We were lucky to catch up with Kam Patrick recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kam, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a lifetime of lessons in strength, faith, and purpose. Growing up as the child of two Army veterans, I witnessed firsthand what it meant to serve with dedication and face challenges with courage. Their combined 36 years of service taught me that no battle is too great when you have the determination to rise above it.
Losing my father, my best friend, in my early 20s felt like the ground had been pulled from beneath me. He was the person who believed in me unconditionally, and without him, I felt lost. But even in the depths of that grief, I could hear his voice reminding me to stand tall, to fight for my dreams, and to live a life he would be proud of.
When I got married a few years later, I thought I was stepping into a new chapter of joy. Instead, I found myself navigating my husband’s substance abuse, spending most of our short marriage supporting him through rehab, and eventually losing him to a bad batch. Becoming a widow in less than a year of marriage was devastating. But in that moment of heartbreak, I realized something powerful: resilience is not about avoiding pain—it’s about finding purpose through it.
I made the decision to step out on faith, transitioning from being a teacher to becoming an entrepreneur. It was terrifying to leave behind the stability of a career for the uncertainty of my dreams. But I knew that the best way to honor both my father’s legacy and my husband’s memory was to build something meaningful, not just for myself but for others.
Through it all, my sister Miriam was my anchor. Though she’s 10 years younger, her wisdom, love, and belief in me became my lifeline. She walked with me through every storm, encouraging me to keep going, even when the odds felt impossible. Together, we built businesses, survived economic downturns, and even thrived during the pandemic.
A few months ago, I faced an unimaginable loss when Miriam passed away. Losing her has been one of the hardest chapters of my life, but even in her absence, she continues to inspire me. Miriam’s legacy reminds me to keep moving forward, to pour love and strength into the lives of others as she did for me.
Resilience, for me, is rooted in faith and community. It’s in knowing that every setback is a setup for something greater. It’s in the lives we’ve touched through our nonprofit programs, the veterans we’ve supported, and the communities we’ve empowered. Resilience is realizing that the hardest moments in life don’t define us—they refine us, making us stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to leave a legacy of hope.
Miriam taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about thriving, even when the odds feel insurmountable. Her life, and the lives of my father and husband, push me to continue building a legacy of hope, faith, and empowerment for those who come after me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Professionally, my journey has been deeply rooted in entrepreneurship, community building, and empowerment. I transitioned from being a teacher to becoming a business consultant, co-founding a company with my sister, Miriam, that has supported countless individuals in turning their dreams into actionable realities. Over the past 14 years, we’ve not only built thriving businesses but also developed nonprofit programs aimed at creating lasting impacts for veterans, underserved communities, and artists.
Our work has always been about more than just business—it’s about people. The nonprofits we created, ImitsArt, MAP Keepers, and Impact I Am the Movement, have allowed us to address critical needs in our community. From therapeutic art ventures and clothing drives to feeding centers, we’ve dedicated ourselves to being a voice for those who often go unheard. I’m incredibly proud of the way these programs have grown and the lives they’ve touched.
What makes our work special is the heart behind it. We don’t just build businesses; we build relationships, foster creativity, and create opportunities for others to thrive. The most exciting part is watching someone who doubted their potential realize their capability and step into their greatness. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve played a part in someone’s journey to success.
Right now, my focus is on continuing to expand our reach. We’re working on scaling our consulting services to help even more entrepreneurs navigate their paths, especially in undercapitalized markets. Additionally, I’m excited about growing the impact of our nonprofit initiatives. One of our newer focuses is on providing technology access and education for underserved youth, something I’m deeply passionate about because it represents empowerment for the next generation.
Currently, I’m leading a personal initiative called “Today Is Better With You In It.” It’s a message of hope, connection, and affirmation—a reminder to others that their presence matters and that their life has purpose. It’s about spreading positivity and creating spaces where people feel valued, supported, and seen. This initiative has been a deeply personal project, and it aligns with everything I’ve worked toward: uplifting others and reminding them of their worth.
