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As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to highlight Kristina Lavallee’s appearance with Nancy Alvarez, a renowned bilingual anchor with WESH2 NBC in Orlando, FL. In a special interview, Nancy told Kristina’s inspiring story—from her roots in Puerto Rico to her success as a Hispanic entrepreneur in the U.S., where she now leads The Cake Girl on a path to national franchising.
Full Story Here: 'Proud of where you come from': UCF grad creates flourishing, viral bakery after overcoming hardships
From Puerto Rico to UCF: A Journey of Determination
Kristina’s journey began in Puerto Rico, where she developed her passion for baking and hospitality. Her dream took flight when she moved to Orlando, Florida, to attend the prestigious UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management. Graduating in 2013 with dual bachelor’s degrees in Hospitality Management and Food and Restaurant Management, Kristina laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career.
During the interview, Nancy Alvarez emphasized the unique challenges that Hispanic entrepreneurs face, including obstacles in funding, marketing, and resources. Kristina’s story is a testament to overcoming these challenges with resilience and creativity, and her journey from a food truck business to the launch of The Cake Girl franchise is nothing short of inspiring.
The Cake Girl: From Food Truck to Franchising
Nancy Alvarez highlighted The Cake Girl’s impressive growth, showcasing how Kristina took her business from a local food truck to a nationally recognized brand. Starting in Tampa, Kristina’s custom cake and dessert creations quickly gained attention, leading to the launch of her brick-and-mortar bakery, followed by franchising opportunities that are now expanding both regionally and nationally.
The interview shed light on Kristina’s vision to make The Cake Girl a household name, bringing her custom cakes, mini cupcakes, and ice cream creations to more communities across Florida and beyond through franchising.
A Special Thanks to UCF Rosen College for Their Hospitality
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management for hosting this incredible taping in their state-of-the-art kitchens. Special thanks go to Department Chair Amy Gregory, Ph.D., from the Department of Foodservice and Lodging Management, Chef Cesar Rivera Cruzado, Director of Food & Beverage Operations, and Dominique Greco, Director of Marketing & Communications, for their warm hospitality and support during the interview. Their dedication to showcasing the success stories of UCF graduates like Kristina Lavallee truly made this segment special.
The Road Ahead: Growing The Cake Girl Brand
Kristina’s appearance on WESH2 NBC not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights her dedication to empowering other Hispanic entrepreneurs to follow their dreams. The interview focused on the importance of support, innovation, and community involvement as keys to success.
As The Cake Girl continues to expand its franchise model, Kristina remains committed to helping other aspiring entrepreneurs succeed in the custom cake and dessert business. With features on national media platforms and growing recognition for her work, Kristina Lavallee’s journey is a shining example of what’s possible when talent and determination come together.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Cake Girl’s national expansion, and be sure to watch the full interview with Nancy Alvarez here: