Meet Jeron Lothian, Owner of iSurvived Luxury Accessories
An Interview with Jessica Wise
Tell us about iSurvived and the inspiration behind the brand.
iSurvived is the world’s first luxury brand created specifically for breast cancer survivors. The inspiration came from my cousin Nichole, who bravely battled breast cancer — and won. I went online to purchase her a survivor’s gift, assuming there was a Breast Cancer Survivor store where loved ones go to purchase gifts. I was surprised there was nothing of the sort. Of course, the “big timers” had a major presence in October, but what about the other 11 months of the year? That's when I decided to fill the gap, creating my own store for breast cancer survivors.
When you came to us with your cousin’s story, you mentioned how you couldn’t find a gift that properly honored her resilience, so you made one instead. What was the gift? And how does it inspire the rest of the collection?
The gift was a leather wallet or purse. Women love purses right? LOL — I thought of something she could carry with her every day that felt elegant, timeless, and worthy of her victory. It wasn’t just about function; it was about symbolism. Every detail — the stitching, the leather, the design — was chosen to honor her strength. That wallet became the blueprint for iSurvived: practical, beautiful, and deeply meaningful. Every piece in the collection carries that same DNA — a blend of luxury and legacy.
Tell us about the process of developing iSurvived. How does one start a luxury fashion brand?
If I knew how important documenting a journey was I would have recorded mine. For the better part of a year I spoke with multiple manufacturers. I sketched out multiple designs of wallets and bags and waited for them to bring the sketch to life.
I worked with designers and manufacturers to understand what makes a product truly luxury: quality, detail, storytelling, and scarcity. From choosing the finest vegan leather, the zippers on the tote, to the stitching on the wristlet everything was meticulously chosen by me.
I learned a lot of patience during this process. It’s not an overnight journey, but when your “why” is strong enough, the process feels less like work and more like purpose.
How involved is your cousin in the creative process? Is this a family affair?
She is my North Star. While she doesn’t sketch designs, her story and input guide every decision. I often ask myself, Would she be proud to carry this? That question sets the standard for the brand. And yes, it is a family affair. I am actually going to design a purse with her in the near future, so stay tuned.
The word “luxury” is becoming a hot button word, and so is its definition. How do you personally define luxury, and how does that definition show up in the collection?
To me, luxury is about meaning, quality, and intention. Luxury isn’t just about price; it’s about how something makes you feel. At iSurvived, I want luxury to give survivors the kind of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and timeless design usually reserved for high fashion — but infused with purpose. Every product is limited, handmade with care, made from vegan leather, and designed to carry a story. That’s what makes it luxury in my eyes.
How is one able to maintain a luxury brand, even in these challenging economic times? What advice do you have for people who are looking to launch a luxury product?
Luxury isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about building value that lasts. Even in tough times, people invest in pieces that mean something. My advice? Start with a strong story and never compromise on quality. Don’t dilute your vision to chase quick wins. Luxury customers respect consistency, scarcity, and authenticity. If you stay true to your “why” and to the quality, your brand can weather any season.
What’s your cousin’s favorite piece in the collection? And what’s yours?
Her favorite is the tote. She loves that it’s elegant yet practical enough to carry her laptop and daily essentials. It makes her feel powerful, polished, and seen. My favorite is still the leather wallet because it’s where this all began. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of the moment I realized survivors deserved something more.
How can people remain aware and active in the fight against breast cancer, even outside of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Awareness is 365 days a year. That means supporting survivors in your community, sharing resources, donating to research, and having conversations that normalize survivorship. It also means celebrating survivors beyond pink ribbons in October. At iSurvived, we want to remind people that every day is a day to honor resilience.
Tell us where we can shop and support you!
Visit our website to become an early supporter. You gotta register on my landing page. Then we will email and/or text you a password to enter the site.
Help iSurvived keep their mission alive! Donate via Indiegogo today.
