The Reinvention of Tricia Connor Jackson  – A Story of Resilience and Unexpected Connections

At age 61 retired from a 20-year corporate career, Tricia found herself stuck at a crossroads—in her second marriage and trapped in a toxic, emotionally and verbally abusive marriage. His abuse came like an earthquake in the night, never knowing when it would hit, but when it did, it shook her to the core. He believed that “words don’t matter”.  But words can cut deeper than any physical wound and the wounds were deep and ever present. She knew she had to leave as the stress and emotional pain were impacting her health.  With nothing but a Ford Explorer, her personal belongings, and a fierce determination to reclaim her life, she walked away during the heart of Covid, May 2020.  What followed was a journey of radical reinvention.

She began her new life in Palm Springs and soon moved to her childhood home, Spokane, WA, spending valuable time with her 90-year-old parents. She became a substitute teacher, mentoring others while learning to live life on her terms.  2 years later, at age 63, Tricia unexpectedly launched a new career in modeling and acting through a chance encounter with a Casting app.  Through strength, resilience, and an unshakable sense of self-worth, Tricia Connor Jackson found not just a new career but her true voice.

What is your truth? 

My truth is that my life is a tapestry woven with beauty, heartbreak, success, sadness, and joy. I embrace every thread now, and I’m finally thankful for all of it. But for the first 62 years, I only showed the pretty parts, the glitter, the joy, and the strength. I presented this image of the corporate boss and mom who always had it together, always smiling, strong, never faltering, because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. But the truth behind that façade was very different. I was a real person experiencing all the emotions of life, exhaustion, pain, sadness, amidst the many joys.  I was afraid to show the weak parts of myself for fear of disappointing those around me especially my children, family, and friends.  I never wanted to be “needy”.  The front wasn’t to protect me, it was to protect those I loved.

She wanted to be the strong force for others while denying herself her own need for care and concern. She always thought being selfless was the goal, but what she found is that sometimes you can be selfless to a fault.

What is your passion? 

I am passionate about my craft, my work. While I’m 2 years new in this business, I strive each day to learn, learn, learn…grow! I am passionate about caring for my children, grandchildren, family, friends, and my partner, Mark Steilen.

Tricia shares that every moment spent with them is her favorite. She loves to make memories, realizing that the greatest memories can be made in the smallest moments.

I am passionate as well about my health, working daily to remain fit and vibrant. My passion also lies in helping others find their path and achieve success, drawing from my own experiences and resilience. I have a deep appreciation for my alma mater, Southeast Missouri State University, which supported me financially in a time when I had nothing. I am passionate about giving back to them. I want students to fully experience their personal and professional growth, being supported and encouraged personally and financially.  

When are you most authentic?

I’m most authentic when I’m honest about my needs, my desires, and my passions—when I stop performing and instead listen to my inner voice, my truth. 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. The truth is, I wasn’t being fully authentic. I was showing the world what I thought it wanted: strength, joy, perfection. Inside, though, I was like all of us, who amidst the many joys, lay fatigue, pain, sadness, and struggle. But for the first time in my life, because of the relationship I’m in now, and because I’ve done the deep soul-searching, I’m presenting my true self. Now at 66, I’m living as the woman I really am. Joyful, strong, and sometimes, weak and sad. I didn’t give myself permission to do that for a long time. Now, I know better. Authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth, and I am finally living mine.

Tricia’s story is a powerful reminder that there is life after abuse and that the pursuit of happiness is always within reach. We need to realize that while we may feel stuck, it’s we who are remaining there, stuck. It’s up to us to become unstuck. We have to make the change, we have to walk away, we have to become the driver of our life, our happiness. Never easy, but the gift of freedom from pain is worth the rugged climb out.

Today, Tricia is not only thriving in a fulfilling relationship but also embracing her second act as a working actress and model. She’s landed an Amazing MGM series premiering in June 2025, lead roles in seven short films, two stage productions, and supporting roles in 29 films. She’s modeled for over 290 brands primarily in the health, beauty, and fitness categories. Her upcoming project includes Barked Up, a proof-of-concept film where she stars as a fashion mogul who unexpectedly transforms into a dog, and Shopping Court, the quirky new Amazon/MGM series where she serves as a product-reviewing juror. Through it all, Tricia continues to live life on her terms boldly, joyfully, and unapologetically.