Meet Katie Svoboda-rini | Pastry Chef and Educator, Founder of Sweet Skills Workshops

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Svoboda-rini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by people—their struggles, their differences, their individuality, and the beautiful diversity that shapes the world. There’s something powerful about the shared human experience, how we all navigate challenges, express ourselves in unique ways, and find meaning in our own journeys. I find inspiration in the way people turn hardships into growth, in the resilience of the human spirit, and in the endless ways we create, connect, and redefine ourselves. In many ways, my own journey—both personally and through my work—has been about finding my place within this vast, complex, and deeply inspiring world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My business is rooted in something much deeper than just baking—it comes from a lifelong journey of loss, identity, and transformation. I lost my mother just before I turned 18, after spending a year and a half as her caretaker. Before that, I had already become disconnected from much of my family at the age of 11, with my father mostly estranged from that point on. In many ways, I felt untethered, searching for something to ground me. Baking became that anchor—not just a source of comfort, but a direct connection to my mother. Watching her bake is one of the few memories I have of her, and every time I stepped into the kitchen, I felt closer to her, to my past, and to a part of myself I didn’t want to lose.

At first, baking was just a way to hold onto that connection, but over time, it became something so much bigger—a way to build community, celebrate individuality, and create moments of joy. When I became pregnant with my daughter, I was determined that she would have the best birthday cakes—something I had longed for as a child, growing up as the fourth of five children without much attention paid to me. I started teaching myself cake decorating, but it wasn’t until after I had gastric bypass surgery—when my daughter was just 2.5 years old—that I truly redefined my relationship with food. A year later, I took a leap and went to pastry school, turning what had started as a personal mission into a lifelong passion.

Food is central to the human experience. It is history, culture, creativity, science, and connection all in one space. It is a universal language—one that transcends borders, backgrounds, and beliefs. It brings people together, creates shared experiences, and allows us to express love, identity, and tradition. That’s why my business is about so much more than just teaching people how to bake. I help home bakers move past perfectionism, embrace their individuality, and find confidence in their creativity—because baking is about connection, about the joy of creating something that carries meaning, and about the shared experience of making and giving.

What sets me apart is my belief that handmade is greater than perfect—that baking, like life, is about the process, the people we share it with, and the stories we tell through what we create. So many people get caught up in the idea that their work isn’t ‘good enough’ because it doesn’t look like what they see online. I help them see the beauty in imperfection, the meaning in every handmade detail, and the joy that comes from creating something with heart.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I faced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the challenge of carving out my own space in an industry that often values perfection over authenticity. But I kept showing up, sharing my knowledge, and focusing on building a community where bakers feel supported, not judged. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth happens when we stop striving for ‘perfect’ and start embracing connection, creativity, and progress.

At its core, my story is one of transformation—of turning loss into purpose, struggle into artistry, and uncertainty into confidence. I want to help others do the same, not just in baking, but in how they see themselves, their creativity, and the way they connect with the world around them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the perfect mix of local experiences, great food, and plenty of time to just relax and enjoy good company. I’m a bit of a homebody at heart, so while I love exploring all the wonderful things my area has to offer, I also know that the best experiences often come from slowing down and truly savoring the moment.

We’d start the trip at the Louisville Farmers Market, wandering through the stalls, picking up fresh produce, locally made treats, and probably something we can snack on immediately (because good food is a must). One evening, we’d catch a show at The Louisville Underground—a hidden gem with great live entertainment. Another night, I’d host a board game night with my favorite local friends, making sure there are plenty of snacks, treats, and, of course, dessert (because what’s a gathering without something sweet?). Board game nights are my ideal way to connect—lots of laughter, friendly competition, and a cozy, welcoming vibe.

Midweek, we’d slow things down a bit and explore the arts scene, maybe catching a performance at The Arts Hub or checking out what other creative events are happening nearby. There are so many small but vibrant artistic communities here, and I love supporting them.

Since I know myself, I’d definitely schedule a rest day in the middle of the trip—a day dedicated to cozy downtime. We’d keep things low-key by grabbing delicious, nourishing meals from Cultivate, a fantastic meal prep service that makes eating well effortless. Then, we’d settle in for an old-school movie night featuring absolute classics like Night at the Roxbury, Anchorman, or Superstar—because nothing beats reminiscing and making fun of our younger selves for thinking we had life all figured out back then. We’d laugh until we cried, quote our favorite lines, and embrace the pure joy of nostalgia.

To wrap up the trip, we’d focus on quiet, restorative activities—maybe a spa day with a massage, a visit to a tranquil tea shop, or even just a leisurely afternoon flipping through books at a local bookstore. It would be the perfect way to wind down, reflect on the week, and soak in the simple joys of good food, good company, and a little bit of adventure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible community I was—unfortunately yet fortunately—brought into through our experience with the Marshall Fire. In the face of loss and devastation, I witnessed profound resilience, generosity, and compassion. Organizations like The Birthday Brigade, which brought joy to children who had lost their homes through amazing celebrations, Superior Rising, Marshall ROC, and so many other individuals and groups stepped up to make the nightmare less frightening—despite the fact that many of them were facing their own losses and challenges in the aftermath of the fire. Their kindness and dedication reminded me of the true power of community and the beauty that can emerge even in the hardest moments.

I also have to acknowledge my family—my husband, whose unwavering support encouraged me through every challenge and for believing in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. And my daughter, whose enthusiasm, exuberance, and boundless creativity inspire me constantly. She reminds me to embrace joy, playfulness, and demonstrates the magic of kindness on a daily basis.

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