We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dominque Welcome. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Dominque, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I believe that I’m being called to step out of my comfort zone and embrace vulnerability in ways I previously avoided. There’s a part of me that has always feared taking risks—whether it’s in my career, relationships, or personal growth—but I’m realizing that those very fears are the barriers between me and the life I truly want. I’m being called to trust myself more, to face challenges head-on; even when things feel uncertain. It’s no longer about avoiding discomfort but leaning into it and allowing it to be the catalyst for growth.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As always , I like to say that I am the woman who wears many hats. I’ve always been behind the camera as a photographer, catching all the little moments that tell a story. It’s something I absolutely love, and I’ve been blessed enough to work with some amazing people along the way.
Lately, though, I’ve taken a bit of a detour and stepped into the world of Natural bikini competing. It’s a huge shift, but it’s been such an exciting challenge. It’s not just about the physical side, but pushing myself mentally and emotionally, too. Ill tie them together and say, whether I’m photo shooting or competing, it’s all about growth, trying new things, and just showing up for myself. So, here’s to new adventures!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Ive come to realize that the part of me that’s served its purpose and needs to be released is the fear of sharing my story. After healing and going through my own journey, I’ve learned that holding back only limits my potential to help others. It’s no longer about protecting myself or staying comfortable—it’s about using my experiences to guide and uplift those who may going through similar struggles. The time has come to step into that role, let go of the fear, and focus on healing others with the lessons I’ve learned. I’m going to let my healing & growth be a source of inspiration and support for someone else struggling. The longer I wait, the more I deny others the opportunity to connect, heal, and grow from what I’ve learned.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized it wasn’t something to be ashamed of, but something I could actually use to my advantage. For a while, Im notorious for keeping things inside, thinking I have to be strong and keep it together. But at some point it clicked—my pain didn’t have to hold me back; it could actually push me forward. Once I started being open about it, I noticed how much power it gave me. Instead of letting it drag me down, I used it to fuel my growth and help others who might be going through the same thing. Once I stopped hiding it, that’s when things really started to change for me. All of this can be’s advantageous because it shifts the focus from feeling trapped by your pain to using it as a tool for growth. By being open about your struggles, you build deeper connections with others, which can create a support system and open doors you might not have seen before. I’m that person who relates more to vulnerability—when people are able to be vulnerable it makes them more authentic. Once you stop hiding, you will see the power shift.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s a great question! In some ways, the public version of me is a real reflection of who I am, but it’s also just one part of me. Like most people, I have different layers and sides that I show depending on the context. The public me might be more polished or focused on specific aspects, like my work or the goals I’m pursuing, but the real me also includes all the messy, imperfect, and vulnerable parts that don’t always make it to the surface. I think it’s important to allow space for both versions to exist, because both are authentic in their own way. It’s about being true to myself in all situations, even if that means showing different facets depending on who I’m with or what’s going on.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think the key is shifting the focus from external praise to internal satisfaction. If I know I’m putting my full effort into something, and I’m proud of the work I’m doing, that’s enough to keep me going. Of course, it feels good to be recognized, but I think real growth comes from doing your best for the sake of doing your best—not for the applause. In the long run, the effort you put in shapes you far more than the praise you get.Think about athletes, artists, or even everyday people who work hard behind the scenes, often without applause. They know that the process itself is a reward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_d_nichole
Image Credits
Photographer: Mira Brown
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