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Life & Work with Nicci (Dominic) Gomez Perez of Holly Hills, South City.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicci (Dominic) Gomez Perez

Hi Nicci, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up just outside Portageville, a small town in the Bootheel of southeast Missouri. In 2016, at 17, I moved to St. Louis right after high school to start culinary school. I hated it—but I met the love of my life, so it was worth it. Nearly nine years later, we’re married and own a home in South City.

I spent some time working in food service and hospitality for small businesses before transitioning into healthcare, where I’ve been with a large company for the past six years. This city has truly become my home. I love its farmers markets, small businesses, and beautiful parks—there’s just something special about the community here.

I also love social media. I’m sharing my bariatric surgery journey, along with my mental health, fitness, and overall lifestyle, on TikTok (where I have a modest 1,042 followers) and Instagram (around 340 and counting). It’s a growing space, and I love building community—though I’ll admit, I feel way more comfortable behind a screen than talking to people face-to-face!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had my share of challenges, including a few mental health diagnoses that have made the road a bit bumpy. But with the support of incredible loved ones, friends, and healthcare providers, I’ve kept moving forward.

Six years ago, my husband and I were barely scraping by—literally scraping the bottom of the peanut butter jar broke. It wasn’t easy, but through hard work and finding stable careers, we pulled ourselves out of that tough spot. Looking back, I’m grateful for how far we’ve come.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a medical assistant. I work in an urgent care setting now. Lots of cough, colds, and sprained ankles. Occasionally cleaning wounds so the clinician can put some stitches in. I am a people person, I love interacting with the patients and just making their day better by doing my best to put a smile on their faces.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m not really sure how I feel about luck. My husband is extremely literal and doesn’t believe in it at all, and I try to avoid thinking about it too much—it’s a slippery slope that can trigger my anxiety. I’d rather focus on hard work, choices, and the support that’s helped me get where I am, or maybe just coincidence.

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