Meet Dominique Miller

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

Hi Dominique, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Personal power is based on strength, confidence, and competence that each individual holds within themselves. We accumulate these qualities and strengths from personal goals we set for ourselves. With each experience comes with growth, failure, and victories. This is a small layer to success and what also sets us side from each individual we come in contact with. My path may hold experiences and lessons that the next individual may have not experienced and vise versa another individual may experience or learn something I have not. This does not make one more effective or successful than the other. It holds our individuality and our power. The goal in life to me is not to act like the person next to me but to share our stories and lessons. In hopes that we may encourage another to step out and see what their journey holds.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a Cosmetologist plus Owner of a salon and spa, I have many duties and qualities. My duties consist of specializing in caring and altering my clients’ hair. This includes task such as cutting, cleaning, coloring and adding hair extensions. Communication and knowledge in all hair types is crucial for my industry. There are many branches you can specialize in. My specialties include live- in color, high intensity color and dry cutting. I have a background in aromatherapy and more of the holistic approach to self care.

What makes my job so exciting is the relationships that I encounter and have built over my time frame in the industry. I have experienced so much love and support over the years. It is a career where I can express my creativity while helping others feel confident in themselves. It is both healing for them as it is for me. As being the owner I have stepped into a leadership role that has helped me continue to grow and shoot for my best potential. In hopes I can encourage my team to do the same.

What sets True Essence aside from other salons and spas, we offer an intimate setting with a comfortable and accepting atmosphere. We are passionate about clean and sustainable beauty. We offer a wide range of diverse services that cater to many individuals while using some of the best products on the market, Davines and [comfortzone]. Our goal is to build a community of like minded individuals that share the same passion of helping others in a healthy and sustainable way.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that were the most impactful to my journey is persistence, consistency, and the willingness to learn.

You must be persistent to achieve greatness. There is quote out there that really stuck with me “Success is not the absence of failure; its the persistence through failure” ~Aisha Tyler

True Essence has had many obstacles and challenges but each one we overcame was an opportunity to grow by learning through the experience.

Consistency is critical when building a business. The power of consistency leads to momentum and continues a pattern of healthy habits. When building a clientele the more consistent you are the more people you will attract.

To be an entrepreneur you must have the willingness to grow and learn. Going in with a mindset that you know everything will only hold you back from your true potential. Growth is putting yourself in difficult and unknown experiences.

How would you describe your ideal client?
Some really important characteristics that I look for when I am taking on a new client is communication, respect and realistic expectations. I enjoy working with individuals that I can relate and understand their needs. I look for individuals that trust my expertise and are open to my advice. Most importantly have a realistic budget and timing for what ever hair goals they have.