Kailyn Schuster (KeKe's Donuts)
Kailyn Schuster
Industry: Retail Sales
Email: kekesdonuts@gmail.com
Phone: (815) 531-7271
Address: Mobile Business
Position: Founder / Owner / Operator
Website: https://kekesdonuts.lovable.app/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093424518091
“Kailyn Schuster is the SSSBA 2026 Young Entrepreneur of the year Awardee.
SSSBA proudly honors this rising young star whose entrepreneurial spirit, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to community represent the very best of our region’s future leaders. She is proving that excellence in the classroom and excellence in the marketplace can go hand in hand.”
About the Spotlight Member
Kailyn is currently at just the start of her college journey, maintaining a 4.0 GPA as a freshman at a local Junior College.
Kailyn started KeKe’s Donuts when she was 15 years old after her dad had a dream that she open a donut business. That moment sparked something in both of them, and they started researching the equipment and everything they needed to make it real. She started selling fresh-made mini donuts, first made in a home deep fryer. She has expanded into a mobile trailer and expanded her donut line, introducing new donuts frequently. She came up with the name ‘KeKe’s Donuts’ from her childhood nickname, KeKe — something her parents always called her growing up.
About the Company
KeKe's Donuts is a movement, a joyful presence, and a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. Whether she’s serving customers at farmers markets, energizing block parties, adding sweetness to car shows, or bringing comfort to shelters, she shows up with heart, humility, and a smile that makes every interaction memorable. Her vibrant participation in major community events—from the Manhattan Irish Fest to HellsGate Haunted House—demonstrates a young entrepreneur who understands that business is not only about profit, but about people. She has woven herself into the fabric of the South Suburbs, becoming a familiar face and a beloved part of the community’s celebrations, traditions, and shared moments.
Mission Statement
Kailyn's mission for KeKe’s Donuts is to expand nationwide and grow the brand into a recognizable name, similar to McDonald’s.
To support this mission, she is committed to growing her knowledge in business by pursuing a degree at a local Junior College, followed by a bachelor’s degree at a nearby university. She plans to invest in multiple trailers, build a brick and mortar store, and attend large events such as concerts and festivals, with the mission of operating in every state. Her ultimate aim is to continue expanding KeKe’s Donuts while building a brand that is known, loved, and inspiring.
Vision Statement
What makes Kailyn's journey truly extraordinary is her vision. She is building something sweet—not only in flavor, but in impact. She wants young girls to see themselves in her story, to know that their ideas matter, and to believe that their dreams are possible and to pursue them. She is creating a business that reflects joy, positivity, and empowerment, and doing so with a level of maturity and grace far beyond her years.
“What makes Kailyn’s journey truly extraordinary is her purpose. She is building something sweet—not only in flavor, but in impact. She wants young girls to see themselves in her story, to know that their ideas matter, and to believe that their dreams are possible. She is creating a business that reflects joy, positivity, and empowerment, and doing so with a level of maturity and grace far beyond her years.”
