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Kristina Lavallee

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Kristina Lavallee
Born (1987-11-12) November 12, 1987 (age 38)
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Alma materUniversity of Central Florida
OccupationsChef, cake designer, and entrepreneur
SpouseKirby Lavallee (m. 2013)
AwardsSee Recognition
Websitewww.thecakegirl.com

Kristina Lavallee (born November 12, 1987) is an American chef, cake designer, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of The Cake Girl, a bakery based in Tampa, Florida.

Early life and education

[edit]

Lavallee was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and raised in Vega Baja.[1] Her mother, Margarita Perez, worked as a chef and caterer.[2][3] She moved to Orlando, Florida, in 2002 and graduated from Timber Creek High School. In 2013, she earned dual bachelor's degrees in Hospitality Management and Restaurant and Foodservice Management from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida.[4]

She incorporates traditional Puerto Rican desserts and family recipes into her work.[5][6][7][8]

Career

[edit]

Lavallee began selling baked goods in 2008 at farmers’ markets and festivals. In 2016, she launched a mobile dessert truck under the name The Cake Girl.[2][9][10][11][12] In 2019, she expanded the brand by opening a brick-and-mortar bakery in Tampa.[13][14][15][16]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lavallee introduced Crave’n Cups, a line of shippable cake jars.[17] In 2020, she released a pink-ribbon edition in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society.[18]

In 2021, Lavallee was selected by the National Football League’s Business Connect program as a vendor for Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.[19] She received an NFL contract to provide desserts for Super Bowl events as part of the league’s initiative to support local and diverse businesses.[20]

In 2024, she launched a franchise program to expand The Cake Girl across Florida and other regions.[21][22][23][24][25]

Lavallee has created cakes with sculpted and themed designs, including a Formula 1 race car, Baby Yoda, a bowl of ramen, and musical instruments.[26] Her custom cakes have been commissioned by public figures including Daymond John, Jason Momoa, Marcus Lemonis, Jesse Cole (founder of the Savannah Bananas), Jaclyn Hill, John Travolta, professional athletes, and Glenn Beck. In 2023, she created a viral cake goat-shaped cake commissioned by NFL player Leonard Fournette for Tom Brady’s birthday.[27][28][29][30][31] In 2025, she designed a Hello Kitty-themed cake for Cardi B’s daughter.[32]

Lavallee launched and leads Random Acts of Sweetness, a weekly community outreach initiative in which she and her team distribute cupcakes to individuals, first responders, healthcare workers, veterans, and underserved communities. The initiative has included collaborations with the City of Tampa, including the Tampa Police and Fire Departments and Mayor Jane Castor.[33]

She also coordinates Fill the Van, an annual holiday donation drive she founded to support foster homes, local families, and veterans, including residents of Liberty Manor for Veterans.[34][35][36]

Lavallee has served as a judge and presenting sponsor for the VooDoo Chef Baking & Pastry Challenge, which aired over ten episodes on RHSTV.[37][38][39][40] She has spoken about her experiences as a Latina entrepreneur, including challenges with language-based discrimination early in her career,[41][7] and in 2024 was a guest speaker at Working Women of Tampa Bay’s Women in Business Expo.[42]

Media appearances

[edit]

Lavallee’s work has been featured in The Today Show,[43][44] Telemundo’s Hoy Día,[45] TMZ,[32] WESH,[23] Entrepreneur,[46] and ESPN.[47] She has appeared on ABC Action News’s Morning Blend and WTSP’s Great Day Live.[48][49] Additional coverage includes Telemundo Al Rojo Vivo,[50] American Cake Decorating Magazine,[26] the New York Post,[51] Southern Living,[52] and Cheddar News.[53]

She has been a recurring guest on the MJ Radio Morning Show,[54] appeared on The Today Show during Hispanic Heritage Month with her mother,[43][44] and in 2025 demonstrated her recipe for bizcocho mojadito on FOX 13’s Dinner DeeAs Dessert Week.[55]

Recognition

[edit]
  • Florida Winner, Sweetest Bakery in America (2019)[56]
  • WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award (2022–2025)[57]
  • Winner, Dessert Wars Cake Showdown on Bake It Til You Make It (Food Network, Season 1, Episode 5)[58]
  • Finalist, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Awards[59]
  • Multiple wins in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay, including Best Cakes and Best Cupcakes[60]
  • Honoree, Business Observer 40 Under 40 (2022)[61]
  • Nominee, Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Business Woman of the Year and 40 Under 40
  • Recipient, Apogee Award from Tampa Bay Business & Wealth (2023)[62]

