Fiebelman said. “They always let me know what’s good and what’s bad, so I know what to put out for the people to try.”

As Fiebelman has grown older, his baking has opened up new opportunities for him, such as the local business venture that he has established

“‘Cakes by Harry’ is a small business I started after I first started doing cakes,” said Fiebelman. “Since I have started I have built a large range of treats that anyone can purchase.”

“Cakes by Harry” has more than 100 customers and is continuously growing.

Because the business has been so successful, it allowed for Fiebelman to sell cake pops on campus in October, donating 100 percent of the profits to support Breast Cancer Awareness.

“It all goes to a great cause, Breast Cancer,” senior Justene Skrentny said. “He is the only person I know that would bake something and give it all to a cause like that.”

There is no pressure for Fiebelman to follow a certain direction with his work either, he is free to do what he wants with it.

“I don’t have a partner with me in my business that forces me to stay with one way and not branch out,” said Fiebelman. “My business is all me with some help from my mom with the legal stuff and everything, but I’m the main person and I control what happens to it.”

As for the future of “Cakes by Harry,” Fiebelman sees room for expansion.

“I see shows like ‘Cake Boss’ and seeing how he’s turned his family business into something so big amazes me,” Fiebelman said. “That’s what I’d love to accomplish.”

His booming Facebook page helps him generate business, and answer questions about his work. Fiebelman’s initiative at a young age has impressed many around him.

“It’s actually really inspiring to see him map out his future and it makes me want to follow my dreams as well,” said junior Laura Nichols, one of Fiebelman’s friends.

Owning his own business at a young age has taught Fiebelman many important lessons about the real world.

“I feel like my business has taught me about time management and about how to take care of something,” he said. “I treat it like it’s my baby because that’s what it is. I created it.”

“Cakes by Harry” has taught Fiebelman to be humble about his success, too, and that anything he wants to do in the food industry is possible as long as he pursues his dream of being a pastry chef.