Casey Reinhardt, the new girl on "Laguna Beach" in 2005, and now, as a cupcake entrepreneur.
Just a short time after Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari went rounds over Stephen Colletti, the Season 2 cast of "Laguna Beach" captivated viewers as they partied like privileged rock stars during their senior year of high school. For the Class of 2005, the final chapter of life at LBHS was anything but business as usual, though, thanks in part to Casey Reinhardt, the perfectly manicured new girl with a sweet smile and an unfortunate skill for drawing gossip from her peers. Luckily, the rumor mill couldn't do enough to knock her off balance.
Currently, Reinhardt's "Casey's Cupcakes" is one of the most popular bakeries in the OC, and its operator's recipes with a twist--including the chili chocolate cupcake--made her the champion of the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" in February. When she's not in the kitchen, Reinhardt is busy overseeing her namesake charity, which has provided children with tools to further their education for nearly a decade. Take a look at what she told Remote Control below, and make sure to check out her website for info on her mouth-watering pastries.
You were the new girl on "Laguna Beach"--how did you wind up on the show?
MTV initially approached both me and my brother, Doug, but he went on to play professional baseball. [Producers] continued to pursue me, and I then transferred from my private school to LBHS. I am so happy I did it because now I have my senior year in a video scrapbook.
Gossip had a tendency to run rampant on the show--what was it like to see yourself being talked about by the likes of Kristin Cavallari and friends?
Gossip will always be present, whether you are in high school or a successful business person. I am confident in myself and have always recognized the reasons why people gossip, therefore I do not let it affect my life.
Any fond memories that never ended up running?
Yes, there were two events that were filmed that I wish had aired. The first was an Olive Crest event where I was invited to speak to children through The CASEY Foundation. MTV filmed the event, but it never made it to an episode. I also hosted a cupcake-baking party with my friends at our villa in Laguna Beach. It would have made a perfect episode!
What has been going on since high school, and how did you get into the cupcake game?
I graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in psychology. During college, I continued to pursue my acting and modeling career but have always had a passion for baking. After graduation, I knew I wanted to open my own cupcake business and Casey's Cupcakes was born!
What was your experience like on "Cupcake Wars"?
Cupcake Wars was amazing! I truly felt like I was in my element during the competition. It taught me how to push myself, think on my feet and come up with perfectly delicious cupcakes. It also gave me an opportunity to showcase my brand and product. I felt confident in the cupcakes I created and how I presented them to the judges. It was an experience I will never forget.
Tell me about the CASEY Foundation--you’ve had it for nearly 10 years. How did it start, and how has it progressed?
I love working with children, and I am passionate about helping those who are less fortunate. I founded the CASEY Foundation, Children's Alliance for the Success and Education of Youth, in 2002. I have worked with the Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club, The Literacy Foundation, Union Rescue Mission and closely with Olive Crest. I feel it is important to show children the importance of education and how it will have a positive effect on their self-esteem and a successful future.
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Photos: MTV.com and Murphy O’Brien Public Relations