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Against the Odds: How Media Trust Propelled Minority Chef Kristina Lavallee from FoodTruck to National Franchise

The Cake Girl

From a humble food truck to national recognition, celebrity chef Kristina Lavallee proves that

strategic media partnerships and resilience can turn a dream into a franchise empire.


TAMPA, FL – In an era of media skepticism, Kristina Lavallee, a nationally recognized

Hispanic minority chef and business leader, sees the media as one of the key drivers of

her success. As the founder of The Cake Girl, a brand featured on The Today Show,

Entrepreneur Magazine, People, Telemundo, and more, Kristina acknowledges that media

coverage played a pivotal role in growing her business from a food truck to a thriving

brick-and-mortar bakery—and now, a national franchise opportunity.


At a time when media trust is at an all-time low, Kristina’s journey is a testament to the

power of storytelling, strategic partnerships, and the role media plays in spotlighting

diverse entrepreneurs breaking industry barriers.


“The media didn’t just report on my story; they helped shape my journey.

They saw something in me—an ambitious Latina woman doing things

differently in the cake industry—and they amplified my voice when I was just

getting started. Without the media, my story may have never been told, and

The Cake Girl may have never grown into the national brand it is today.”


From Food Truck to Thriving Brick-and-Mortar Business


Kristina’s entrepreneurial journey began with a single food truck, serving handcrafted cakes

and mini cupcakes. As demand for her unique desserts grew, she took the leap and opened a brick-and-mortar location—a decision that proved the resilience of her business model.


Despite economic challenges such as the pandemic and inflation, Kristina stayed

adaptable and innovative, strengthening The Cake Girl’s foundation with a focus on quality,

creativity, and customer experience. Her success in scaling a profitable, brick-and-mortar

bakery has positioned The Cake Girl as a compelling franchise opportunity.


How Media Helped The Cake Girl Become a Household Name


Kristina’s media presence did more than highlight her artistry—it built trust with customers

and propelled The Cake Girl into national recognition. Through media exposure, she was

able to:

  • Educate consumers on what makes The Cake Girl unique.

  • Showcase her expertise in custom cake artistry.

  • Reach audiences nationwide, converting media coverage into real business growth.


Now, as The Cake Girl enters the world of franchising, Kristina recognizes that media

partnerships will continue to be a cornerstone of success. Just as the media helped her in

the beginning, she believes it will play a key role in expanding the brand and helping new

franchise owners thrive.


“Media has the power to shape industries and change lives. I am living proof

of that. Every interview, every feature, every moment of storytelling has

brought more awareness—not just to me, but to the people I serve, the

culture I represent, and the dream I am building. I will never take that for

granted.”


Franchising & Expanding to Empower Entrepreneurs


Kristina’s expansion into franchising is driven by her passion for helping others succeed. She

believes in providing aspiring entrepreneurs, especially minority and women business

owners, with a roadmap to success through a proven, scalable business model.


“I know firsthand the struggles of starting from nothing and building

something meaningful. Franchising The Cake Girl isn’t just about

expansion—it’s about creating opportunities for other passionate

entrepreneurs, giving them the support and systems I wish I had in the

beginning.”


The Business of Minority-Owned Franchises: A Growing Trend


Kristina’s success is part of a larger trend in the franchise industry. According to the

International Franchise Association, minority-owned franchises account for 30.8% of all

franchise businesses, and Hispanic entrepreneurs are one of the fastest-growing

segments in franchising (International Franchise Association).


Women-owned businesses are also on the rise, with a 58% increase in women franchise

owners over the past decade (Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report).


Despite these strides, many minority and female entrepreneurs face barriers to entry in

franchising—a gap that Kristina is committed to closing through The Cake Girl’s accessible,

community-driven franchise model.


A report from the National Women’s Business Council found that women-owned employer

businesses have increased from 9.8% in 2019 to 10.2% in 2023 (National Women’s

Business Council). This steady growth demonstrates the increasing role of women in franchising and business ownership, making The Cake Girl’s expansion even more relevant.

Kristina’s success is part of a larger trend in the franchise industry. According to the

International Franchise Association, minority-owned franchises account for 30.8% of all

franchise businesses, and Hispanic entrepreneurs are one of the fastest-growing

segments in franchising.


Women-owned businesses are also on the rise, with a 58% increase in women franchise

owners over the past decade. Despite these strides, many minority and female entrepreneurs face barriers to entry in franchising—a gap that Kristina is committed to closing through The Cake Girl’s accessible, community-driven franchise model.


Florida as a Key Market, With National Interest Growing


The Cake Girl is prioritizing Florida for its first wave of franchise locations, including

Orlando, Miami, and Sarasota. However, Kristina has fielded franchise inquiries from

across the U.S., highlighting the nationwide demand for her brand.


“We’ve been receiving interest in franchising for years, but we waited until we

had a truly scalable, support-driven model in place. Now, we’re identifying

strategic franchise partners who align with our values and want to grow with

us."


The Cake Girl is actively seeking franchise partners who share a passion for high-quality

desserts and customer service. Franchise opportunities are currently available in select key

markets nationwide.


For more information about The Cake Girl franchise opportunity, visit:


About The Cake Girl

Founded by Kristina Lavallee, The Cake Girl is a nationally recognized custom cake and

mini cupcake brand, known for high-quality, made-from-scratch desserts. Featured on The

Today Show, Telemundo, Entrepreneur Magazine, and People Magazine, The Cake Girl has

grown from a food truck to a thriving bakery and now a national franchise opportunity.

The brand is committed to excellence, innovation, and empowering diverse entrepreneurs.



Kristina Lavallee on The Today Show


For media inquiries or franchise development information, please contact:

Kirby Lavallee

Email: press@thecakegirl.com Cell: 813-842-4936

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