Katrina Carpenter shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Katrina, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
“The first 90 minutes of my day are spent in service and preparation. I start by making breakfast, then I move on to prepping towels and hygiene kits for our clients at our day shelter. It’s my quiet time to reflect, organize, and prepare for the day’s work of meeting people’s needs with dignity and care.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of Jean’s Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope, dignity, and essential resources to individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, illness, and trauma across the Lowcountry. What started as a simple act of service—helping a few families in need—has grown into a full community resource center offering food, clothing, hygiene care, household items, and emotional support.
What makes Jean’s Angels special is our heart. Every day, we meet people where they are—with compassion, not judgment—and work to restore their sense of dignity and stability. From our mobile shower and laundry trailers to our food pantry and toy drives, we are building a network of care that reminds people they are seen, valued, and loved.
Right now, we’re expanding our outreach programs and preparing for our 10th Annual Toy Giveaway, where we’ll bring joy to thousands of children during the holidays. For me, this work isn’t just a mission—it’s a calling to serve others and create real change, one act of kindness at a time.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my mother to ovarian cancer and my two brothers to suicide forever changed the way I see the world. Experiencing such profound loss taught me firsthand how fragile life is and how critical compassion can be. It ignited a deep desire to make a difference, which led me to create Jean’s Angels. Every day, I work to provide hope, dignity, and support to vulnerable families, children, and individuals—ensuring that no one faces life’s challenges completely alone. My personal experiences fuel my mission to transform grief and adversity into meaningful action for others.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life have been losing my mother to ovarian cancer and my two brothers to suicide. These losses left profound grief and a sense of helplessness, but over time, I’ve channeled that pain into purpose. By founding Jean’s Angels, I’ve found a way to honor their memory and create healing through service. Helping others—providing food, shelter, and hope to those in need—has transformed my wounds into a source of strength and empathy, reminding me that even in the darkest moments, we can foster light and resilience for ourselves and our community.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am deeply committed to building a shelter and transitional home for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. No matter how long it takes, I believe in creating a safe, stable environment where people can rebuild their lives with dignity. This project is more than a building—it’s a pathway to hope, stability, and long-term change for the most vulnerable in our community.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I lived a life of purpose—that I cared deeply, served selflessly, and never gave up on helping others. I want to be remembered as someone who turned pain into purpose, who showed that love and compassion can change lives, and who built something lasting that gave hope to those who had lost it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jeansangels.org
- Instagram: jeans.angels
- Twitter: @JeansAngels_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16JL3KLqZs/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Kesha Peace- Brooklyn Kennedy Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