In 2024, the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners recognized Lavallee for her business contributions.[63][64][65] That year, MacDill Air Force Base named her an honorary commander, and the U.S. Department of Defense presented her with the ESGR Patriot Award.[66][67] She has hosted military spouse appreciation events and partnered with MacDill Air Force Base to provide baked goods for service members and families.[68] Lavallee was also a featured vendor at the OC Emporium event in Orlando.[69]

Personal life

[edit]

Lavallee met her husband, Kirby Lavallee, while attending the University of Central Florida. They married in 2013.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Cake Girl: Puerto Rico native lives out her sweet dream in Tampa Bay". WFLA (in Mexican Spanish). 2023-10-10. Archived from the original on 2023-12-07. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Magazine, Tampa (2022-04-25). "Made in Tampa: The Cake Girl". Tampa Magazine. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  3. ^ Daly, Sean (2023-05-12). "Tampa's Cake Girl makes sure Mother's Day is super sweet with decadent treats". ABC Action News Tampa Bay. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Dolan, Camille (2023-10-19). "Made with Love: Alumni Duo Share Recipe for Baking Success". UCF Alumni. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  5. ^ Wilson, Mark (2023-10-02). "'The Cake Girl' shares parts of her culture, honors family through her business". FOX 13 News. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  6. ^ Martinez, Manny (2023-10-16). "'The Cake Girl' relishes Hispanic heritage, Central Florida past". FOX 35 Orlando. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Women's History Month Spotlight | Baking past boundaries: 'The Cake Girl'". wtsp.com. 2023-03-08. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  8. ^ "Why It Matters: Tampa's Cake Girl overcomes barriers to reach sweet success". www.wfla.com. 19 October 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  9. ^ "Exploring Life & Business with Kristina Lavallee of The Cake Girl". VoyageTampa. 2021-02-16. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  10. ^ "'Cake Girl' cooks up goodies in a new truck". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  11. ^ "Fulfilling a dream, woman takes Cake Girl mobile bakery on the road". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  12. ^ "Tampa Magazines" (PDF). www.tampamagazines.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  13. ^ Rimensnyder, Jenna. "The Cake Girl is taking orders beginning this Saturday in Tampa". Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  14. ^ "Tampa bakery, amid rapid growth, rises to the occasion". Business Observer. 2022-04-28. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  15. ^ Tampa, Ashonti Ford. "Tampa bakery celebrates a big win on National Cupcake Day". spectrumnews1.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  16. ^ "The Cake Girl, LLC | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau". www.bbb.org. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  17. ^ "Something sweet for your sweetie". wtsp.com. 2020-02-13. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  18. ^ Allison (2020-10-16). "Tampa Business Spotlight: The Cake Girl". Brick Media. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  19. ^ O'Connell, Mary (2021-02-04). "Tampa bakery to help cater hundreds of desserts for Super Bowl event". ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS). Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  20. ^ "Buccaneers will be first team to play in Super Bowl at home stadium". NFL.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  21. ^ Kosaka, Kris (2023-12-18). "Kristina Lavallee's cake business is ready to rise to the next level". Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  22. ^ Wentland, Emilee (2025-03-03). "The Cake Girl to Bring Life-like Cakes Nationwide Via Franchising". franchisetimes.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  23. ^ a b Alvarez, Nancy (2024-09-19). "'Proud of where you come from': UCF grad creates flourishing, viral bakery after overcoming hardships". WESH. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  24. ^ Mac, Alastair (2025-01-17). "Kristina Lavallee, aka "The Cake Girl" looks to open one of her first franchised locations in Orlando". Gotta Go Orlando. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  25. ^ Macias, Tyzza (2025-03-13). "From Food Truck to National Franchise: Kristina Lavallee's Recipe for Success". Our Latinx Magazine. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  26. ^ a b "ACD May/June 2023 - Digital Issue 444". issuu. 5 May 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  27. ^ "The Cake Girl makes GOAT cake for Tom Brady | That's So Tampa". 2022-08-10. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  28. ^ Ó RUACHÁINN, BRITTANY (2023-02-13). "Tampa bakery gaining reputation for custom cakes, including one for Tom Brady". TampaBeacon.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  29. ^ Hernandez, Victoria. "Daily Sports Smile: Tom Brady wished 'happy 100th birthday' with super realistic goat cake". USA TODAY. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  30. ^ "Tom Brady Gets the Ultimate Birthday Present from Teammate Leonard Fournette — a GOAT Cake!". People.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  31. ^ Kasko, Brittany (2022-10-13). "Tom Brady approved: How 'The Cake Girl' struck gold and made the GOAT's birthday cake". Fox News. