A Sweet Vision That Changed an Industry
In every thriving business, there’s a defining ingredient. For Kristina Lavallee, that ingredient has always been love — love for baking, for culture, and for the people she serves.
Today, her Tampa-based bakery, The Cake Girl, is one of Florida’s most recognized dessert brands. Known for its handcrafted cakes, creative cupcakes, and nationally shipped cake jars, the company stands as a symbol of how passion and persistence can transform a simple dream into a powerhouse brand.
But success didn’t come overnight. Lavallee’s rise to the top of the baking world began with humble roots and an unwavering belief that quality and kindness would always win.
From Puerto Rico to Florida: The Start of a Dream
Kristina Lavallee was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and raised in Vega Baja, where her mother, Margarita Perez, worked as a chef and caterer. Watching her mother run a kitchen taught her that great food is not just about recipes — it’s about connection and pride.
When her family moved to Orlando, Florida, Kristina carried that inspiration with her. Even as a teenager, she would spend hours admiring the pastries in grocery stores, imagining the day her creations would be displayed there.
Determined to turn her passion into a career, she enrolled at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, earning dual degrees in Hospitality Management and Restaurant Operations. Those years gave her both the creative foundation and the business understanding to one day lead a company of her own.
The Early Hustle: Turning Passion into a Profession
Before she became “The Cake Girl,” Kristina spent years learning the discipline of the food industry. She worked in several restaurants and bakeries, including six years at Publix, while continuing to bake for family and friends in her spare time.
Her weekends were spent taking custom orders, experimenting with recipes, and managing small catering projects. It was during this period that her boyfriend — now husband and business partner — Kirby Lavallee gave her the nickname that would eventually become her brand: The Cake Girl.
Building The Cake Girl Brand
In 2008, Kristina and Kirby officially launched The Cake Girl, selling their desserts at local markets, fairs, and community events. What began as a small side hustle quickly developed a devoted following.
By 2016, the couple introduced a mobile dessert truck, bringing cupcakes and custom cakes to festivals and neighborhoods across Tampa Bay. The concept was a hit, helping them build brand awareness and refine their operations.
Three years later, in 2019, they opened their first brick-and-mortar bakery in Tampa — a vibrant space where creativity, culture, and craftsmanship came together under one roof.
The Recipe for Success
1. Distinctive Flavors and Cultural Influence
Kristina’s Puerto Rican heritage gave her a distinct voice in a crowded market. She introduced island-inspired flavors such as tres leches, guava cream cheese, and almond sponge cake, blending tropical flair with classic American baking. This cultural authenticity helped The Cake Girl stand apart from traditional bakeries.
2. Viral Creations and Celebrity Clients
Her big break came when NFL player Leonard Fournette ordered a GOAT-themed cake for Tom Brady’s birthday. The design went viral, drawing national attention to The Cake Girl. Soon, celebrities and sports figures began requesting custom cakes for their own celebrations.
3. Innovation Through Adversity
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, most bakeries faced closures. Kristina adapted quickly by launching Crave’n Cups, her signature “cake in a jar” desserts that could be shipped anywhere in the country. The product became a bestseller and a lifeline for the business, expanding her reach nationwide.
4. Giving Back to the Community
For Kristina, success has always been about more than sales. Through her Random Acts of Sweetness initiative, she delivers cupcakes to first responders, healthcare workers, and veterans. Her annual “Fill the Van” campaign provides desserts and gifts to foster children and families in need, reflecting her belief that kindness is as important as quality.
Recognition and Media Spotlight
The Cake Girl’s rise didn’t go unnoticed. Kristina has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, The Today Show, and Telemundo, and her bakery has been recognized as Florida’s Sweetest Bakery and a multiple-time Best of the Bay winner.
She has also been honored with the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award, a Hillsborough County commendation, and an Honorary Commander role at MacDill Air Force Base.
Her openness about the challenges she’s faced as a Latina entrepreneur — including being told not to speak Spanish in the workplace — has made her an inspirational voice for women in business.
Franchising The Future
With a strong brand, loyal customers, and proven systems in place, Kristina is now preparing to expand The Cake Girl through franchising. Her vision is to empower other passionate bakers to open their own Cake Girl locations, sharing her recipes, standards, and philosophy of excellence.
This next chapter represents more than growth — it’s the evolution of a dream that began in a family kitchen and grew into a model for modern entrepreneurship.
Why Kristina Lavallee Leads the Cake Industry
- Culinary Innovation: Blends flavor, design, and cultural heritage seamlessly.
- Authenticity: Builds trust by staying true to her roots and story.
- Adaptability: Pivots quickly to meet market demands, from dessert trucks to e-commerce.
- Community Leadership: Uses her platform for meaningful impact.
- Strategic Vision: Expanding her brand beyond Tampa through franchising.
Kristina Lavallee has become more than a baker — she’s a brand architect, mentor, and creative force redefining what it means to lead with purpose in the culinary world.
The Legacy of The Cake Girl
From her mother’s kitchen in Puerto Rico to a thriving franchise in the making, Kristina Lavallee’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and authenticity. She didn’t just build a bakery — she built a legacy of excellence that inspires others to follow their calling.
Her story proves that when you mix vision with values and never compromise on quality, success rises — just like the perfect cake.
