Clarksville baker barters for eggs as prices skyrocket

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) – Rising egg prices are taking a toll on small businesses across Middle Tennessee, but one Clarksville baker found a creative way to address the problem.

CeCe Carson, owner of Cakes and Sweets by CeCe, has noticed that the cost of a case of 60 eggs has risen to $27. Instead of raising prices on her custom made desserts, she decided to ask her customers for help.

She posted on her bakery’s Facebook page, that if anyone brought her a case of eggs, she would give them a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries in time for Valentine’s Day. Carson said the response was overwhelming.

“First drop off, I think it was on the same day,” Carson said. “Then the next day. Every time I opened the door and I looked in there, there was more!”

Carson expanded the offer to include 5 packs of butter, or 12 bags of powdered sugar, in exchange for chocolate-covered strawberries. She said that the proposal was initially related to Valentine’s Day, but she may continue it in the future.

“If they order cake, maybe I can knock some of the price off the cake,” Carson said. “I think it’s a win, win. It’s helping everybody.”

As of 2020, Carson has operated her bakery out of her home in Clarksville. She specializes in creating custom cakes for occasions ranging from birthdays to weddings. She also makes chocolate-dipped cake pops, cupcakes and pretzels, and Rice Krispies.

She said bartering berries has helped keep her business profitable during one of the busiest baking months of the year. He hoped that other bakers would consider taking a similar approach.

“It’s hard for anyone who bakes to make a profit right now,” Carson said. “But, it allows me to help someone else, and they help me.”

For more information about her bakery visit: www.facebook.com/cakesandsweetsbycece