Today we’d like to introduce you to Akilah Williams.
Hi Akilah , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Pocket Full of Care in my dorm room back in 2019. At the time, I was a full-time student juggling classes, campus life, and the usual stress that comes with trying to figure out adulthood. What I did know was that people around me were struggling with managing their day-to-day needs, whether it was finding reliable care for a loved one, needing help themselves, or simply not having a dependable support system.
It started small: helping classmates, neighbors, and friends of friends. I realized very quickly that the need for compassionate, consistent, trustworthy care was bigger than my campus, and bigger than me doing everything alone. That’s when Pocket Full of Care shifted from a side idea into something real. I started putting structure around it, organizing services, building a network of help, and creating a standard of care that felt personal, not corporate.
As word spread, so did the demand. What began as one person helping out in a dorm room grew into a service people relied on across different communities. I focused on staying true to the heart of it: providing care that felt genuine, human, and dependable. Over time, I expanded offerings, built a team, and refined the business into what it is today, a company rooted in compassion, reliability, and the belief that everyone deserves quality care.
The journey definitely wasn’t linear. There were setbacks, learning curves, and plenty of moments where I questioned how big this could really become. But every challenge helped shape the systems, values, and mission that Pocket Full of Care stands on today.
Now, looking back from where I started, a dorm room, a notebook full of ideas, and a passion to help, it’s incredible to see how far it’s grown. And the best part is, the story is still very much being written.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I had to learn a lot through trial and error. One of the first struggles was balancing school and running a growing service. I was still a student trying to keep up with assignments while managing clients, scheduling, and making sure I delivered the quality of care I promised.
Another challenge was building trust as a young business owner. Starting something in a dorm room means you don’t have a big team, a big budget, or a big reputation behind you. I had to prove myself through consistency, reliability, and really showing people that I cared about their loved ones as much as they did.
As the business and demand began to grow faster than I could keep up with alone, I realized I needed more structure and support. That’s when I created executive boards for both the main Pocket Full of Care and the KSU Pocket Full of Care chapter. Building these teams helped me manage operations more effectively, delegate responsibilities, maintain standards, and keep everything running smoothly. It was a major turning point in taking the business from something I was handling alone to something organized and sustainable.
There were still plenty of challenges along the way: figuring out pricing, learning how to set boundaries, handling last-minute issues, working long hours, and carrying the emotional weight that naturally comes with a care-centered role. But every obstacle taught me something important. The struggles helped me grow as a leader and helped strengthen the foundation Pocket Full of Care stands on today.
Looking back, the difficult moments ended up being the ones that pushed me to grow the most.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently work as an anesthesia technician while also being a full-time nursing student, and that combination has shaped a huge part of who I am professionally. In the operating room, my work revolves around supporting anesthesiologists and CRNAs, preparing equipment, managing supplies, ensuring patient safety, and staying ready for anything that can happen during a procedure. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, but it has taught me precision, calmness, and how to think three steps ahead, skills that carry over into everything I do.
At the same time, I’m working toward my nursing degree. Balancing clinical rotations, classes, studying, and long hospital shifts isn’t always easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding challenges. Being both a student and a healthcare professional gives me a rare dual perspective. I get to learn in the classroom and apply that knowledge in real time in the OR, and I also get to bring real hospital experience back into my studies. It makes me a stronger student and a more prepared future nurse.
In terms of what I specialize in, I’m known for my ability to stay composed and organized no matter how hectic the day gets. I’m proud of the fact that I take on a lot, my education, my work in anesthesia, and running Pocket Full of Care, yet I manage it with intention and passion. Healthcare can be demanding, but I genuinely love what I do, and that shows in the way I care for patients, support my team, and stay committed to growing in this field.
What sets me apart is my drive to serve. Whether it’s in the operating room or through my business, my focus is always on people. I go above and beyond to create stability, comfort, and trust. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to build a career in healthcare while still in school, build a business from my dorm room, and maintain high standards in both. That combination of ambition, compassion, and real hands-on experience shapes the way I show up in every setting.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve been able to balance, but even more proud of the impact I’ve had, the patients I’ve helped, the families I’ve supported, and the people who trust me with their care.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something that might surprise most people who know me or my work is that I actually love planning events. I recently soft launched my own events business called The Yvonne Edit. So far, I’ve mainly been booked for birthdays, but I plan and coordinate all types of events. For me, it’s another way to channel creativity, organization, and attention to detail, the same skills I use in healthcare and running Pocket Full of Care, just in a completely different space.
In many ways, this is my version of what Hannah Montana would call “the best of both worlds.” I get to do multiple things that I love at once, working in healthcare, running a care-focused business, pursuing my nursing degree, and planning events. Each of these passions feeds into the other and keeps me energized, motivated, and constantly learning.
It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s also deeply fulfilling because I get to explore different sides of who I am and what I love doing. Being able to pursue multiple passions at once has shaped how I approach my work, my business, and even my personal growth, and it’s something I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocketfullofcare?igsh=MTIwcW0yejZteDh5MA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17XXnmCoZc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocket-full-of-care/
Image Credits
Akilah Williams – Founder
Malik Freeman – Co Founder
Nolyn Pennamon – President
Serenity Badger – 2nd President
Piercston Colton – Vice President
Nyla Nelson – Secretary
London Gibbs – Treasurer
Esther Yi – Social Media Coordinator
