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1. What were you doing before interior design?
Before interior design, I was a photographer, which is where my attention to tiny details come from and I was studying to become a physical therapist. Physical therapy really helped me learn the human body and I realized I could do something special in design with my knowledge of the human body and how to prolong or retain others' physical and mental health.
2. Why Noir & Neutrals? Why now?
Once I started speaking my truth and acknowledging to others that I made the switch from PT to interior design, I constantly heard how the field of design lacked POC and that struck deep for me. With Noir & Neutrals, I would love to uplift other creatives by using their art and creations in the spaces I create. I would love to use POC contractors and introduce clients to new artists who may have been overlooked otherwise. This was the right time. There's no doubt in my mind.
3. Where does your inspiration come from?
A major portion of my inspiration comes from what I lacked as a child and my culture, actually. Looking at the nice places my family couldn't afford but always having the desire to acquire it someday drove me. I never overlooked or lacked appreciation for what I had in front of me though. My designs often incorporate two different styles in direct reflection of that. Hip-hop, basketball, and sneakers also play a role as well as Eileen Gray and Cheryl Durst.
4. What is your favorite quote?
Easy. The quote "we tip-toe in life hoping to make it safely to death" fuels me everyday. That and "you didn't wake up to mediocre". When you walk around saying those two quotes, you feel like you can do anything.
5. Do you have any passions outside of design?
Absolutely. Food! Food, writing, growth, change, sneakers, life, my faith, and my family.
6. What is your favorite book or movie of all-time?
Wow. There are so many books that I love. I'd have to give the nod to The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I would not be where I am today creatively without that book. For movies, it's a tie between Love & Basketball and My Cousin Vinny. Two great stories about perseverance, love, humbleness, and hard work.
7. What is one thing people misunderstand about you?
Who I am. I'm a complex person as most are and I don't necessarily fit into one box. My interests are vast and my mind always wants the deep stuff. On the outside, people may see my skin color or how I dress at times and think I'm one way but when they meet me, they're completely thrown off. I love it in design because it gives me a creative edge and the wow factor hits much harder.
8. What is the best part about being Dom?
Honestly, the ability to connect with others. It's a lot of fun and I meet a ton of cool people throughout life. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
9. What is your greatest failure?
Ha! Funny because I love failure. I fail daily. To fail is to learn and grow. I will say though, my greatest learning lesson was back in 2017 when I started a digital marketing company. In hindsight, I learned so much then that now, I know what to expect and can prepare better with Noir & Neutrals. It truly was a blessing.
10. What activities bring you the most joy?
I'm going to use the cop-out answer and say designing. I love getting my hands dirty with a project. Whether it's painting, knocking out a wall, hauling in furniture and replacing it, or completely gutting and de-cluttering a space. I love it. Outside of that, I really love to drive and listen to music, play basketball, take classes, learn new skills, cook, and spend time with my girlfriend Steph. She's actually a huge inspiration to my creativity and is ultra creative herself. We have a "creative hour" some weekends and it truly sparks joy in the deepest part of me and feeds my soul.
Connect more with Dom by sending him a message, requesting a consultation, or finding him on his social channels Instgram and Twitter.
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