From Passion to Pastry: How Kristina Lavallee Built Tampa’s Beloved Bakery, The Cake Girl

In every great dessert, there’s a secret ingredient. For Kristina Lavallee that ingredient has always been love — love for baking, for community, and for bringing joy to people’s lives, one sweet bite at a time.

Today, The Cake Girl is one of the most celebrated bakeries in Tampa Bay, known for its decadent custom cakes, wildly popular cupcakes, and signature cake jars AKA Crave’n Cups shipped across the country. But behind this successful brand is a story of humble beginnings, cultural pride, and fearless entrepreneurship.

This is the story of how Kristina Lavallee turned a childhood passion into a powerhouse bakery business—and became a name every dessert lover in Florida (and beyond) should know.

🌸 A Sweet Dream Born in a Family Kitchen

Kristina’s love for baking started early — not in a commercial kitchen, but at home, baking beside her mother. Drawing from her Puerto Rican heritage, she learned the foundational techniques and flavors that would later become her signature style.

It wasn’t just about cakes. It was about memories, culture, and a desire to create something meaningful through food.

While many bakers experiment later in life, Kristina’s identity as a baker was shaped in childhood. Those roots run deep—and they continue to influence the flavor profiles, presentation, and values behind The Cake Girl brand.

🎓 From Student to CEO: Mixing Strategy with Sugar

Kristina’s journey wasn’t fueled by luck. It was built with discipline and vision.

She earned her degrees in Hospitality Management and Food Service & Restaurant Management from the University of Central Florida (UCF), equipping her with the business skills needed to scale a brand — not just run a bakery.

While many creative entrepreneurs struggle to balance artistry with business, Kristina excelled in both. Her education empowered her to see opportunities others missed — in brand building, customer experience, and expansion strategy.

This foundation made all the difference when it came time to grow The Cake Girl into the dessert destination it is today.

🚚 A Pink Food Truck with a Purpose

Before the storefront, there was the truck.

Kristina launched The Cake Girl dessert truck, a pastel pink beacon of happiness that brought cupcakes, cookies, and custom cakes to events, neighborhoods, and festivals throughout Tampa Bay. It wasn’t just about selling desserts—it was about creating moments and building relationships in the community.

This mobile bakery became a rolling billboard for the brand, turning first-time customers into lifelong fans. Her warm, approachable energy, combined with unforgettable flavors, made The Cake Girl more than just a name—it became an experience.

🎂 The Grand Opening: A Dream Baked into Reality

In 2019, Kristina opened the doors to her first brick-and-mortar bakery in Carrollwood, Tampa. With clean aesthetics, a feminine vibe, and treats lining every shelf, the bakery quickly became a local favorite—and a must-visit destination for foodies, brides, parents, and party planners.

From wedding cakes in Sarasota to birthday cupcakes in Clearwater, The Cake Girl became a household name for celebrations, surprises, and sweet cravings across the Tampa Bay area.

🧁 Cupcakes, Crave’n Cups & Creativity Without Limits

Today, The Cake Girl is synonymous with creativity. With over 80+ cupcake flavors in rotation, custom cakes that double as works of art, and Crave’n Cups (cake in a jar that ships nationwide), the brand has proven it’s not just keeping up with trends — it’s setting them.

Some of the most popular options include:

• Custom Wedding Cakes tailored to each couple's vision

• Themed Birthday Cakes that delight both kids and adults

• Rotating Cupcake Flavors that keep locals coming back weekly

• Crave’n Cups for gifting or indulging from anywhere in the U.S.

From Sarasota to St. Pete, Wesley Chapel to Clearwater, people travel to The Cake Girl to taste something truly special.

📰 As Seen on The Today Show — And Everywhere Else

Kristina’s story caught the attention of the nation when she was featured on The Today Show, where millions were introduced to the woman behind The Cake Girl.

The segment highlighted not just her baking, but her brand’s mission—to bring joy, creativity, and quality to the dessert world.

Since then, Kristina has been recognized as an entrepreneur to watch, a female founder in food, and a role model for others looking to turn dreams into full-blown businesses.

💖 Why Kristina’s Brand Resonates So Deeply

Kristina Lavallee didn’t build her brand on flashy marketing or empty trends. She built it on authenticity, consistency, and passion.

Here’s what makes The Cake Girl a standout brand:

• Authentic Storytelling: Every cake has a story, and Kristina makes sure every customer feels part of it.

• Community Engagement: From local fundraisers to customer appreciation events, The Cake Girl is deeply connected to the people it serves.

• Quality Over Everything: Handmade, fresh, and flavorful—each product reflects her commitment to excellence.

• Inclusive Brand Identity: From cupcakes for kids’ birthdays to elegant wedding tiers, there’s something for everyone.

• Woman-Owned and Proud: Kristina is proof that strong women build strong businesses—and sweeter communities.

📦 The Cake Girl Goes Nationwide

One of Kristina’s most impressive moves has been scaling without losing quality. With Crave’n Cups, The Cake Girl now ships across the country—spreading joy far beyond Tampa.

The jars offer the same flavor-packed experience, beautifully packaged and perfect for gifts, parties, or indulgent treats.

Now brides in New York, families in California, and sweet tooths in Chicago can enjoy Kristina’s signature taste—no plane ticket needed.

🥂 Celebrating Success, One Cake at a Time

As The Cake Girl continues to grow, one thing remains constant—Kristina Lavallee’s dedication to making life a little sweeter for everyone she serves.

From her childhood kitchen to a full-blown dessert empire, Kristina’s journey is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose—and when sugar meets strategy.

Whether you’re looking for custom cakes in Tampa, the best cupcakes in Wesley Chapel, or an unforgettable wedding dessert in Clearwater or Sarasota, The Cake Girl is the name to remember.

And behind that name? A woman with a whisk, a vision, and a whole lot of heart.