The first cake Kailynn Rodewald ever made wasn’t for a business.
It was simply a birthday gift for her grandma – a sweet surprise baked in her family’s kitchen during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. But once her mom posted a photo online, the requests started rolling in, and the McCook native’s hobby quickly turned into something more.
Now, the University of Nebraska at Kearney senior owns and operates Sweet & Sassy, a cottage bakery specializing in cakes and cupcakes for customers across central and western Nebraska.
“My love for entrepreneurship came from my family. Growing up, my parents did a great job of teaching us that we had to work for the things we want, so we were always finding new ways to make money as little kids, whether it was mowing our neighbors’ lawns or raising chickens to sell eggs. My mom is also an entrepreneur – she’s a self-published author and cut-flower farmer,” Rodewald explained.
“When people started to ask about buying cakes from me, I realized that I really enjoyed being able to use my skills and talents to not only make a living but also make people happy.”
Sweet & Sassy now offers a wide variety of cake and cupcake flavors – about 15 in total – along with decorative designs. Rodewald bakes everything in her apartment kitchen on campus, preparing treats for birthdays, weddings, baby showers and celebrations large and small. She focuses much of her business in rural Nebraska, where specialty bakeries can be few and far between, delivering orders directly to customers or through pickup.
STRONG CONNECTIONS
Rodewald came to UNK to pursue her academic interests while continuing her swimming career – an opportunity that brought her to campus even before she had a business plan. She’s studying business administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in entrepreneurship – courses that have strengthened her confidence as both a student and a professional.
“The biggest way UNK’s marketing and entrepreneurship programs have helped me is through the connections I’ve made,” she said. “The people I’ve met and the support I’ve received are invaluable.”
Rodewald is a member of UNK’s Startup Studio, a program offered through the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development that allows students to immerse themselves in the business development process. Participants receive mentorship from Nebraska entrepreneurs, tour area businesses, attend networking events, collaborate with peers and work one-on-one with staff to launch or grow their ventures.
“Startup Studio has given me personalized help from people who can relate to my goals,” Rodewald said. “From this program, I just hope to gain more connections with people who will help my business thrive, and so far I have.”
She has also worked with local businesses through coursework, developing marketing research reports and advertising plans – real-world experience that’s shaped her approach to branding and customer outreach.
“It’s so cool to be able to connect with other business owners, and I’ve made a lot of valuable relationships that way,” she said.
LOOKING AHEAD
Alongside her academic and entrepreneurial commitments, Rodewald is a captain on the UNK women’s swim team and a College of Business and Technology ambassador. She’s also part of the UNK Honors Program and Oaks International collegiate ministry, and she works part time at Starbucks on campus.
Balancing baking, classes, athletics and student organizations requires discipline – and a well-organized planner.
“I’ve had to learn how to prioritize and let go of things that aren’t beneficial,” she said. “I don’t know if I’d say I like being busy, but I love feeling like what I’m doing has purpose.”
After graduating next spring, Rodewald plans to return to western Nebraska – either McCook or North Platte – to open a full-time bakery and continue offering services to rural communities. She envisions contributing to remote marketing work, too.
“The biggest way UNK has prepared me for my future is by giving me the confidence to try,” she said. “Even though it can seem scary to graduate and launch a full-time business, I know I have the skills and knowledge to be successful – and I know people will be there to support me along the way.”