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  32. ^ a b Staff, T. M. Z. (2025-07-14). "Cardi B Cashes In on Custom 'Hello Kitty' Cake for Kulture's Birthday". TMZ. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  33. ^ Burns, Brian (2024-08-17). "Sweet Surprise: Kristina Lavallee And The Cake Girl Launch "Random Acts Of Sweetness" With Tampa Mayor, Police Chief". Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  34. ^ Burns, Brian (2024-12-24). "The Cake Girl Brings Holiday Cheer To Tampa Veterans And Families In Need". Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  35. ^ Grissom, Jake (2024-12-27). "The Cake Girl's Annual "Fill The Van" Initiative Brings Holiday Joy To Tampa Bay Families". Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  36. ^ Brown, Jo-Lynn (2023-12-21). "The Cake Girl's "Fill the Van" initiative delivers holiday magic to 250 Tampa Bay children". Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  37. ^ "VooDoo Chef Baking Pastry Challenge Round 1 Begins". www.msn.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  38. ^ "RHStv". www.rhstv.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  39. ^ "RHStv". www.rhstv.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  40. ^ "RHStv". www.rhstv.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  41. ^ "This Baker Was Told Not to Speak Spanish With Colleagues, So She Started Her Own Cake Company That Values Employees Just As Much As Customers". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  42. ^ "Working Women of Tampa Bay - 2024 Women in Business Expo". workingwomenoftampabay.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  43. ^ a b "Try this Puerto Rican cake recipe for Hispanic Heritage Month". TODAY.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  44. ^ a b "This Puerto Rican almond cake is unbelievably moist". TODAY.com. 2024-09-17. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  45. ^ "Blind bakery - drivers have fun decorating cakes while blindfolded". Telemundo.com (in Spanish). Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  46. ^ Mallick, Mita (2022-07-27). "This Baker Was Told Not to Speak Spanish With Colleagues, So She Started Her Own Cake Company That Values Employees Just As Much As Customers". Entrepreneur. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  47. ^ "Leonard Fournette got Tom Brady a GOAT cake for his birthday". ESPN.com. 2022-08-03. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  48. ^ "The Cake Girl Shows Off How to Make Halloween Treats at Home". ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS). 2024-10-31. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  49. ^ "Spring sweet treats". wtsp.com. 2024-03-14. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  50. ^ "Latina baker creates delicious cakes that look out of this world". TELEMUNDO.com (in Spanish). Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  51. ^ "How 'The Cake Girl' struck gold and made the Tom Brady's birthday cake". Fox News. 2022-10-14. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  52. ^ "Will Storing A Cake In The Oven Overnight Keep It Fresh?". Southern Living. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  53. ^ Staff, Cheddar (2023-03-30). "The Cake Girl Tests Some March Madness-Inspired Recipes". Cheddar. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  54. ^ "MJ Morning Show: MJ Experienced One Of The Cake Girl's Cakes At A Party". Q105. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  55. ^ "Dinner DeeAs Dessert Week recipe: Puerto Rican Cake". FOX 13 News. 2025-04-22. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  56. ^ Cullins, Ashley. "A Sweet Success". Pegasus Magazine. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  57. ^ "The Cake Girl - Wedding Cakes - Tampa, FL". WeddingWire. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  58. ^ "Bake It Til You Make It". Food Network. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  59. ^ "Kristina Lavallee". Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. 2025-08-01. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  60. ^ "Creative Loafing Tampa — March 28, 2024". Issuu. 2024-03-28. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  61. ^ "Kristina Lavallee, 34". Business Observer. 2022-10-14. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  62. ^ "Apogee Awards 2023 Finalists". Tampa Bay Business & Wealth. 2025-08-07. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  63. ^ "Puerto Rican woman honored for her nationally recognized sweet creations". Telemundo Tampa (49) (in Spanish). Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  64. ^ Dolan, Camille (2024-04-01). "Rosen Alumna Recognized for 'Extraordinary Achievements' by Hillsborough County". UCF Alumni. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  65. ^ "8 things to know, including open nominations for Pasco EDC's annual awards and a commendation for 'The Cake Girl'". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  66. ^ Elmhorst, Rick. "Kristina Lavallee spreads joy with "Random Acts of Sweetness"". Spectrum News. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  67. ^ "They honor military wives". Telemundo Tampa (49) (in Spanish). Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  68. ^ "Military wives celebrated". Telemundo Tampa (in Spanish). Retrieved August 20, 2025.
  69. ^ "2025 OC Emporium Vendor Guide" (PDF). www.ocemporium.org. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
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