Imagine working a wedding where the cupcakes somehow steal the spotlight.
That’s exactly what happened to me last December. As guests moved through the reception, many stopped by the dessert table, grabbed a cupcake and returned moments later for another. By the end of the night, I took one home, a red velvet cupcake that was easily one of the best I’ve ever had.
Curious about where it came from, I did some research and discovered What Kind Cupcakery.
The bakery, located on Capital Circle, opened in Tallahassee in May 2025 and is owned by Stone Franklin. Although the Tallahassee location is new, Franklin started the business in 2019, opening her first brick-and-mortar shop in Quincy later that year. What began as a high school economics project gradually evolved into a growing business with a loyal customer base.
“Small decisions can shape an entire life,” Franklin said. “This started as a high school economics project, and I had no idea it would lead me to discovering my gift and love for business.”
Franklin said she initially approached the assignment like any other school project, but quickly realized she had both a passion and a talent for baking. Encouraged by early support from friends, family and customers, she decided to pursue the idea beyond the classroom. Over time, that small project transformed into a full-scale business.
For Franklin, the bakery represents more than just desserts.
“This bakery represents restoration,” she said. “It’s purpose, generational wealth and proof that where you come from doesn’t limit where you can go.”
Franklin credits Florida A&M University with helping shape her journey as an entrepreneur. As a student in the School of Business and Industry, she gained not only technical knowledge but also connections that helped bring her vision to life.
“When I got to the FAMU School of Business and Industry, that’s when my idea became a real business,” she said. “My professors poured into me, and my branding and logo came from connections I made at FAMU. It didn’t just educate me, it empowered me.”
After learning more about the story behind the bakery, I decided to visit the Tallahassee location myself.
The shop, situated along Capital Circle, has quickly become a popular destination for those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. Inside, the smell of freshly baked goods fills the air, and neatly arranged rows of colorful cupcakes line the display cases. The menu offers a wide variety of desserts, including cakes, cookies, cupcakes and cake pops, giving customers plenty of options to choose from.
I visited on a Sunday, unsure of what to order. With so many choices, narrowing it down was not easy.
When I asked Franklin what she recommends for first-time customers, she said it often depends on the mood they’re in.
“I always ask, ‘What kind of mood are you in today?’” she said. “We have all-stars like red velvet and strawberry crunch, comfort flavors like banana pudding, and rich chocolate options like Reese Lover and Chocolate Turtle.”
Taking her advice into consideration, I decided to try the banana pudding and strawberry crunch cupcakes.
Out of the two, the banana pudding cupcake stood out the most. It had a rich, creamy flavor that closely resembled the classic dessert, blending sweetness with a hint of nostalgia. The strawberry crunch cupcake, on the other hand, offered a lighter, fruity taste with a satisfying texture that made each bite enjoyable. Both cupcakes were moist, flavorful and clearly made with attention to detail.
Beyond the desserts themselves, Franklin said her favorite part of owning the bakery is seeing the impact it has on customers.
“My favorite part is watching people escape, even if it’s just for a moment,” she said. “You can see it in their eyes when they take that first bite.”
She hopes that customers leave with more than just a satisfying treat.
“I want people to experience escapism,” she said. “When you walk in, you become family. No judgment, just, indulge.”
After tasting the cupcakes and experiencing the atmosphere firsthand, I understood why so many people keep coming back. But learning the story behind the business, from a simple high school project to a thriving bakery shaped by community, education and determination, made the experience even more meaningful.
What started as a classroom assignment has grown into something much bigger, proving that sometimes the smallest ideas can lead to the sweetest success.