On a personal level, I also want to honor my sister Miriam’s legacy by carrying forward the passion and commitment we shared. Her influence is woven into everything we do, and I’m more motivated than ever to ensure that her light continues to shine through the work we do and the lives we touch.
For those looking to connect with me or learn more about what I do, I encourage you to reach out. Whether it’s a business idea, a passion project, or a community initiative, I believe there’s always room for collaboration and growth. Together, we can create something truly meaningful.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities and skills were resilience, adaptability, and empathy. These pillars not only shaped my path but also became the foundation of how I approach life, business, and service to others.
Resilience: Life is full of challenges, and resilience is what keeps you moving forward when everything feels impossible. For me, resilience was forged through personal loss, starting over, and persevering in the face of uncertainty. My advice? Build your resilience like you would a muscle. Start by facing small challenges head-on and gradually tackle bigger ones. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and remind you of your strength. Most importantly, allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with setbacks—grieve, process, and then rise.
Adaptability: The ability to pivot and embrace change has been a game-changer in my journey. Whether it was transitioning from teacher to entrepreneur or navigating the economic shifts brought by the pandemic, adaptability allowed me to see opportunity in chaos. For those starting their journey, I’d say: Don’t get stuck in rigid plans. Instead, focus on building a mindset that welcomes change. Stay curious, seek new skills, and always be willing to reinvent yourself. The world is constantly evolving, and those who can evolve with it will always find their way.
Empathy: Empathy is the bridge that connects us to others and allows us to lead with compassion. It’s what helped me create businesses and nonprofits that truly served people, not just their problems. For anyone starting out, remember that empathy begins with listening—really listening. Take time to understand the needs, fears, and dreams of those around you. The more you invest in understanding people, the better equipped you’ll be to create solutions that resonate.
Advice for Early Journeyers:
Seek Mentorship: Find people who have walked a similar path and learn from their experiences.
Invest in Growth: Never stop learning—read, take courses, and surround yourself with diverse perspectives.
Stay Grounded in Purpose: Know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Purpose will keep you steady during the toughest times.
Your journey will be uniquely yours, but these qualities and skills will help you navigate it with confidence, grace, and impact.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I’m currently facing is the rapid evolution of technology and AI. With everything now accessible at the touch of a button, the traditional methods of consulting are becoming nearly obsolete. This shift has forced me to reevaluate how I operate and how I can best serve my clients in a world that’s constantly changing.
Rather than resisting the change, I’ve chosen to embrace it. My focus is on integrating new technologies into my consulting practices to better equip my clients for the future. I’m working on helping them modernize their systems and, just as importantly, their mindsets. Change can be intimidating, but I see this as an opportunity to help my clients not only adapt but thrive.
By staying informed about emerging technologies, investing in ongoing education, and incorporating AI tools into my processes, I’m ensuring that the businesses and individuals I work with are prepared to succeed in this new era. My goal is to make technology less of a challenge and more of an advantage, showing my clients how they can leverage these tools to reach new heights.
When it comes to my nonprofit work, however, I’ve noticed how much technology has replaced personal connection. In response, I’ve started a small initiative with a tribe of like-minded individuals where we send handwritten letters, books, or small thoughtful tokens the old-fashioned way. It’s a simple gesture to let people know someone genuinely took the time to think about them. In a world where the mail is often filled with nothing but junk or bills, I believe this touch of humanity can make a profound difference.
By balancing the efficiency of technology with meaningful personal interactions, I aim to create a future where progress doesn’t come at the expense of connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kamlynpatrick.wixsite.com/iam-collective
- Instagram: kampediachronicles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/idivineconsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/impact-i-am-the-movement-2196a049
Image Credits
MIriam Teresa Patrick
Monica Patrick
Vincent Bryant
Erica Lee
Paul Bryant
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