We recently connected with Dominic Adonis and have shared our conversation below.

Dominic, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I first learned about runway in a funny way- I’ve always had the height and was always into fashion, so I had people tell me early on that I should invest in modeling. Naturally, I kind of already had the walk, so with some video watching and shaping, I kind of self-taught myself the means on the runway- then it was not until later that I actually decided to invest in myself and seek an agent (kind of like studying for your written driving test, then practicing for the behind the wheel portion, before officially taking the test).

If I would have known 14 years ago, when I first started modeling, that I could have just gone straight to an agency, then gotten some conditional training along the way.. then yeah, I would have did that sooner. Obviously, I like to take extra steps, haha.

Strangely enough- I feel doing the back research and kind of doing my own studying and learning my “flow” on the runway helped play into the model I wanted to be and helped kind of “put ADONIS into the minds of viewers”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I am Dominic Adonis. I am a model, cosmetologist, and Navy Vet.

I am originally from San Diego, California, and after graduating High School, I enlisted into the Navy, where I was stationed near Seattle, Washington.

I got out of the Navy and moved to the East Coast to be closer to family and for more work opportunities.

I first started in the industry 14 years ago in California and since have worked in: California, Hawaii, Washington State, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, and a few other places.

I honestly love it! I have been active in the industry for so long and have seen a lot of change over the time- I think once it is time to retire, I will probably go into fashion show production; therefore, I can still be involved in the industry, without being in the light.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Personally, I really love saving photos from my shows or photoshoots.

I print them, so in the event social media gets shut down, I will have a physical copy.

I was obsessed with the Hannah Montana series, and when her show was close to concluding, she had a photo album that was a montage of her career. I wish to do the same- I want to print the photos now, then one day, I don’t know like 30 years from now, look back at the memories, and just reflect and think back to these moments that I am living in now.

So to answer your question- the most rewarding part is living the life now, so I can look back and reflect later.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This lesson is one that I have to explain to people on a regular basis- WE ARE NOT IN THE 90’S AND EARLY 2000’S ANYMORE- meaning more and more agencies are seeking real life people, to portray REAL LIFE PEOPLE. Having a certain height or measurement requirement was a big deal back then, but now, I believe, it is all about the confidence in how you carry yourself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dominicadonx