We recently connected with Dominique Chapman and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dominique thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Hi, my name is Dominique, but you can call me Dom. That’s what my friends call me.

I’m a San Diego native, born and raised, and like a lot of young people searching for meaning and excitement, I left home for a while. After moving to Oregon for college, I then chased a dream in New York City, diving into the edgy art and dance scene. But, like so many others, COVID-19 changed everything, and I found myself back in San Diego, reflecting on what I truly wanted out of life.

Coming home, I realized something was missing in San Diego – not just for me but for the entire community. There were plenty of events and fitness studios, but something always felt off. People were showing up but leaving without ever really connecting. No names exchanged, no real conversations, just a quick in and out. I started to wonder: how could we create a space where people actually felt like they belonged? Where they could connect on a deeper level through mindfulness, wellness, and conversation?

So, I took a risk. I decided to fill this gap by creating something I craved myself – a sense of community. I launched “Crave,” a business designed to foster meaningful connections, and I crossed my fingers that other people would feel the same way. Turns out, they did. Lucky me!

What started as yoga classes quickly evolved into something much bigger. Crave became a place where people could come together for all sorts of experiences – art shows, dinner parties, hypno breathwork, social gatherings, even sex therapy workshops. The idea was simple: wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone needs something different to fill their soul, and Crave was going to offer it.

The biggest risk for me was diving into this without knowing whether people would actually show up. It was scary to take what was just a personal passion – my love for yoga and mindfulness – and bet on it as a business. But now, Crave represents more than just yoga or fitness; it’s become a hub for human connection. People who might’ve never met otherwise are now building real friendships through shared interests and experiences.

Looking back, taking this leap was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. What started as a personal outlet turned into a thriving community that feels like home, not just for me but for everyone who walks through the door. Crave became about so much more than fitness; it became about filling up your soul with good people, good vibes, and unforgettable experiences.

Dominique, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey, I’m Dominique, but everyone calls me Dom. I’ve always been passionate about human connection, creativity, and wellness, and that’s shaped my journey from San Diego, to Oregon for college, and then New York City, where I pursued dance and the arts full-time. When the pandemic brought me back to San Diego, it gave me time to rethink what I wanted from life and what my hometown was lacking. That’s when I realized something big: people weren’t just missing events or fitness classes—they were missing real community.

That’s what led me to create Crave, a wellness and lifestyle brand built around connection. It started with yoga/pilates but quickly grew into a platform that brings people together through all kinds of experiences—art shows, dance classes, social events, surf/skate premieres, breathwork, and even sex therapy workshops. My goal was to create a space where people could connect not just with themselves, but with others in a way that feels natural, fun, and meaningful.

What makes Crave different is that we don’t limit wellness to just one type of experience. Wellness can be as much about a funky art show as it is mindful yoga class. I wanted to offer a space where people could come together in diverse ways and find what resonates with them, whether it’s through movement, creativity, or just having real conversations. Everything I do is rooted in building connections that feel genuine, not just transactional. I think that’s why it works—because people come to Crave events to feel a part of something bigger, and they leave with new friendships and a sense of belonging.

The thing I’m most proud of is how Crave has turned into a real community. When I first started, it was just an idea: create spaces where people could connect. Now, it’s a place where people feel seen, supported, and uplifted. We partner with local businesses and artists to create experiences that are fresh and unique, but the heart of Crave will always be about the people who show up. I want potential clients and followers to know that when they come to Crave, they’re not just attending an event—they’re joining a community that’s all about celebrating life, wellness, and connection in a way that’s true to them.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What really helped Crave build its reputation—and kept us from getting sucked into the comparison game on social media—is that we’ve always stayed true to what we care about most: real connection.

It’s easy to look at other businesses and wonder if you’re doing enough, but I never wanted Crave to be about chasing trends. Crave has always been about people coming together, not just for a class or event, but to walk away feeling like they’re part of something bigger.

We do things differently—we offer a mix of wellness and fun experiences, from yoga to art shows, but the heart of it all is creating a space where people feel like they truly belong. That authenticity is what separates Crave from the rest, and people can feel it. It’s why they keep coming back.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I’m proud of the slow and steady growth of Crave’s audience because it means each follower is here for the long haul. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about building an authentic community. I’ve never been about curating a perfectly polished, oatmeal-colored Instagram feed. My feed is bright, real, and full of the energy that Crave represents.

My advice for anyone starting to build their social media presence is to focus on authenticity. Don’t get caught up in trying to make your page look like everyone else’s. People connect with what’s real, not what’s “perfect.” Share what excites you, be genuine in your interactions, and build a community that feels like a reflection of your true values. It takes time, but the followers you gain will be the ones that stick around because they believe in what you’re doing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cravecommunity.setmore.com/
• Instagram: Cravecommunitysd