Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Baker.
Hi Tamika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My cancer journey started October 2021 after finding a golf ball sized lump on the side of my right breast, after a clear mammogram report in January of 2021. At that time I was transitioning over to a new GYN physician with concerns that was ignored by my former GYN physician. Like many women at the age of 45, my body started going through different changes that I didn’t understand at the time was perimenopause. At my routine annual women’s exam, I informed my new GYN that I found a lump and she immediately scheduled me for a diagnosed mammogram on 12/31/21. In my mind there was no need to worry because although I have a family history of prostate and ovarian cancer we never had breast cancer in the family. Imagine to my disbelief and shock when I was told in January 2022, after a biopsy, that I had stage two grade two B triple negative breast cancer. Any time we hear the word negative we tend to think that is a good thing but I quickly learned that is not the case when you have triple negative breast cancer. This form of breast cancer is very aggressive and because I was already at stage two I had to decide quickly what my treatment options would be. I had six months of chemo and 4 different surgeries, which included a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, from February 28, 2022 until June 5, 2023. As of today I am three years cancer free.
During my time of healing in my own cancer journey I was thanking God for his continued grace and mercy upon my life and praying for guidance on what should I do to help others going through this journey. I never set out to start a nonprofit, I just wanted to contribute as much as I could to the healing process for my fellow breast cancer survivors. When cancer touched my life, I saw how overwhelming the journey could be, not just physically but emotionally, spiritually, and financially. I kept meeting fellow survivors who felt unseen, and I knew I wanted to create a space that brought hope, support, healing, and community back into the picture. That’s when Pinkbreastiesista nonprofit was created.
What began as two small beauty events in Houston and Atlanta called Pop Up Breastie Beauty Bar where breast cancer survivors were able to sharing their stories, given free spa treatments and makeovers, and hearing from wellness community speakers—grew into a grassroots effort. We listened closely to what people truly needed: a safe space to be heard, practical resources, and uplifting moments to remind them they were more than their diagnosis.
Over time, we built programs that combine support, creativity, and healing with events such as Stories on My Skin (Ink Therapy), Paint Through Your Pain (Art Therapy), Glam and Groom (Pop Up Breastie Beauty Bar for Caregivers), and Meet The Author: Cancer Reflections where we celebrate survivorship with survivors and caregivers. To bring these events to life for the community, we partner with local businesses and volunteers who believe in our mission. Step by step, our small circle of care turned into a thriving nonprofit community that has touched countless lives.
Today, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, but our heartbeat is still the same: to walk alongside people facing cancer and their families with compassion, creativity, and hope. Looking back, it’s amazing to see that what started as a promise I made to God to give back to the cancer community three years ago has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a cancer-focused nonprofit has been one of the most rewarding and humbling journeys of my life. I began with nothing more than a deep desire to support my fellow cancer survivors walking the path I once faced myself. But passion alone doesn’t shield you from the challenges.
In the early days, the biggest struggle was simply being heard. I had this vision for programs that would offer comfort and support but convincing others to believe in it took persistence. I often found myself wearing many hats: event planner, advocate, and most of the time even funding the events on my own.
On a personal level, there were moments of exhaustion and self-doubt. Balancing the emotional weight of hearing so many NOs, I Wish I Could Help You, or That’s Not Going To Work while staying strong for others was not easy. But each thank-you note, each smile at an event, and every story of someone feeling seen and supported reminded me why I started.
This journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s real—and it’s worth it. To anyone thinking about starting a nonprofit or giving back in their own way: know that the road may be rough, but the lives you touch will keep you going.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We also have a cancer merch line, PB22, which was created straight from my own experience of being a survivor. Each design reflects the strength, resilience, and beauty I see in the cancer community.
What I’m most proud of about our merch line is that every piece was created with heart because I wanted it to be more than just any ordinary form of clothing or accessories. Every piece, from the custom jerseys to the custom jewelry, carries messages of resilience and love, designed to remind survivors and caregivers that they’re never alone. Knowing that something I created can make someone feel seen, uplifted, or even just bring a small smile on a hard day means the world to me.
PB22 merch line is available for purchase on Pinkbreastiesista.com. The proceeds from our merch line helps us to continue to offer free events and services to survivors and caregivers nationwide through our nonprofit organization Pinkbreastiesista.
What does success mean to you?
The success of a nonprofit cancer organization isn’t just measured in research breakthroughs or fundraising totals—it’s seen in the lives that are touched, the hope that is restored, and the community that is built around those affected by cancer. It’s about showing up for survivors and caregivers in ways that truly matter the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pinkbreastiesista.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Pinkbreastiesista
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pinkbreastiesista.presents
- TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@Pinkbreastiesista
