Meet Donna Dymally

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Donna Dymally. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Donna, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience means the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Resilience was instilled in me by my parents, particularly my father who taught me to never quit. My resilience has come from several other sources as well: personal experiences, supportive relationships, a positive outlook and a sense of purpose. Building resilience often involves developing coping strategies, practicing self-care and maintaining a healthy mindset in the face of challenges.

After surviving a stroke on an airplane, losing my eyesight and the ability to move my left side; resilience played a huge role
in my recovery. I had to daily practice renewing my mind for my body to heal especially while coping with a central nervous system which had been vastly affected by my stroke. It took an enormous amount of resilience to move through the pain and discomfort I experienced. However, I am blessed to be here to talk about my experience. Thank God for the power of resilience.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am celebrity/event photographer Donna Dymally. I work in Hollywood photographing for movie studios, movie screenings, red carpet celebrity events, art galleries, artists, musicians, actors, athletes, comedians, politicians and prominent institutions, organizations and people throughout Los Angeles.

Photography allows you to express your vision and creativity, capturing unique perspectives and moments. Every photograph tells a story, conveying emotions, experiences and narratives.

Photography encourages exploration and discovery, finding beauty in everyday surroundings. Photography creates connections with people, cultures and nature, thus fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation.

Photography also captures and preserves memories, moments and historical events thereby creating a lasting record.
Not to mention the variety of people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds and affiliations I have been able to photograph is a phenomenal experience.

I was recently asked to photograph the late singer Marvin Gaye’s former Recording Studio: “Marvin’s Room” in Hollywood. It was built by the legendary singer, songwriter and producer in 1975. This facility served as Marvin’s creative, professional and personal spiritual sanctuary. This is where the artist often lived, loved and created some of the most influential recorded music of all time. This location hosted many of the finest musicians, arrangers and producers ever to work in popular music. It was a stimulating trip thru the musical past of Marvin Gaye. I was blessed to have the opportunity to capture Gaye’s musical journey; photographing art, photography and historical documents.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three most important qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were to learn as much as possible. I’m self taught so I asked questions and sought information so that I could improve my photography skills. Always be willing and receptive to learning.
Purpose and passion played a huge role in my photography endeavor. After my medical experience, photography played a huge role in my healing process, It was one of my healing tools. It provided me with a plan, purpose and a passion. It gave me something to work towards. I gained a such of purpose and achievement while photographing which subsequently increased my ability to heal.
My advice is, if you believe passionately in something, stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize. Never quit. Never give up. Keep taking a step every day to reach your goal. If you refuse to quit, one day you will look up and you will receive your prize.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

One of the most helpful tools I have used to overcome challenges has been the power of meditation. I used it to cure my feeble body after my stroke experience. Meditation helps lower stress levels by promoting relaxation and reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol.

Meditation improves focus and concentration. It enhances span, clarity and the ability to concentrate on tasks.

Meditation also fosters emotional stability, helping to manage negative emotions and develop a more positive outlook on
life.

Meditation provides increased resilience. It strengthens the mind’s ability to cope with adversity and bounce back from challenges. Meditation worked for me and I am sure if you make a concerted effort it will work for you as well.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Donna Dymally Photography

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