This week we welcomed back CEO alum and KT Bakes owner, Kaitlyn Repasky, as our guest speaker. Kaitlyn is a great example of how CEO can spark confidence, growth, and new opportunities. She shared her story of starting a niche cottage food business that began with her being incredibly shy, yet she went on to sell out at the Trade Show, win the Great Expectations Award, and earn a Chamber of Commerce membership during her CEO year.
Kaitlyn talked about the real journey of entrepreneurship – the wins, the challenges, and the passion behind building something of your own. “My business is my baby,” she said, reminding students to stay connected, keep learning, and embrace change along the way. Her CEO experience opened the door to multiple job opportunities and eventually led her to Rend Lake College to pursue culinary arts.
She left us with some key takeaways:
• You don’t know who is watching
• Always be willing to change
• Always learn
• You get out what you put into CEO
• Be confident in yourself and your business
• CEO is a stepping stone to where you want to go
• Make friends with your competitors
We are so proud of Kaitlyn and grateful she came back to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs. 🌟
Once CEO, always CEO!
