Empowering Wellness: An Interview with Lisseth DeGracia, Founder and CEO of Dynamic Drips

Empowering Wellness: An Interview with Lisseth DeGracia, Founder and CEO of Dynamic Drips

Conducted by Tom Akaolisa, MinneapoliMedia
Date: February 11, 2025

As part of MinneapoliMedia’s month-long features celebrating International Women's Month, we had the privilege of speaking with Lisseth DeGracia, founder and CEO of Dynamic Drips—a mobile IV Vitamin Hydration company that is redefining access to health and wellness in Minnesota. Lisseth shares her inspiring journey from her extensive nursing career to establishing a thriving business that not only revitalizes her clients but also empowers women in the healthcare industry.

Tom Akaolisa:
"Thank you so much for joining us today, Lisseth. As part of our celebration for International Women's Month, we’re eager to hear about your journey as a woman entrepreneur and the inspiration behind Dynamic Drips. Could you start by telling us how you got started?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"I've been a registered nurse for about 15 years, working mostly in Emergency Medicine, with a strong focus on vascular access. Throughout my career, I have always had many avenues of being involved in Vascular Access, including teaching vascular access in the Masters PA program at the University of St. Catherine, and serving as a nurse educator for a major IV manufacturer in the US. I was sent to New York City at the very beginning of COVID-19 in 2020, where I worked in one of the hardest-hit emergency rooms. Witnessing more than I ever imagined, I realized there was a deeper need beyond just the immediate health crisis. Initially, I considered launching an IV service ten years ago but the industry was focused on recovery for partygoers, and I felt compelled to do something with greater meaning. During a visit home for my daughter’s birthday, I reconnected with a former colleague who reminded me that IV treatments were increasingly becoming part of the wellness space. That conversation pushed me to seriously pursue the idea. I began building my business in the small moments between shifts—literally constructing my website in a hotel room. What started as a modest idea has now grown, and today, Dynamic Drips has expanded significantly, all rooted in my experiences in the ER and the belief that something as simple as proper hydration can make a world of difference."

Tom Akaolisa:
"Wow, what a journey! Thank you for sharing that. Throughout your career, what have been some of the greatest challenges you've encountered, and how have you demonstrated resilience in overcoming them?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"Working in emergency medicine means facing some of the worst days in people's lives. Every shift in the ER brings its share of intense and heartbreaking moments. Over time, I've learned that maintaining a positive, even-keeled mindset is critical—not only for me but also for the patients I care for. I've come to realize that while I can’t change the circumstances that bring people to the ER, I can control my reaction and focus on making a positive impact. Keeping a balanced perspective, appreciating the little things, and not letting negativity overshadow my work have been key to my resilience."

Tom Akaolisa:
"That's incredibly inspiring. How do you define success for yourself, and what advice would you offer other women who are working toward their own personal and professional goals?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"For me, success isn’t measured in monetary terms but in the impact I've made. I started this journey thinking it would be a small operation—just me, maybe one nurse—but today, Dynamic Drips has a team of over 35 Registered Nurses. Many of these women have shared how our work has transformed their lives, giving them autonomy, fulfillment, and a renewed sense of purpose. My advice to other women is to trust in your abilities and believe in your potential. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. You are your own greatest advocate, and with passion and perseverance, anything is possible."

Tom Akaolisa:
"As someone who has balanced passion with profession, what strategies have you found effective for maintaining that balance while pursuing your goals?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"Staying grounded is crucial. I've learned that plans often change and things don’t always go as expected, but that's perfectly fine. I always tell my kids—and remind myself—that setbacks are just opportunities to pivot and learn. The key is to remain passionate, focus on doing what you love for the right reasons, and trust that everything will eventually fall into place."

Tom Akaolisa:
"In what ways do you believe women are reshaping cultural and social norms today, and how has your work contributed to this broader movement?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"Women are continuously breaking boundaries and shattering glass ceilings. In my business, I've worked hard to create an environment where my all-women team supports each other wholeheartedly—no cliques or competition, just genuine sisterhood. We celebrate each other’s successes and empower one another every day. This supportive culture not only drives our collective success but also sets an example for how women can lead and innovate when we unite."

Tom Akaolisa:
"What opportunities do you see on the horizon for women, and how can society better support female leadership and innovation?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"I envision a future where society no longer treats successful women as a novelty. Women are incredibly capable, and it's time to normalize female achievement. By celebrating our successes and supporting one another, we can pave the way for even greater innovation and leadership. Society should recognize and value the contributions of women as a standard, not an exception."

Tom Akaolisa:
"Reflecting on your journey, what advice would you give your younger self—and what key piece of advice do you have for young women aspiring to become leaders and change-makers?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"I would tell my younger self that I was worth so much more than I realized. To any young woman out there, my advice is simple: believe in yourself. Don't let anyone or anything make you doubt your worth. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and remember that you have the strength to overcome any obstacle. Trust in your abilities, and know that you are capable of achieving extraordinary things."

Tom Akaolisa:
"Finally, do you have any initiatives or programs through Dynamic Drips where you mentor young women or those aspiring to become entrepreneurs?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"While we don't have a formal mentorship program, I am deeply committed to education and training within my team. I regularly provide guidance and support to our nurses, many of whom are developing their own client bases and taking on leadership roles. I strive to empower them with the skills and confidence they need, and I’m always open to expanding these efforts to reach more women both within and outside our organization."

Tom Akaolisa:

"Thank you so much, Lisseth, for sharing your incredible journey and valuable insights with us today. Your story is truly inspirational, and we look forward to sharing it with our audience as part of our celebration of International Women's Month. Would you be open to another interview in the future?"

Lisseth DeGracia:
"Yes, I'd love to."

Tom Akaolisa:
"Beautiful. Thank you again for your time, Lisseth. Have a wonderful day!"

Dynamic Drips continues to redefine wellness and empower women in healthcare, proving that with passion and perseverance, any challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for growth and success.