Meet Kady Jacobs

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kady Jacobs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kady below.

Hi Kady, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I didn’t just stumble into this work, I lived my way into it. For years, I watched our communities struggle. While working at a local non-profit, I would get calls from people desperately seeking anger management or domestic violence support, only to have to tell them, “We don’t offer that.” That helplessness didn’t sit well with me. One day, a light came on. I realized I can be the solution I’ve been waiting for. That was the moment purpose became action.

But even before that moment, the seeds of my purpose were being planted. My family’s legacy is one of resilience and service. My grandmother who grew up in the British Virgin Islands, was never formally educated but she served those in her community with love and dignity. My mother, once a GED graduate, went on to earn 5 degrees, 2 of which are PhD’s, so I grew up knowing that barriers don’t define us; belief, faith and undeterred action do.

So, I took all those seeded lessons combined with my compassion, my education and my experience and opened Anger Management of the Upstate, located in the Resolution and Enrichment Center (The R.E.C. for short). I created a space that offers more than just classes. Those who come feel understood, feel connected and begin healing. I found my purpose in becoming the answer I couldn’t find from others. I dedicate that purpose to my mother, Dr. Maude T. Jacobs, and every soul that thought healing was out of reach.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Anger Management of the Upstate is more than just classes, it’s a place where dignity is restored, emotional patterns are rewired, and people are supported in reclaiming their lives. Services include anger management, parenting and domestic violence classes for adults 18 years and older. It doesn’t matter if a person is coming for personal reasons or a court mandate. All are welcome. Services are available both in-person and virtually, group or individual sessions. Beyond the structured offerings, I also provide also create and facilitate, customized presentations, workshops, trainings for groups like schools, agencies, churches, workplaces, basically any place that people gather and are ready to make emotional wellness a priority.

But what makes Anger Management of the Upstate special isn’t what we do, it’s how it’s done. People are met where they are literally and emotionally. The facilitation style is real, relatable, non-judgmental and deeply rooted in compassion. The belief is people aren’t broken, they are just carrying burdens they were not taught how to put down.

For me, it isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. Every time someone walks through the doors virtually or physically, I know I am standing on the shoulders of my ancestors and living out my mother’s legacy. That legacy is rooted in love, education, empowerment and the belief that no one is too far gone for healing.

My vision of continued growth involves being able to touch many more lives. I realize the need is great and I’m only one person, but I also have faith that as long as my heart and actions are in the right place, God will provide what I need; supportive people who believe in the vision, the resources to make this happen, and the capacity to meet the need with excellence. The vision I have for expansion goes beyond anything that I can readily produce, but I’m a firm believer it will come to fruition just like it has thus far. I literally started with absolutely nothing, other than a desire, belief, drive and faith. I didn’t even have a potential client, but I knew I was there to fill a need so the people would come, and they are. And I am grateful!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When I reflect on my journey starting Anger Management of the Upstate, navigating loss of my mother, leaving a consistent paycheck, and building a legacy rooted in healing, 3 qualities stand out as most impactful. One is compassion over judgement. My approach is built on the premise on understanding people without rushing to label or fix them. Whether someone is court-ordered or voluntarily seeking help, compassion creates a safe space for transformation. Secondly is adaptability. Life will never stick to a script. From navigating COVID-19, rising business costs, changing client’s needs, I’ve had to pivot countless times. Offering both virtual and in-person sessions, flexible schedules and meeting people where they are, makes my services accessible and sustainable. Finally, the third quality is having a vision rooted in purpose. I didn’t start the business just to make money; I started it because I saw a gap and chose to fill it. I say it this way, “I don’t chase the purse, I chase purpose and the money will come.” My vision came from the legacy of my mother’s and grandmother’s serve to others, from years of witnessing community needs, and from a commitment to help people heal from what they were never taught how to handle.

The advice I have for folks early in their entrepreneurial journey or advanced in their business is start by getting curious, not critical. No matter who or what you serve, listen to understand, not just to reply. Read books, attend trainings, and more importantly listen to real stories from real people. The more you expand your perspective and empathy, the more people will trust you. Also stay teachable. Don’t be afraid to evolve your systems. Learn basic tech tools. Explore what your community really needs instead of what you planned to offer. Flexibility doesn’t mean lack of structure, it means your mission stays strong, even when your method changes. Last piece of advice is to take time to get a clear “why”. Build from purpose, not from pressure. When you stay connected to why you do what you do, it becomes easier to endure the hard days and stay anchored during uncertain ones.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is not defined by perfections or polish, but they are defined by readiness. They are the person who’s been silenced by trauma but still wants to find their voice. They are the parent who’s overwhelmed but committed. They are the court-ordered participant who shows up skeptically, but deep down knows that they want something better. They are the one who’s hurting soul says, “I don’t want to keep repeating this cycle.” They are the one who wants to move forward and is courageous enough to take the first step even if they are shaky. My ideal client is real, raw, unsure and sometime resistant, but still willing to do the work. They might not know how to name their pain, but they’re open to learning. They respect the space, even when they struggle with their emotions. They’re open to truth-telling, healing, and growth, even when it is uncomfortable. They don’t want cookie-cutter answers, they want real, human support. And that is what I offer. When I read my 5-star Google reviews, it reassures me that I am on the right track, especially that the tough days. No matter how tough it gets, the real reward is knowing that a person’s life changed in a positive way and that’s the ideal outcome.

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