Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dominique Daye Hunter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dominique, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I want my legacy to be that I and my work made the world a safer, kinder place. I want people to feel more seen, understood, and empowered to speak their truth. I want to make healing and education around self-awareness and growth more accessible. My career emphasizes long-term planning and the creation of new systems, aimed at counseling millions in a new organization focused on matters of self-improvement.

I believe the way I can help others with self-development is through sharing my experiences rather than traditional ways of advising. After I’m gone, I want people to say, ‘because Dominique had the courage to tell her, her ancestors, and her people’s stories unapologetically and created safe space for others, I now have the courage and space to speak truth to power.’ This, to me, would signify that my efforts have helped foster a society where currently underrepresented voices are valued and empowered.

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?

For folks who may not have read about me before, I’m Dominique Daye Hunter (she/her), an Afro-Indigenous storyteller, poet, author, clothing designer, and advocate. Born and raised in the New York tri-state area, I’m the CEO of D. Daye Hunter Designs, LLC. My journey into this space began with a deep exploration of the connections between history, trauma, and healing within Black and Indigenous communities, using storytelling as a tool to create safe and healing spaces.

My career path has been shaped by personal challenges, including chronic illnesses like stage four endometriosis and fibromyalgia, which led me to seek a flexible career that aligned with my health needs. This journey began with experimental storytelling and design in the early 2010s, culminating in a full-time entrepreneurial leap in 2018. Initially focused on streetwear and poetry, my business has evolved to offer program management consulting for nonprofits, workshop facilitation, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) training, custom poetry engagements, and my podcast, Black Tea & Honey.

I’m the author of ‘Seeds: Stories of Afro-Indigenous Resilience’ and hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Nonprofit Leadership Management, specializing in American Indian Studies. Presently splitting my time between North Carolina and Phoenix, Arizona, I’m passionate about empowering communities through accessible education on self-awareness and growth. I currently serve as the Program Manager for Indigenous East, focusing on land rematriation, and as the Project Coordinator for the Yesa
Language and Lifeways Conference, dedicated to Indigenous language revitalization.

What sets me apart is my authenticity and fearless approach to storytelling and design. My tagline, ‘Shining my light but not afraid of the dark,’ encapsulates my ethos of embracing both light and shadow in pursuit of meaningful expression and connection. Through my work, I aim to create spaces where people feel seen, understood, and empowered to speak their truth.

I’m most proud of honoring my ancestors through my creative endeavors. By bringing their untold stories to light, I hope to inspire future generations to embrace their heritage and find strength in their narratives. My upcoming focus is on relaunching my clothing line with a sustainable ethos, aligning my brand with principles of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is driven by a deep sense of purpose—to heal, to empower, and to amplify voices that deserve to be heard. I’ve faced many challenges along this journey, but each hurdle has reinforced my commitment to creating a world where resilience and authenticity thrive.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In my journey, resilience has been a cornerstone, shaped by personal challenges that have tested my determination and creativity. One defining instance was when I faced significant health setbacks, including stage four endometriosis and fibromyalgia, which became a critical juncture in my ongoing battle with chronic health challenges, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These difficulties forced me to reassess my career path as traditional employment became untenable, prompting me to pivot towards entrepreneurship.

Despite the uncertainty and physical limitations, I took a leap of faith in 2018, transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship. Starting with a passion for storytelling and design, I launched my business, initially focusing on streetwear and poetry. This journey was far from easy; there were moments of doubt and adversity where giving up seemed like the only option. However, during this challenging time, I completed my coursework and walked for graduation the semester after my surgery, despite my health challenges and fatigue.

Fueled by a deep sense of purpose and guided by ancestral strength, I persevered. I diversified my offerings to include program management consulting, workshop facilitation, DEIB training, and custom poetry. Each step forward was a testament to resilience—a commitment to turning adversity into opportunity, creating spaces for healing, and amplifying marginalized voices.

Through my journey, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges; it’s about embracing them as catalysts for growth and transformation. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability and using storytelling to connect, inspire, and empower others. My path is a testament to the power of resilience and the profound impact of embracing one’s truth and heritage.

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

What helped me build my reputation within my market? I believe it’s rooted in authenticity and a deep commitment to healing. I’ve always embraced the aspects of our world that need healing, and I approach my work with kindness and empathy. This resonates with people who are also on their healing journeys—they appreciate my sincerity and the way I see the world.

When mistakes happen—and they do, like a tee shirt print fading or a detail missed—I make it right not just in words but from the heart. Integrity and accountability are crucial to me. I believe in transparency, too; I openly share when I need to take breaks or prioritize self-care, and I encourage others to do the same. Yes, I run a business, but it’s firmly rooted in my values of caring for others, the Earth, and future generations.

I think these principles have helped me build not just a business, but a community of like-minded individuals who value authenticity, empathy, and sustainable practices. It’s about more than just products—it’s about making a positive impact, one that aligns with our collective journey towards healing and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ddayehunter.com
• Instagram: @ddayehunter and @ddayehunterdesigns
• Facebook: @ddayehunter and @ddayehunterdesigns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-daye-hunter-89b80a155/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ddayehunter?si=fiFgJXL8CKZ8KwUh

Image Credits

Personal Photo and Additional Photos 1-4 + 8 : Hannah Manuelito
Additional Photo 5: Crystal Cavalier Keck
Additional Photos 6: Travis I.
Additional Photo 7: Monica Spencer