Dominique Wells is an entrepreneur and professional model located in Washington, DC. Ms. Wells already possesses an extensive resume in modeling; she also owns a budding business and aspires to accomplish much greater things both in the short term and over the course of her life. During a break from her studies at the University of Maryland – University College, Dominique gave DMV Unplugged some insight on the cutthroat business of modeling and a peek into her personal accomplishments. What DMV Unplugged uncovered is an eclectic, humble, down-home diva in the making…
DMV Unplugged (DU): For starters, how long have you been modeling in the DMV Area?
Dominique Wells (DW): I’ve been modeling on and off in this area and beyond it for about 5 or 6 years
DU: What type of modeling have you done in the past?
DW: Innumerable photo shoots, fashion shows and videos.
DU: Do you care to name a few modeling experiences?
DW: (laughing) Here’s a few …some photographers I’ve worked with include Kenneth Cox (www.prevoyez.com), Paul Greene, Paul Mallard and Terrence Williams. Some designers I’ve worked with include Ean Williams, KAS Collections, Donita Vaugh (NY/PA). Some shows I’ve modeled for include KAS Collections – 2007, DC Fashion Week – 2007, DC Fashion Week – 2008, Ean Williams’ Fashion Show – 2009 and many more …
DU: Wow, that’s an impressive snapshot of your resume. In your extensive experience with the fashion industry, have you ever felt pressured to be a certain size?
DW: I was always pressured to be smaller, when I was a 4 – I was told to be a 2, when I was 2, I was told to be a 0. It’s expected in this industry though I don’t agree with it completely.
DU: What are the biggest obstacles you’ve faced living in the DMV as a model when it comes to individuals respecting you?
DW: It’s always difficult gaining respect as a model in this area because DC is not known for its fashion industry; there aren’t enough credible establishments to build a professional portfolio with what DC has to offer. Anyone who truly aspires to work in this industry successfully will inevitably begin working where they are from but you have to be aware that to be successful you will have to venture beyond DC into NY, LA, etc.
DU: What are the biggest misconceptions people have about you?
DW: The biggest misconception about me is that I am stuck up or have had it easier than most. Both are untrue.
DU: What short-term goals have you set for yourself?
DW: I am also a designer. I designed pumps and I hope to see that become more established in the short term.
DU: I have been following your line “Jezabelles” pumps for sometime now. How did you get started in designing?
DW: I have always been an artist and designer for my entire life. Initially I was interested in fashion; I’d done fashion sketches of clothing and extravagant gowns since I was 10 years old. I didn’t come to a full realization of my love for it until middle/ high school where I took a variation of art courses and became involved in many art-infused extra curricular activities. During my senior year, I partnered with a small streetwear brand called “Klique” clothing, which I continued to do for 2 years. The brand had some success and definitely taught me a multitude of lessons but, I soon realized that that was not the sort of fashion I loved to do most which lead me to leave it behind. Upon leaving the brand, I returned to work full time, school part time, and modeling part time, none of which filled the void for what I truly wanted to which was design.
I fell into designing shoes by mere accident. Of course, I have always loved shoes and a stacked high heel pump has always been my first love above any man (laughs). I didn’t consider designing shoes until I’d actually done it. I had a pair pumps that I loved but could never seem to figure out how I would wear them and it made me wonder, “what if I made some changes to them, then maybe I’d wear them…” so I did. I put pictures of them up online just to see what some of my friends thought and before I knew it random women were asking “WHERE CAN I GET MINE & HOW MUCH?!?!” It’s all history after that.
DU: I see you’re wearing your heels on set, do you custom design your shoes by hand?
DW: Yes, I do custom design the shoes myself.
DU: We have been getting emails asking for you to be our next Unplugged Beauty, for your fans and our viewers, what type of guys are you attracted to?
DW: I am typically attracted to older, well-adjusted, intelligent, goal-oriented, considerate and charasmatic men. I’m sure I could create a list of my likes and dislike… but if you have those things going for you, anything in addition would be a plus.
