We had the good fortune of connecting with Dima Hendricks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dima, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my new success would be support. I wouldn’t be able to create, build or dream without my relationship with God and the love and support of my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Some would call me a serial entrepreneur. However I do assure you it’s not by choice. If I had my way I would be neck deep in a career as a dancer/choreographer. Unfortunately, the older I get, the more my body seems to betray me. I’m not just combatting old age, My enemy is Sickle Cell disease. Sickle cell disease has put me in the hospital hundreds of times throughout my life. I had a stroke, acute chest syndrome, open heart surgery, extensive damage in my right and my left eye, to name just a few of the numerous complications.

The pain of living with sickle cell disease is raw and real in every way I would equate the unrelenting pain of sickle cell disease to that of childbirth. If given the choice, I’d choose natural childbirth pain over the debilitating pain of living with sickle cell disease. It’s an intense, unrelenting pain that can literally bring you to your knees.

It took me 15 years to earn my Bachelor’s degree due to my condition. I now have my Master’s degree, competed in and won numerous pageants, including Miss Black Massachusetts and Mrs. Massachusetts International, and become the published author of Unleashing Royalty, but I do it all #ThroughThePain.

This fierce enemy I call Sickle Cell also motivated me to help other sickle cell warriors to live optimal lives through their pain. Today I am a Sickle Cell Health Coach and the founder and President of #ThroughThePain Inc. #ThroughThePain Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) ORGANIZATION that provides patient-centered services for Sickle Cell Warriors and caregivers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a Boston Girl! Although I was born in the city, I rarely have the opportunity to enjoy the city. I would take the opportunity to roam through Boston as a tourist. We would go on the duck tour, visit Fenway Park and eat a obscene amount of sea food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my husband. He is my ultimate supporter and caregiver.

Website: www.throughthepain.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/throughthepainorg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/throughthepain

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ttpainorg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/throughthepainorg

Other: Coaching website: www.dimahendricks.com https://www.instagram.com/scdhealthcoach

Image Credits
KAYANA SZYMCZAK- (Color Photo) Joanna Petit-Frere- (Black and White)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.