Inspiring Conversations with Dominique Brown of Lush Tresses by Dom

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Brown.

Hi Dominique, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Lush Tresses story begins at the end of 2019. I felt a little lost and knew that I needed a shift in my business life and my career ambitions. I took the time to pray and seek God specifically for vision and new direction, as well as share my thoughts and feelings with some friends.

I’ve been in nursing for over 10 years, and I knew instinctively that it was time to explore other things that I was passionate about. I’ve always dabbled in hair and beauty things, and I knew that I had a love for it. At that point, it was still just an idea. I didn’t even have a name for it yet, but I had already begun to explore vendors and products…and then the pandemic hit.

It’s important to keep in mind that I am a nurse – a traveling nurse at that, and the demand on us during that time was tremendous. Still, I knew that this was the right time and I moved forward with Lush. I knew that I was passionate enough about it, and also, I wanted to build something for myself that I could eventually pass along to my children.

I wanted to do something legacy-related, not just for the moment. In that regard, I knew that the pandemic, as hectic as it was, wasn’t a reason to put this vision on hold. I prayed for a purposed vision from God… during a pandemic. When He gave it to me, I was like “Let’s go!”

The timing ended up being a blessing and beneficial in ways that I could never have planned for. There was an initial concern of “How do I push something so image-related, when the whole world has slowed down and people aren’t going anywhere?” Beauty supply stores and salons all over the city were completely shut down, but I had inventory…literally wigs on hand.

It was a little surreal at first because I thought that I was the crazy one for getting dolled up to go into my living room, but I learned immediately that I was not the only one. The demand was definitely there, my brand took off pretty quickly and Lush is not slowing down.

Right now, I’m in the process of expanding to brick and mortar. Lush deserves a physical home here in Savannah. My clients have been so faithful and supportive, and ultimately, I understand the nature of my product. Our online presence has been great and continues to be great, but both my clients and these products deserve a space where they can be experienced in person.

Lush is also looking to expand our product selection – I never intended for it to be just hair. Of course, our flagship product is wigs and hair, but we currently offer accessories such as bonnets and headbands, and the collection will only continue to expand.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As I think about challenges along the way, it’s really interesting because of the timing. First of all, starting any business as an entrepreneur is challenging because so much of it is learning as you’re doing. So, yes, there were bumps along the road that I had to figure out along the way.

Balancing work, home, family, and entrepreneurship is an ongoing learning experience. But the pandemic pushed me in a way that I don’t think I would’ve been pushed before. And while I absolutely recognize how so many people were in unfortunate work situations, my profession and nursing gift positioned me in such a way that my vision was funded by my current work.

The major hiccups have been around shipping and product accessibility. So much of my product was manufactured overseas, in regions that were completely shut down. It took a lot of research and patience to figure out how to adjust behind the scenes to keep my brand alive and growing, while simultaneously keeping my clients satisfied and protected from any obstacles that were hitting me on the back end.

Another challenge for me was getting accustomed to social media as a business owner. Before starting the brand, my personal social media presence was very “whenever I feel like it”, random, with no pressure. As a businesswoman, I definitely have to be more purposeful, consistent, and brand aware.

Now, social media feels like much more of a task, but it’s such a necessity. I am the face of my brand, and that’s something that I had to get comfortable with. I had to find a balance and authenticity within that space. It can be a lot at times, but it’s part of the business.

At the end of the day, God gave me this vision, through these products, to inspire, uplift, and empower. He guides me through any challenges that I face along the way.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lush Tresses by Dom?
Lush Tresses specializes in top-quality Wigs, Extensions, Ponytails, and Hair Accessories. One of the things that I hope sets me apart is that I keep a strong awareness of what my customers and clients want and need. I aim to keep a balance between high quality and affordability.

For some people, a wig or extensions may be a one-time investment for a particular event, while for others, hair is a huge part of their lifestyle. Some have a set budget and others may have no problem spending hundreds on how they maintain their image regarding their hair. I want Lush to be able to serve all of these clients.

For that reason, I’m excited to offer both LUSH OPULENCE which features our high-end, longest-lasting products, as well as LUSH LAVISH, which is still high-quality, but more easily affordable. It’s very important for me to service the full range of my clients’ needs. I’m proud to offer both luxury and affordability. I love all my Lush Babes, and I won’t make sure that we’re inclusive!

As a businesswoman and a brand, I want people to know that I get it. I started from very humble beginnings. I haven’t always had it together. I’m really proud of myself, and even that hasn’t always been easy for me to say. But God loves me and I can see that so clearly when I consider all of the ways things could have turned out for me.

I worked my way to this point, and it hasn’t been easy, but it’s possible to successfully pursue and realize your dreams.

What matters most to you?
It matters most to me that I’m not being idle with my purpose.

It’s so easy to get caught up with so many different things. It happens. Life happens. And if you don’t catch yourself, you can find that you’ve drifted out so far away from what you know you’re supposed to be doing, and you don’t even know how to get back.

Finding your purpose and actively living in it is what matters.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.lushtresses.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lushtressesbydom
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LushTressesbyDom 

Image Credits
Justin Wright @justinwrightsnapped