DU: You are a beautiful young lady with so much charisma and ambition; is it hard to find a man that is on your level?
DW: Thank you and yes, it’s difficult – not only having to be on my level, but someone who is secure with themselves and can cope with the environment that I work in on a regular basis and trying to incorporate that into their lifestyle can be very hard at times.
DU: What are your upcoming projects?
DW: Right now, I am still doing some modeling – the majority of which are paid jobs, the others are directly connected to my business. Mainly I am focusing on building my brand “Jezabelles” and lining up things appropriately to stabilize it with the next 1-2 years.
DU: Finally, do you have any tips or advice for women that are pursuing a career in modeling?
DW: Definitely be mindful of the style of modeling you decide to do. Your image is everything and with modeling you can brand yourself negatively by doing particular styles that may not be beneficial to what you actually aspire to do. Never settle for lesser versions but always remain humble. Be prepared for rejection and all the various obstacles that will attempt to block your path. Build a thick skin and strive for your goals regardless of what unsupportive people say.
For bookings you can email: Dominique Wells
Photographer: RobbyDob
Designer: “Jezabelles” Pumps by Dominique Wells
MUA: Tinea Porter
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beautiful young lady and great interview =)
Comment by sinitus tempo — April 21, 2010 @ 5:40 pm
Dominique Wells is amazing, with a splendid personility and a mindset to get this paper— (motivation for success)… She is destined for greatness!! Congrats
Comment by Solodolocandy — April 21, 2010 @ 8:50 pm
Hard Work=Success,She’s the product of determination!
Comment by Jb — April 22, 2010 @ 12:39 am
Love it, Love her style too!
Comment by Princess D — April 22, 2010 @ 12:43 am
First of all, let me say how impressed I’ve been with this young woman and all her work I’ve seen so far. Though I do not know her, I can see she is beyond the rest and commands respect. Her designs are RIDICULOUSLY beautiful, just as much as she is and I cannot WAIT to see her reach the top.
Comment by Nicole J. — April 22, 2010 @ 12:46 am
My little sister is designed to do great things! I watched her as she grew into a outstanding young lady….her present is unstoppable, Lord knows im scared of her future! I need my shades beacuse its so BRIGHT! Love you Domo…keep your foucs and head to the top! You are almost there!
Comment by Christian D — April 22, 2010 @ 9:03 am
wow. gorgeous, educated and ambitious! i am very impressed and agree with her advice. I smh at many aspiring models posing for anyone and in any manner. self respect will get you far plus you need a side hustle to keep you grounded. i need some pumps for my graduation!
Comment by analise — April 22, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
beautiful is her name………
i love it………
Comment by loso russell — April 23, 2010 @ 9:31 am
Dominique what more can you say about her? she is simply gorgeous… keep up the good work
Comment by Scoop — April 23, 2010 @ 9:46 am
When I look @ Ms.Wells I think of the next female icon originator to claim the fashion industry. Her priorities,concepts,creativity,and ambition are at a all time high as of right now. Her movement will be seen and heard throughout the world. Can’t wait to work with her eventually!
Comment by LeAndrew Brown — April 23, 2010 @ 9:46 am
That girl has no formal design education. All she is doing is Arts and Crafts. The shoes aren’t designed, just some fake flowers glue-gunned on. She’s not a designer and her style is corny. I’ve know her for a while and she’s feeling her self way too much right now. Her brand won’t take off and she won’t make any money at it. Shoes with glued flowers on them- f_ck outta here!
Comment by Ape — April 24, 2010 @ 1:45 pm
Hmm, to the person above me. As the saying goes “if you don’t something good to say…”. and your not going to uplift and give constructive criticisms then you should keep your negativity to yourself. We come here to empower our beautiful, intelligent black women – not bring them down with the BS your talking about. I don’t see you saying how to help so you “f_ck outta here”. Lol.
