From Boardroom to Backstage: Tricia Connor Jackson's Bold Leap into Entertainment

In a world that often sidelines women past a certain age, Tricia Connor Jackson is rewriting the narrative—one casting call, one campaign, and one courageous choice at a time. At 66, she’s not just thriving; she’s redefining what it means to start over.

Leaving a Life That No Longer Fitted

Tricia’s professional journey began in the corporate corridors of Procter & Gamble, Stride Rite, and Nestlé Purina, where she climbed the ranks to become Vice President of Sales. Her tenure in these Fortune 500 companies was marked by strategic acumen and leadership prowess. Yet, despite her success, Tricia felt an unfulfilled yearning—a desire for creative expression and personal authenticity.

“I always told myself, ‘One day, I’ll give back to my university that gave me so much,’” she reflects, acknowledging the foundational role Southeast Missouri State University played in her early life. True to her word, she established scholarships and mentored aspiring professionals, embodying the spirit of giving back.

Personal Turmoil and Triumph

Life outside the office presented its own challenges. After raising three children and enduring a tumultuous second marriage marked by emotional and verbal abuse, Tricia made the courageous decision to leave. “I stayed until I realized the stress would kill me through illness if I continued to endure his abuse,” she candidly shares. In May 2020, amid the global pandemic, she departed with only her savings, Christmas decorations, and a Ford Explorer filled with hope.

Relocating to Palm Springs and later returning to her childhood home in Spokane, Washington, Tricia sought solace and a fresh start. She became a substitute teacher, reconnecting with her community and rediscovering her sense of purpose.

An Unexpected Encore

A chance encounter in a bar led to an unexpected suggestion: “Are you a model? You should be an actress.” Skeptical yet intrigued, Tricia invested $199 in a talent app, uploading photos and videos without any formal training. “I gave myself a $10,000 budget to try it for a year. I lost it all—but the gigs kept coming,” she recalls.

Her leap of faith paid off. Tricia has since collaborated with over 290 brands in skincare, beauty, health, and fitness. She has appeared in more than 37 films, including lead roles in short films and a supporting role in the Amazon MGM pilot “Shopping Court” alongside Bianca Del Rio. Her upcoming project, “Barked Up,” showcases her versatility as she portrays a fashion mogul undergoing a whimsical transformation.

Embracing Authenticity

Tricia’s journey is not just about career reinvention; it’s about embracing authenticity. “For so long, I presented myself like a swan gliding smoothly across the water's surface, calm and in control. But underneath, I was paddling like mad, just trying to hold it all together,” she admits. Now, she lives unapologetically, embracing both her strengths and vulnerabilities.

Her commitment to health and wellness is unwavering. She runs over 15 miles a week, lifts weights, and practices yoga, maintaining the vitality that fuels her demanding schedule. “I’m passionate about my health, working daily to remain fit and vibrant,” she emphasizes.

A Message to Women Everywhere

Tricia’s story resonates as a powerful testament to the possibilities that await when one chooses courage over comfort. “Stop hiding. Stop apologizing for your story,” she urges. “We are the lucky ones who’ve lived long enough to reinvent ourselves. You get 20, maybe 30 more years—make them joyful, make them matter.”

Her definition of success has evolved. “My success will never come at the cost of my happiness. I don’t want fame if it robs me of peace. I want balance, joy, and meaningful relationships. That’s success.”

Looking Ahead

As Tricia continues to appear on screens and in campaigns, her influence extends beyond her roles. She embodies the spirit of reinvention, proving that it’s never too late to pursue new dreams. Her journey encourages women to embrace their stories, find their voices, and step into the lives they’ve always imagined.

“I never imagined this life,” Tricia declares. “I didn’t chase it. But when it came, I met it with heart, hustle, and humility. I want every woman to know—it’s never too late to become something new.”

For more on Tricia Connor Jackson’s inspiring journey, visit her website, TriciaConnorJackson.com or follow her on Instagram @triciaconnorjackson.