When the world shut down during the COVID pandemic, then-middle schooler Kaitlyn Letien launched a small jewelry brand that quickly evolved into a global nonprofit with a clear mission: helping underprivileged youth turn passion into a business.
Driven by her own entrepreneurial journey, Letien said she founded Dreams to Business to “teach underprivileged kids around the world how to turn their passions into businesses.”
“Every child deserves the tools and confidence to be their own boss, no matter where they come from,” Letien said.
Her personal experience, from middle school bracelet sales to running a real company, inspired her to teach others the business skills she had learned firsthand.
Dreams to Business offers an array of fun, practical programs, including Beads to Business, Entrepreneurship 101, Money Matters and Marketing Made Simple.
The organization also hosts children’s business fairs, maintains school and community chapters, and has published a kids’ workbook to guide young aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of building their own ventures. These initiatives have reached hundreds of children through interactive workshops and events.
From a one-girl operation to a thriving movement, Dreams to Business now partners with schools and local leaders in various countries.
“A big part of our impact comes from showing kids they have power and potential, just by starting,” Letien said.
She didn’t do it alone. Her leadership team, made up of dedicated high school students, helps manage curriculum writing, outreach, marketing and event organizing.
“They’re all passionate high schoolers like me who believe in what we’re doing,” she said.
Outside of the nonprofit, Letien runs her own jewelry line Humanity Bracelets and stays deeply involved in community service.
“Giving back is super important to me,” she said. “I try to stay active in projects that support others.”
She cites entrepreneur Gorjana Reidel as a significant source of inspiration.
“I admire how she mixes creativity with smart branding and keeps the focus on meaningful, timeless pieces,” Letien said. “Her journey reminds me that you can stay true to your passion and still scale a successful business.”
Letien said she sees Dreams to Business expanding its footprint globally by launching more international chapters, partnering with schools around the world, and translating resources into multiple languages.
“Eventually, I’d love for Dreams to Business to become a go‑to source for youth business education globally,” she said.
The journey wasn’t always smooth. Funding was a major obstacle in the early stages.
“I had to learn how to write grants, pitch to donors, and stretch every dollar,” Letien said.
That challenge became an asset: it taught her resilience, resourcefulness, and how to make a compelling case for her mission.
But the greatest reward?
“Seeing kids light up when they realize they can start their own business. That moment when they feel capable — that’s what I do it for,” she said.
To other young dreamers, Kaitlyn offers this advice: start now.
“Don’t wait to feel ‘ready.’ You’ll learn way more by doing than by overthinking,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help — mentors and community are everything.”
With Letien leading the way, Dreams to Business is more than a nonprofit. It’s a movement inviting youth everywhere to step up, dream big and become their own boss.
Kaitlyn Letien’s published business books. (Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Letien)