On another note, I’m not sure that formal education always qualifies a person to do anything. Half the kids I know who come out of those design schools who don’t even end up doing what they went to school for IF ANYTHING AT ALL, so we may have to agree to disagree on that topic. Don’t always need a DEGREE to define you. I went to school for business and I work in IT…. ANY WAY
To Ms Dominique Wells, I don’t need to know you to support you honey. I wish you much success as I know you’ll achieve whatever you strive to do, don’t let the nay sayers like this person above shake you
Comment by Nicole J. — April 24, 2010 @ 3:14 pm
Wow… can we say hater? Everyone has to start somewhere, and school doesnt mean sh_t sometimes. Half of the people out of my graduating class still can’t find jobs so – KILL THAT.
Plus the girl has a vision, thats all she needs. People like you will only push her toward success, I think you need a push too (or maybe a hug… lol) otherwise you wouldn’t be here talking sh_t anonymously.
MUCH LOVE DWELLS! MUCH LOVE!
Comment by The One — April 24, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
Lol, this guy can’t know her too well. I’ve seen the sketches and other stuff shes designed in the past, I know she can sew too – her talent might be rough but she does have skills. Agreed, with Nicole… nay sayers define your MOVING ON UP. Lol. “HI HATER” LOL.
Comment by Benjamin Benjamin — April 24, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
HOLD ON, I forgot something! LOL, and how is she “feelin’” herself when people COME AT HER, LMFAO. I thinkkkkkk that means THE PEOPLE ARE FEELIN’ HER! Smh.
Comment by Benjamin Benjamin — April 24, 2010 @ 3:26 pm
I have known Dominique since she was in high school and seen what she has progressed to through hard work. I can use 3 words to describe her… REAL, THOROUGH, OFFICIAL. nuff said.
Comment by Peter — April 24, 2010 @ 3:41 pm
CAN I GET AN AMEN, @Peter LOL.
Comment by Benjamin Benjamin — April 24, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
I THOUGHT I WAS DONE BUTTTTTT I just think its funny how this guy will post this to a blog post, but they know her???? Why not say it to her, yourself… like grown ups do, since you OBVIOUSLY wanted her to know since your posting it on a post ABOUT HER. B_tchNiggaSh_t.
Comment by Benjamin Benjamin — April 24, 2010 @ 3:53 pm
To Dominique,
In the words of a former administrator I know, “Strive for the top because the bottom is overcrowded!” The bottom is obviously where the naysayer is, and don’t worry, you won’t end up there.
To the naysayer, even if it is arts and crafts to you, she’s crafting her ass all the way to the bank because people are buying her designs. What have you done lately?
Girl, we are family, and you know we are here to support you. I can see your name in lights and I admire you being so young, focused and goal oriented. Young adults your age aren’t always as business-minded as you are. I think you are living well and taking care of business.
I love you and continue to use the negativity as a stepping stone. Don’t give it your attention whatsoever. Your fans will handle that!
Muah!
Comment by Velina — April 24, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
who is this Le’andrew character????….tryna make a name for himself…first off what kind of man hates on a woman???…thats a real bitch move…u might a well hate her cute she pretty too…4real tho bruh..Im not talkin down to you..im talkin real shit…what are u doin?…where ur pics?…where ur articles??….who’s payin respects to u and ur grind???…so why knock her thing and u aint doin SHIT!!!!!…thats why we dont make it far here…cuz ppl like u dedicate the pointless ass lives to being a hater!!!!…but I applaude you..cuz it takes alot to hate on a person when they makin nuthin but progressive moves…u should be a actor…it’ll be easy…since u can act like u dont like Ms.wells….(I call her that cuz she’s a business woman)…and I’ll support ur career…cuz im just that REAL!!!!…fuck off sumwhere homeboy…(Touchy ali…facebook)(moneyrunnersinc@gmail.com)(touchy07@gmail.) talk to me directly if you dont like what Im sayin…OH YEA…NIGGA DO YOU EVEN WEAR PUMPS?????
