Meet Cranford local young entrepreneur Julien Dicamillo

Name:                                                  Julien Dicamillo

Family Member Names:                           Melissa (mom)

Age:                                                                      10

Grade/School:                                 5th / Brookside Place School

Pet Names/Type:                                          Basel (Bichon-Poodle) and Chip (Budgie)

Business Name:                                             Strawberry Basil Bakery

Location/Contact Info:                              Cranford / Facebook @Strawberry Basil Bakery

What was the inspiration behind Strawberry Basil Bakery?

A little over a year ago, I started baking dog treats for my very picky little puppy, Basel. My mom and I would test out different recipes to see which ones he liked best.

He loved my treats because they didn’t include any additives and were freshly baked. We had some winning treats and then decided to make them for other pups to enjoy.

Growing up I loved baking with my mom and watching the Kids Baking Championship shows. I was inspired from a young age and with my love of animals and wanting to help them, I decided to start up my dog treat business in 2022, Strawberry Basil Bakery.

Basel has been an inspiration, my biggest fan, and of course my “official” taste tester.

How do you come up with your treat creations?

Every month, I create a menu and get a little more creative with different flavors and designs. I have my classic flavors and then I offer different holiday or season-themed treats.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter is a favorite and my Fancy Frozen Smoothie Treats will be coming back for February. The dogs love my healthy frozen treats for a snack! Birthday and custom treats are also available.

I love seeing pictures of dogs that have enjoyed my treats. It’s rewarding knowing my treats are well-loved. It’s even more rewarding knowing they’re going towards a good cause.

How has Strawberry Basil Bakery partnered with local animal organizations and charities?

My mission is to help animals in need and by doing this, I give 20 % of my proceeds to different animal charities or similar organizations. Every bit helps keep dogs/cats out of the kill shelters and find good loving homes.

I have donated to over 5 charities helping give dogs a second chance at life. The charity I chose for December was Home for Good dog rescue. They’re an all-volunteer foster-based rescue and located locally in Berkeley Heights and have given over 10,000 dogs good loving homes. I was proud to donate $87.00 to this charity to help their rescues get the care they need to be put up for adoption.

In addition to animal charities, last Labor Day weekend, I held a lemonade stand with some friends selling homemade muffins, cookies, and dog treats to help those affected by Hurricane Ida. We raised over $3,000 and donated all proceeds to Flag for Cranford, and Cranford Cares. We were amazed by the generosity of our town all coming together to help in a time of need.

What can we expect to see from Strawberry Basil Bakery in 2023?

I’m having fun and I love learning along the way. I’m working on creating a logo and hope to one day have my treats sold in stores and markets. Cat treats may be on the horizon as well. I have some big ideas, even at age 10.

Look out for my new menu every month and new charity. I can be found on FB @ Strawberry Basil Bakery and hope to be doing more POP Ups, Adoption events & Fairs this coming Spring and Summer.

“Your dog can have a healthy delicious treat and help animals and our community.”