In this episode of Grit, Grace, Growth, hosts Kim & Ken welcome Dana Walker-Jackson, breast cancer survivor, certified mastectomy fitter, and founder of Cinderella’s Closet Lingerie, a specialty boutique supporting women before and after breast cancer surgery.

Dana’s journey began in 2013 when she heard the words, “You have breast cancer.” While undergoing treatment, she returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing, graduating at the top of her class. Still, it would take a personal realization to reveal her greater purpose.

After experiencing firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that follow breast cancer surgery, Dana recognized a critical gap in care. Her doctors had worked tirelessly to save her life, but few people were addressing what came next: rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with her femininity, and learning to recognize herself again.

That realization inspired Cinderella’s Closet Lingerie, where women can receive personalized fittings for post-surgical garments, post-mastectomy bras, and breast prosthetics in a warm, welcoming environment. Dana opened the boutique on March 3, 2020 (just two weeks before the world shut down). Although she served only five clients during that first year, she used the unexpected pause to learn, secure insurance contracts, and build a strong foundation. Six years later, Cinderella’s Closet has supported more than 1,600 women.

At the heart of this conversation is the powerful reminder that our most difficult experiences can lead us toward our purpose and that while we may not simply “get over” life-changing challenges, we can discover courage as we move through them.

In this episode, we talk about:

• A 1976-themed “Two Truths and a Lie” featuring Jaws, Apple, and red M&M’s
• Dana’s breast cancer diagnosis and the words that helped quiet her fear
• Returning to school while undergoing cancer treatment
• How her personal experience revealed the emotional gap in breast cancer care
• Why beautiful, properly fitted post-mastectomy garments can help restore confidence
• Creating a boutique that feels like home rather than a clinical setting
• Opening Cinderella’s Closet just two weeks before the 2020 shutdown
• Growing from five clients in the first year to more than 1,600 women served
• Navigating insurance while ensuring clients receive compassionate care
• The importance of personalized fittings, conversation, and emotional support
• Dana’s plans to scale the business without losing its personal touch
• How her breast cancer journey ultimately led her to her purpose
• Why courage is forged in grit—and grace is essential along the way

Connect with Dana:

Website: cinderellasclosetlingerie.com
Instagram: @cinderellasclosetlingerie
Facebook: Cinderella's Closet (@WhereBeforeMeetsAfter)

Connect with Grit, Grace, Growth:

Email: support@gritgracegrowth.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that even the most difficult journeys can lead us toward purpose, confidence, and meaningful growth.