We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dominique Wilson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dominique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was retiring from my professional basketball career overseas to pursue acting.

I had been playing at a high level for years. I was in a good place—performing well, traveling the world, and doing what many people dream of. It wasn’t an easy job, but it was something I had worked toward my entire life. At the time, I was still healthy, still competitive, and had more opportunities ahead of me.

But even with all of that, I started to feel a pull toward something new. Acting had always been something I was interested in, but I had never really given it a serious shot. The idea of stepping away from basketball, especially while I was still doing well, felt risky and honestly a little crazy. But I didn’t want to look back later and wonder what if?

So I made the call. I left the game and started over as an actor. I took classes, went to auditions, and put myself in completely unfamiliar territory. It was uncomfortable and humbling, but also exciting. I’ve learned a lot and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Leaving basketball was a hard decision, but it was the right one for me. I followed something I was passionate about, and even though it came with a lot of uncertainty, it’s brought me a new sense of purpose and growth.

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?

I’m a former professional basketball player who transitioned into acting after retiring from a successful overseas career. Sports taught me discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure—skills that I now bring into every role I take on as an actor.

My journey into acting didn’t come with a traditional roadmap. I got into the business by putting myself out there—going to classes, showing up for workshops, and building relationships. One of my turning points was attending a “Meal for a Monologue” event at Stilwell Casting, where I performed in front of a casting director. That eventually led to a referral to my first agent, and things started to build from there.

Since then, I’ve been working steadily in the entertainment industry, taking on roles that challenge me and help me grow as a performer. I approach acting the same way I approached basketball—with focus, work ethic, and a team-first mindset. I want every project I’m part of to be better because I’m in it.

Outside of acting, I also host a podcast called Still an Athlete. It’s a space where I talk with other former athletes about life after sports—how we redefine ourselves once the game ends, the mental and emotional challenges that come with that transition, and the new paths we pursue. It’s real, it’s honest, and it’s something I wish existed when I was going through that change myself.

I’m also proud to be involved in my family’s business, CW Haircare, an all-natural hair care brand. We’re focused on providing high-quality, chemical-free products that promote healthy hair, especially in the Black community. It’s a personal mission for us—we’re not just selling products, we’re sharing a lifestyle rooted in self-care, tradition, and empowerment.

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived multiple lives and stayed true to myself through each chapter. I’ve learned how to adapt, how to start over, and how to show up with integrity and intention no matter what space I’m in. Whether it’s acting, podcasting, or entrepreneurship, everything I do is about authenticity, connection, and growth.

I want people to know that I’m not just one thing. I’m a creative, a former athlete, a business owner, an anime lover and someone who’s still building, still learning, and still showing up every day with purpose. That’s what my brand represents—and I’m excited to share it with the world.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes—my goal is to create and tell my own stories, especially ones that highlight underrepresented voices in a way that’s honest, raw, and uplifting.

As much as I love acting and stepping into different roles, what really drives me is being able to shape the narrative myself. I’ve written a pilot and a couple of short films that I’m currently working on bringing to life. These projects are personal to me—not just because they come from my experiences, but because they speak to communities and perspectives that don’t always get the spotlight.

I want to show real people, real emotions, and real struggles—but in a way that also celebrates strength, identity, and possibility. My creative journey is about using my voice, and giving others a voice, through storytelling that’s rooted in truth and purpose.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A major lesson I had to unlearn is that I do have a voice—and I have every right to speak up for myself, no matter who’s challenging me or trying to cross my boundaries.

For a long time, I stayed quiet in situations where I should have spoken up, especially when it came to people in positions of authority. I thought that staying silent was the “professional” thing to do, or that challenging someone might close doors for me. But I learned the hard way that silence can do more harm—especially when you’re being disrespected.

The turning point for me was in an acting class in Atlanta with a coach (whose name I won’t mention because frankly, they don’t deserve the attention). I witnessed this teacher, time after time, target and tear down female students of color. I saw women being made to cry, embarrassed in front of the whole class, all because the teacher was impatient and clearly on a power trip. It wasn’t about teaching—it was about control and intimidation.

I eventually realized how wrong that environment was. No artist should feel afraid to express themselves in a space that’s supposed to foster growth. When students are walking on eggshells just to avoid upsetting a teacher, that’s not art. That’s not growth. That’s fear—and fear kills creativity.

That experience taught me that protecting your peace, your confidence, and your right to be treated with basic respect is non-negotiable. What’s yours—your talent, your vision, your worth—can’t be taken from you, even if someone tries to make you doubt it. And now, I speak up not just for myself, but to make sure others around me know they can, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imdb.me/DominiqueWilson
• Instagram: dominiquewilson_. and @still.anathlete. and @cwhaircare
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCASOEjBwhJeC61ysmuM64mQ