Dana Hicks-Hungerford is a multi-talented individual who excels as an entrepreneur, actress, playwright, producer, casting director, and best-selling international author. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including skeptics and challenging circumstances, she has managed to achieve numerous successes. Dana has also triumphed over personal struggles, such as surviving a stroke and overcoming drug addiction.
She is also the creative mind behind the hit stage play “A Woman’s Love,” which sold out during its first weekend at the historic Bethesda Blues & Jazz venue in Washington DC. She also appeared in the sold-out Go-Go musical “THE GIZ” at the MGM National Harbor and “Confessions of a Side Chick” at the historic Lincoln Theatre. In addition to her theatrical work, Dana is the co-creator of the Official Bag Ladies and the “YOU MAKE THE BAG” brand, which features a popular handbag line showcased on BET.
Take a look at our discussion with her in a recent interview.
Many creatives find writing and being in the creative zone therapeutic is that something you relate to as well?
Yes, I love to sit down and write when I’m focused, as well as excited about my thoughts.
Why do you think you still weren’t quite ready to deal with your addiction fully even after you experienced your health scare?
I wasn’t loving myself the way that I deserved to be loved. I still felt the need to have a pill, because it made me feel like everything in my life was fine, even though it truly wasn’t. You would have thought that having a mild stroke would have made me stop completely. I truly thank GOD for his Grace & Mercy.
What particular challenges in rehabilitation did you experience after your stroke?
None and again I thank GOD for that.
Tell us about your handbag line and why were you interested in creating it.
My company is called Official Bag Ladies and my line is called “YOU MAKE THE BAG.” My purses come in different shapes, styles, and colors. Each bag has “YOU MAKE THE BAG” hand-painted on it. I created the message to remind people everywhere that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on purses to be fly, or to feel like you fit in with everyone else doing it! YOU MAKE THE BAG the bag does not make you.
It appears you bounced back from your challenges better than ever, to what do you accredit this turnaround?
Believing in GOD, talking to GOD, and loving myself the way that I deserve to be loved.
Do you have any plans to return to acting?
Yes, I do and I’m so excited about an upcoming project that I’m Executive producing and acting in. I can’t say too much, but it’s coming.
Do you feel a certain sense of responsibility now to share your experiences to help others?
Yes, I do because hearing about my trials and tribulations could be a blessing for someone else.
How was your husband supportive during your recovery process?
Brian has been there for me through it all, willingly & lovingly the entire way. We have been together for 9 years in November & We just celebrated our 5th anniversary on June 3rd. He is still the same blessed and wonderful man today! He is there for me with unconditional love & is supportive one million percent through everything.
You have a new stage play you are about to launch a national tour with soon, what can you tell us about it?
My writing is very real & raw. “A Woman’s Love” is a story that you will never forget & It will have you on the edge of your seat! We live in a world of social media validation; often, what we see is not real life. The truth comes out on stage at the Knight Theater in Charlotte NC September 2, 2023, at 7 pm. You can see the rave reviews and purchase tickets at www.hungerforddistribution.com
This remarkable woman is more than just multi-talented. She exudes creativity and has overcome adversity with resilience and determination. She has always loved acting, but now she is returning with a vengeance, working on an exciting project while also preparing for a stage play that is sure to be a hit. In addition to being an entrepreneur with her own purse line, she is happily married to a supportive husband who has been there for her through thick and thin. Her success is due to her unwavering belief in God, her determination to love and value herself, and her willingness to share her story and help others. She encourages us all to become obsessed with believing in ourselves and never give up on our dreams. Follow her on Instagram to see more of this inspiring woman on the move.
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