Meet “Dede” Thelusma | Online Boutique Owner & Healthcare Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with “Dede” Thelusma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dede, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Life is all about taking risks! I’ve always been a risk taker. There is always a risk in everything you do, even if you dont do it. So I learned how to manage and evaluate risks so that I can take risks in my life to be successful. I took a risk in starting a business at the peak of a pandemic and I told myself “you have nothing to lose” and I loved that I did it. I have learned so much. I took a risk in moving to Houston, TX after graduating with my Bachelors Degree and its been amazing ever since. I can only go up from here. God has so much in store for me, as long as I have faith and i’m doing my part, I know i’ll forever be blessed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have my degree In Healthcare Management and currently pursing my MBA/MHA. I’m currently in Healthcare working as a Quality and Care Coordinator . I have aspirations of becoming a Clinic Administrator. My passion has always been healthcare and working in the community and giving back to my community. Every chance I get to do food drive drives, im there! I also am working on getting a Nonprofit. I want to start giving back to my community in every way possible I can by doing food drives, giving away health care products ETC. What i’m most proud of is maintaining a 3.5 GPA, working fulltime, taking 6 classes each semester, all while still handling my online business and maintaining my Type 1 diabetes. What got me here was my dedication and being resilient. I remember crying in the hospital bed when I first went to school in Orlando, FL and the doctor said I have diabetes, I cried for maybe two minutes and got up and asked how long do I have to be in here because I have stuff to do (lol) It wasnt easy whatsoever. Still isnt. Some challenges I had was working full time 8-9 hours a day and still having to go to school and do homework and still take care of myself all while being so tired and drained. It got so bad to the point, I worked so hard, I ended up in the hospital with Stage 3 kidney damage. I was always on the move, I like to keep myself busy but I needed to learn to give my body a break, because that day, my body shut down on me at the most inconvenient time. Till this day I dont know how I still managed, the mindset I always kept was “If not ME, then who?? Cause i HAVE to make it in life” no one is going to help me get successful. I have to want it more than anything. Some lessons i’ve learned along the way is, dont let anyone get in the way of your success. This is your life, and you have the ability to make your life exactly how you want it. Its all about consistency, and faith and taking risks. What I want the world to know about me is that, everything I have, came to me at the perfect time. I worked hard for everything I have and im still working hard for everything I do want in life. It didnt come over night, Ive had sleepless nights, hungry nights, and crying nights. All while everyone thought I was OKAY, I always kept everything to myself because I dont like to bother others with my issues. But, with faith and consistency, I made it! Viva La Beauty Boutique will be bigger than ever!

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.
Id take my friends to LOST AND FOUND! I think that’s favorite spot! they have the BEST Mac and Cheese. Another place would be James Harden restaurant. There’s so many places I still havent tried and I want to try lol But also taco trucks is a must! Id take my friends to the clubs, such as sekai, space and The Address! Also networking events! Houston is big and the connections ive made by just going to networking events, is amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first shoutout to I would love to dedicate a to is God of course, through all the battles I’ve been through, I never would’ve made it without my faith in God. My college Professor Dr. Woodley always told me “you’re here for a reason, act like it!” My line sisters (Kappa Psi Psi HealthCare Sorority INC) being in a room full of educated black women is amazing, were always upfliting each other and motivating each other. All my closest friends, always motivating and supporting me in everything I do. Last but least, saving the best for last, my sister, Joana. My backbone. Everything I do, I always tell her and never has she ever doubted me or made me feel like I couldn’t do something. She is always on the front line supporting me. I’m forever grateful.

Website: www.vivalabeauty.shop

Instagram: Viva_la_beautyboutique

Image Credits
Ttsenre