but as for Ms.Wells…the Lady of the Hour…(and leandrew’s day!)…STAY ON TOP OF UR THING MAMA!…YOU KNO ME AND MONEYRUNNERS INC. GOT YOU ON WHATEVER…YES THE SUPPORT IS OUT THERE…AND I STAND FULLY BEHIND UR THING…DONT STOP…LOVE THE HATERS…WE OUT NUMBERING THEM NOW…US POSITIVE BLACK PEOPLE.WE GETTIN STRONGER AND THE DEVIL CANT TAKE IT…WE AT WAR WHEN WE AT PEACE BABY…LOVE YA!…YOU STILL MY FAVORITE EYE CANDY…AND IMA NEED A PAIR OF JEZABELLES IN A SIZE 12 MEN FOR lE’ANDREW….LLS….AND IM GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!
b
Comment by TOUCHY ALI — April 24, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
MY SINCEREST APOLOGIES TO LE’ANDREW….I READ THE NAMES WRONG AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ASS CLOWN WAS IN FACT APE SHIT….SO LE’ANDREW IM SORRY…APE SHIT….FUCK OFF!!!!
Comment by TOUCHY ALI — April 24, 2010 @ 4:02 pm
Wow… I wasn’t going to comment on this since I had enough people speaking for me but I just want to let you all know that I love and appreciate you, even the nay sayer(s). Wish you success too ;-)
Love & Respect. DMWells ;)
Comment by DM Wells — April 24, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
I love women who drives for more than average.
keep doing what you do domo!
Comment by marbolous — April 24, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
I was about to say is this nigga serious About me HATING on Dwells.lol….I clearly see you misread that jont my nigga. But I appreciate you clearing that Up…..Ask Miss Wells about cha boy! Im dowm for the movement ya digg. ANYBODY can check my credential on FACEBOOK.COM/EXTINCT1183…..they might as well hate on me too cause IM A DESIGNER! DWELLS im waiting on you shawty. Let’s make history when you ready FAM! Love ya. Stay up FOREVER.
Comment by LeAndrew Brown — April 24, 2010 @ 6:05 pm
Hey hunni! You look amazing my darling,………keep it mov
in’, stay positive watch the haters crumble as you step on ‘em on your way up! Love ya!
Comment by letia thomas — April 24, 2010 @ 11:47 pm
I truly admire you for everything that you’ve accomplished. & I loveee your shoes. I would buy some if I knew how to walk in heels.
Keep it up.
Comment by Tenecia — April 25, 2010 @ 10:46 am
Yeah, fuck wrong with that haten ass bitch niggah.. What he needs to do is keep sucking on that big dick and hopefully choke and die.. Cuz only faggot ass niggahz would hate on this gorgeous women that’s trying the presue her dream and become someone in this world other than a stripper or an anything ass individual like yourself.. Babes keep doing what you do because you sure as hell know how to do it.. Fuck wrong with him trying to go on my boo.. :)
Comment by vanessa — April 25, 2010 @ 4:00 pm
It’s always great to see real models come to life. Most people don’t understand it take time to build brand, or good name for your self. As an editor and International fashion runway photographer, the DMV area has so much to learn about true fashion. The real art behind the camera and the business. What’s really high fashion and what is fashionable.
The biggest problem we face as photographers are models with that “I know it all attitude” Dominique Wells has a very good head on her shoulders. If you want to be successful surround your self with those type of people. Yes people are going to hate on you for sure. But the way I look at it is this. With all the problems going on in today’s world. Someone toke the time to hate on me. They thought about that much to take time out of there day do so. Now that just puts a smile on my face. Keep your head up the road in life should be a hard one… :) Always keep pushing for your dreams…That’s all we have to drive us. –Paul Mallard MMI
Comment by MALLARD magazine Interntional — May 3, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
Oh shizzle, that’s the girl from my facebook with the kill’r-kix. I didn’t know that’s what she did 2 pay the bills. That kinda makes me smile. :) I wish her the best of luck. ;)
Comment by streetPoet007 — June 9, 2010 @ 11:50 pm