We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dominique ‘FAIF’ Owens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
FAIF, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
My journey from idea to execution has been a deeply transformative and fulfilling one. It began in the wake of a life-altering event in my life- March 2014, when I survived a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of my best friend, Kerry Benson and Germina Cruz. It was during my recovery that I found solace in music and that’s when the idea of becoming a musician and a mental health advocate was born.
After my accident, into my recovery, I was reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing my passions. I knew I wanted to use my music to inspire and uplift others, especially in the context of mental health, which had become a central theme in my life.
Over the course of the next few years, i created my brand, started my own entertainment and publishing company and I worked diligently to turn this idea into reality. Initially, I leaned on the support of my childhood friend and producer, Calvin Roberson, who played a pivotal role in helping me shape my musical identity as an R&B artist. We collaborated on my early singles, “NO RUSH,” “LOWKATION,” and “LACEDD,” which helped establish my presence in the music scene. The endorsement from R&B legend Tank, for “LACEDD” was a significant milestone.
At the same time, I didn’t just want to create music; I wanted to create positive change in the world. In 2019, my talent was recognized by Irv Gotti, CEO of Murda Inc and my singles received placements on Tales on BET. This recognition motivated me to push forward and it also marked the beginning of my journey as a mental health advocate.
Throughout this process, I had to figure out the intricacies of both the music industry and the mental health advocacy space. I learned about marketing, networking, and the importance of using the platform I have that stemmed from my music to spread awareness and destigmatize mental health issues.
The most remarkable recent development in my journey is the release of my first book, “How Are You Doing Today?” in August 2022, which focuses on children’s mental health. This allowed me to venture into the world of publishing and expand my impact to a younger audience. Now, I’m gearing up for the release of my next book, “Beyond the Crash: Rebuilding a Life Shattered by Loss,” scheduled for November 11, 2023.
To summarize, my journey from idea to execution has been marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact. It’s a continuous process of learning, growing, and using my music and writing to inspire others and promote mental health awareness.
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?
I’m Dominique Owens, also known as FAIF and I’m a multi-talented individual with a diverse portfolio spanning music, writing, mental health advocacy, and the hospitality industry. My journey into this dynamic blend of roles was sparked surviving a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of my best friend, Kerry Benson, and Germina Cruz. This event not only reshaped my life but also propelled me into the music industry.
The accident led me to discover the healing power of music, and from that moment, I envisioned becoming a musician and a mental health advocate. I recognized the need to inspire and uplift others, particularly in the context of mental health struggles, which had become a central theme in my life.
In the realm of music, I’ve carved a path as an R&B artist with several significant accomplishments and awards. While I initially released impactful songs that resonated with listeners, my focus today is on broader horizons. I have expanded into the world of mental health advocacy and literature.
I am the co-founder of MindFest, a groundbreaking Mental Health Awareness Festival that provides a platform for open conversations on mental well-being. Furthermore, I’ve authored two powerful books, “How Are You Doing Today?” which is a Mental Heath based book for children and “Beyond the Crash: Rebuilding a Life Shattered by Loss.” Which is a reflection of my personal journey after surviving the accident and battling mental health challenges. I now conduct workshops, provide support to others seeking mental health resources, and share my experiences through public speaking engagements.
In addition to my creative endeavors, I bring a unique perspective from my background in the hospitality industry, emphasizing the importance of human connection and the creation of safe, welcoming spaces. This perspective shapes my approach to music and advocacy, reinforcing the significance of providing solace, understanding, and inspiration.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to authenticity and vulnerability. My work is not just about entertainment; it’s a source of healing and empowerment. Whether you engage with my music, read my books, or attend one of my events, I aspire to equip you with the tools and inspiration to navigate life’s challenges and embrace your unique journey. Together, we can create a positive impact by promoting mental health awareness, fostering personal growth, and celebrating the power of music and storytelling.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Certainly, I’d be delighted to share a story from my journey that highlights my resilience. One of the most defining moments in my life occurred after the accident in 2014.
Recovering from the physical injuries was one part of the challenge, but it was the emotional and mental scars that truly tested my resilience. I found myself grappling with profound grief, survivor’s guilt, and the weight of knowing that my life had been spared while others were tragically taken.
However, it was during this dark period that I turned to music as a form of therapy and self-expression. I channeled my pain, emotions, and healing journey into my songwriting. Writing and performing music became a way for me to process my grief and connect with others who might be experiencing their own struggles.
As an artist and mental health advocate, this experience profoundly shaped my perspective. It showed me that even in the face of life’s most challenging and heart-wrenching moments, there’s a resilient spirit within us that can rise above adversity. My ability to turn pain into creativity and hope is a testament to the strength that resides within each of us, and it’s a driving force behind my commitment to promoting mental health awareness and helping others find their resilience in the face of life’s obstacles.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A significant lesson I had to unlearn in my journey was the notion that vulnerability is a weakness. For a long time, I believed that as an artist and advocate, I needed to project strength and unwavering confidence to be impactful. However, the backstory behind unlearning this lesson is a personal transformation that occurred over time.
I once thought that I had to hide my own vulnerabilities and struggles in order to be seen as a credible and inspiring figure in the realm of music and mental health advocacy. This mindset was reinforced by societal expectations that often stigmatize vulnerability, particularly in men.
However, as I delved deeper into my music and mental health work, I realized that authenticity and vulnerability were not only acceptable but essential. It was through sharing my own experiences, including the pain and challenges I’ve faced, that I truly connected with others on a profound level. I discovered that by being open about my own mental health journey, I was able to create a safe space for others to do the same.
This shift in perspective was a powerful moment of self-discovery. I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. It allows us to connect with others, to empathize, and to inspire change. I’ve since made it a central part of my work, showing that it’s okay to struggle, to seek help, and to share our stories. This unlearning has not only enriched my work but has also led to deeper, more authentic connections with my audience and those I aim to help in their own mental health journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faifmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/faifofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominique.d.owens?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-owens-95570620b
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FAIF?si=51oFvbfO-8ATEg3V