We recently had the chance to connect with Dominique Weller and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dominique, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Well, I think that because DolledbyDomo is bringing something new to the curly hair space: scalp-care, that sometimes the audience doesn’t understand our mission fully. We often get asked, “Will you carry a conditioner?”, “When will you carry a conditioner?”, which shows me that we are actually needed more than ever. The curly hair community has been so heavily focused on the appearance of curls – the moisturizers, the definers – that we have come to be confused by a curly brand that doesn’t carry those products. But, that’s what sets us apart is that we’re scalp-first – the missing piece, the foundation. I think people misunderstand us in that aspect.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Like many in the curly hair community, I grew up struggling to accept, love and properly care for my natural hair. As I battled, hid and damaged my hair, I struggled to feel confident in my own skin. But, I wondered what was at the root? Being mixed fueled my battle with self-identity and emphasized the emotional and social impacts of experiencing “otherness” in life. Later, when I finally decided to invest in myself – researching, experimenting, and discovering what truly worked – everything changed. I began formulating in my own kitchen and engaged in relevant education to learn the science behind hair and scalp health. I made products I could trust to be natural, clean, safe, and most importantly, effective.
In the process, I realized something powerful: we often approach curly hair as an art, when in reality, it’s a science – and it starts at the scalp. Once I understood that, my hair transformed – and so did I. My curls became part of my identity again, but this time in the most empowering way. With them came the confidence to embrace myself fully.
From that journey, DolledbyDomo was born – a community to share the same knowledge and products that sparked my transformation. We’re a scalp-focused, wavy, curly, and coily care brand – the missing piece to unlocking your hair’s full potential.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As I mentioned, being mixed, created a lot of identity struggles for me. In a child’s mind its hard to comprehend a lot of themes such as race and self-identity, how those intertwine and how they are separate, and so I ended up internalizing a lot. To answer the question, I would more-so say as a child something I did not believe in was myself, and now I do.
I often doubted myself: how I come off to others. I feel like its because I wasn’t strong in my own identity. I’m not joking when I say my journey with self-love is reflected in my hair journey. My hair from before, to now, even to where I know it will be, I’m not done with my growth; I don’t think anyone every truly is. That’s what I love about DolledbyDomo. It’s a safe space for curly people to come together and say “Hey, I’m not perfect!” and for that to be okay. I feel like in the curl community it’s too much pressure and constraints to really open up and talk about something so many people go through.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I would say launching DolledbyDomo, and the path to doing so, is a tale of pain to power. I know what it feels like to lack self-confidence, and not just in some superficial way. So I can relate to all the women, especially the Black women, out there that say that their hair journey is more than just hair. Like I touched on, talking about our insecurities can be challenging for so many reasons, causing me to not be open about my struggles for a very long time..Then, when I started using my own products, seeing the results and having my hair transform in front of my eyes, I knew I had to share what I had learned, and that it was something the curl hair community was over-looking.
Launching DolledbyDomo gave me the power to use my story to build community, where often there is concealment; concealment of who we are and what we struggle with. My hair is my power to say, “Look how much I’ve grown, this is me, I love me.” Which is something I had trouble saying, and living, for a long time.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Just the principle of loyalty is something super foundational in my life. If your someone or something I care about, I am going to give you my all. My loyalty is obvious, that I’m an all in type of person: I’m passionate, I wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m intentional. I never have to prove that this is who I am.
I think this shows in my business too. I started DolledbyDomo five years before launching, which for most people probably seems like it was something I have given up on, but I was just waiting for the right time where I could give it my all. I feel a sense of loyalty to my customers, my supporters, as well. I have integrity and I know that carries through from my personal to professional life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
This one is simple for me. I definitely feel the most at peace when I’m with those I love. Whether it’s at home, on vacation, or just hanging out, I love being with those I consider family – it fuels me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dolledbydomo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolledbydomo_llc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dolledbydomollc
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dolledbydomollc
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