We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tricshone Jiles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tricshone, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose found me through pain—and turned it into power. After being diagnosed with breast cancer not once, but twice, I realized that my journey wasn’t just about survival—it was about service. As I navigated treatments, fear, and uncertainty, I saw firsthand how many women, especially in underserved communities, lacked access to resources, support, and education.
That’s when Jiles Jewels was born—not just as a foundation, but as a calling. I knew my experience had to mean something beyond myself. My purpose became clear: to educate, equip, and empower women through advocacy, awareness, and compassion. Today, every care package delivered, every conversation had, and every warrior we walk beside reinforces that this work is bigger than me. It’s purpose in action.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a two-time breast cancer survivor and the founder of Jiles Jewels Inc., a nonprofit born from my own journey through diagnosis, treatment, and healing. After spending nearly 30 years in the healthcare industry, I realized my personal story had the power to do more than inspire—it could help others navigate the hardest chapters of their lives.
At Jiles Jewels, we pour love into everything we do—whether it’s our care and pamper packages to help survivors feel seen and beautiful, our community workshops and wellness seminars, or the living expense grants and college scholarships we provide for families affected by breast cancer. What makes our work different is that it’s deeply personal. I’ve been where so many of these women are. I understand the fear, the fatigue, and the fight—and that’s why we’re committed to walking alongside them, long after the treatments end.
Right now, I’m especially excited about launching our new Patient Advocate role—someone who will be a steady, supportive presence for warriors, survivors, and caregivers, helping them find the resources and reassurance they need. We’re also rolling out our Breast Cancer Ambassador Training Program, equipping everyday people to become powerful voices in their communities. Add to that our survivor-led panels, new partnerships, and expanding reach, and it feels like we’re just getting started.
For me, this work isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Every care package I hand out, every hug I give, every conversation I have is rooted in my own story of survival. My hope is that through Jiles Jewels, others will find strength, hope, and the reminder that they are never alone.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three things that helped me most on this journey were resilience, empathy, and resourcefulness—and none of them showed up perfectly or all at once. They grew with me.
Resilience showed up when I didn’t even realize it. It was in the quiet moments—when I got out of bed despite the pain, when I kept going even with fear in my chest. For anyone early in their journey, know that resilience isn’t about being strong all the time. It’s about showing up, even in small ways. It’s okay to cry, to rest, to doubt—but keep showing up for yourself.
Empathy became my superpower. Going through breast cancer twice made me more sensitive to the emotions and needs of others. I see people now in a different way—because I’ve felt that loneliness, that overwhelm, that search for hope. If you’re looking to grow in empathy, start by just being present for others. Sit with someone in their pain without needing to fix it. That’s often all they need.
Resourcefulness was something I had to develop quickly. I didn’t always have a clear roadmap, especially as a survivor trying to rebuild her life and start a nonprofit. I had to figure things out—make calls, ask questions, connect the dots. For anyone starting out, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s strength in learning as you go. You don’t have to know everything—you just need to be willing to keep going, keep asking, and keep believing that solutions exist.
My advice? Be gentle with yourself. Healing—whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual—takes time. Trust that each step, no matter how small, is moving you forward.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, absolutely—I’m always looking to collaborate with people and organizations who share our heart for community impact and breast cancer awareness.
Right now, we’re especially looking for community partners to host workshops, wellness events, and educational seminars. We also welcome medical professionals who can share their expertise through panels, trainings, or survivor education sessions. And we’re seeking sponsors and donors who want to help us expand our reach and continue supporting survivors and their families in meaningful ways.
If you’re reading this and feel led to partner—whether you’re part of a church, business, clinic, or just someone who wants to get involved—I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can reach more warriors, uplift more survivors, and bring light to the people who need it most.
You can connect with us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.jilesjewels.org. We’re also active on Facebook and Instagram—follow us to stay connected and see the impact we’re making in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jilesjewels.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilesjewels/profilecard/?igsh=MWY0MTZreHY4bnlxZg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064529898729&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image credit: Tim Hines Photography
Image Credits
Danni Harris with the Portrait Boutique
