Hidden Gems: Meet Dominique Daye Hunter of D. Daye Hunter Designs, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Daye Hunter.

Hi Dominique, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My entrepreneurial journey was born out of necessity: for my healing, self-empowerment, and financial freedom. In 2018, my work transformed from a longing for self-expression to an even more urgent need. After deeply struggling with and being diagnosed with several chronic illnesses and neurodivergence, my ability to retain sustainable employment and income became critically threatened. It was then that I made the leap and transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship. For the first few years, spoken word and streetwear were the foundation of my creative and professional endeavors. What began as a means of coping in my teens—through writing poetry and experimenting with visual design—has since evolved into a multifaceted business focused on storytelling, healing, and empowerment.

As an Afro-Indigenous woman and survivor of violence, I began to see the need for safe spaces where our stories could be shared, heard, and valued. Today, I offer workshops, keynotes, and consulting services that create spaces for personal growth and systemic change. My business, D. Daye Hunter Designs, LLC, also includes a lifestyle and couture clothing line, which will be revamped more sustainably in the next 3-6 years. I create designs that empower those who wear them while honoring our shared roots and identities. At its heart, D. Daye Hunter Designs, LLC, is a platform for healing, helping our communities reclaim our narratives, live authentically, and build a strong future for the next seven generations.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My leap into entrepreneurship had a rocky landing. It took me five years to become sustainable. This journey has been far from smooth. Yet, every bump, challenge, and obstacle has shaped me into an even wiser entrepreneur and a more passionate advocate for change.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced, and continue to face, is managing chronic illnesses while growing my business. My friend Jarika recently reminded me that us chronically ill folks must stop exhausting ourselves by constantly trying to cure diseases that can’t be cured. This doesn’t mean we can’t work to manage our symptoms and hope one day for change. It implies that we must stop beating ourselves up and offer ourselves grace. When I discovered I was neurodivergent, it added a layer of complexity to my personal life, especially my relationships and work. Though knowing ourselves is a life-long journey, now that I understand more about myself, I can see myself more clearly and confidently navigate my personal needs, social conventions, and professional goals. In short, I’ve had to create an adaptable business model that allows me to work in ways that honor my well-being, neural patterns, and values.

Dealing with imposter syndrome has also been visceral. Many entrepreneurs, especially those from marginalized communities, have had to overcome self-doubt. Finding a supportive community, engaging in self-reflection, and seeking therapy have been essential in overcoming those hurdles. These struggles have taught me valuable lessons about healing, trusting my vision, and leaning into my purpose and power.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At D. Daye Hunter Designs, LLC, I specialize in creating spaces for healing, empowerment, and community-building. I offer various services, from custom poetry and sustainably centered couture clothing to mindfulness, healing, and belonging workshops, diversity and inclusion training, and consulting for nonprofits. My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, cultural empowerment, accessibility, and sustainability. I am known for helping individuals reclaim their narratives and using my platform to amplify marginalized voices.

My deep commitment to healing and community-building through storytelling, cultural empowerment, and sustainable practices sets me apart from others. As a neurodivergent person, I challenge the standard advice to “niche down” by embracing the diversity of what I offer. This approach enriches my clients’ experiences by providing them with a wide range of services, allowing for more tailored, holistic, and creative solutions that meet their unique needs.

I integrate mindfulness, cultural competency, and ancestral connection into every aspect of my work. I ensure that each service and product aligns with my client’s needs and my mission to transmute trauma into benevolent power through story and space.

I am most proud of my ability to create impactful environments where people can feel truly seen, heard, and empowered, whether through my workshops or clothing line. Each piece I make, and each workshop I facilitate is an opportunity to nurture that connection to self, community, and culture. My brand isn’t just about what I do—it’s about the healing and transformation I am honored to be a part of in the communities I serve.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was reflective, creative, and deeply curious about the world around me. I had a natural passion for art, writing, and storytelling from a young age. I was friendly and always eager to help others, but trauma impacted the way I saw the world—often through a lens of fear and caution. Despite this, I maintained a strong sense of justice and a deep desire to impact others positively.

What I wanted to be when I grew up changed as I aged. Surfer and surf shop owner (I’ve always loved the outdoors and the ocean), wildlife biologist, veterinarian technician, and recreational and talk therapist. After changing my undergraduate majors seven times, I finally pursued a degree in Nonprofit Leadership Management with an emphasis on American Indian Studies.

The blend of creativity and a drive to serve my community continues to shape my work today. As a child, I was particularly drawn to my family’s history and the stories of our ancestors, which sparked my lifelong interest in amplifying Black and Indigenous narratives and preserving our legacies.

Pricing:

• Workshops: I offer customized workshops on healing through storytelling and narrative theory, poetry, diversity and inclusion, empowerment, mindfulness, and stress management. Prices start at $1,500.
• Consulting and Coaching: Consulting and coaching services for nonprofits start at $2,500, and they include tailored strategies and assessments to meet your organization’s unique needs.
• Custom Poetry: For those looking for something more personal, commissioned poetry starts at $500, with event-based pieces beginning at $2,000.
• Custom Visual Design: Custom clothing starts at $1,000, and visual art commissions begin at $1,500. Additionally, I offer custom logo design for $750.
• Speaking Engagements: Keynotes and panel discussions typically begin at $2,000 and cover topics such as intersectionality, land rematriation, biocultural restoration, healing, the power of storytelling, and creating inclusive spaces.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ddayehunter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddayehunter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DDayeHunter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-daye-hunter-89b80a155/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ddayehunter
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/75MWdjY4C06ad1akCvnqoj?si=5d31867c964c40d5