Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Figliozzi
Hi Brett, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a million things – a professional singer, a skincare guru, brand ambassador, social media coordinator, graphic designer, a creative director …and the list goes on. While that might seem a bit unfocused, the common thread has always been a drive to create beautiful things. Whether that was creating music, nurturing relationships, writing copy, or crafting a brand, I’ve always felt deeply compelled to offer myself artistically.
I’m a big fan of artists and creatives that seem to craft something from nothing. Nate Berkus, one of my favorite interior designers once said when reflecting upon his international travels, “you should always leave a place better than how you found it.” It’s an affirmation that has stayed with me for years. It’s also been the driving force in my meditation on discovering what to leave behind.
Born and raised in New York, I suppose you could say my fascination with art was hereditary. My paternal grandfather was a very successful animator, my mother has always been musical, and my father is wildly talented with his passion and talents being lent to restoring classic cars. Performing professionally since I was age 10, I pursued singing as a young adult and was provided the invaluable opportunity to travel internationally. From 2009-2014, I worked on and off cruise ships as a performer before officially going back to school for commercial design. When you travel and have the incredible opportunity to meet people all over the world, you begin to recognize that we’re all more similar than we are different. We all crave community, speak through food and laughter, but most importantly, desire a sanctuary to come home to; a safe, comfortable space that reflects our lives and experiences.
After a relocation from NY to Raleigh, NC in 2018, I found myself working as a branding/graphic designer and creative director, building brands for others, creating assets, discovering/uncovering bold voices – and began to feel as though I had something to share.
Demanding a seat at the table, I created DOMARI. A blend of my Italian grandparents first names, Domenick and Mary taught me my first lessons about cultivating community, respecting tradition, and thoughtfully-modernizing them. Married for almost 65 years, one of my core memories is the sweet mint iced tea my grandmother made each summer. This became my first scent, Harrison No. 27, and the rest is history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Many creatives would acknowledge themselves as their own toughest critics. It is intrinsic for us to conceptualize multiple iterations of how a brand or product should appear—and in this instance—smell. Crafting the original five fragrances I launched with took a year, and I have since gradually introduced additional variants, with more in development. Above all, cultivating relationships with business owners and the local community has imbued this journey with a sense of warmth and collaboration. I deeply value feedback on my creations, whether positive or negative; as a branding designer, critiques represent opportunities for growth, while positive responses are very much appreciated.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always been inherently curious, a trait that guided my journey from singing to design. Throughout my career, whether I was storytelling through theatrical performances or music, or crafting narratives through compelling brands and their social content, my focus has consistently been on optimizing processes to achieve the best results. Presently, I serve as the marketing manager for a medical startup, although my primary body of work resides in branding design, which is showcased at thebookofbrett.com.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
All of our candles are intricately handcrafted using carefully sourced, clean ingredients to evoke a harmonious balance between nature’s beauty and our responsibility to protect it. Our proprietary, original fragrances draw inspiration from the very roads that have paved our journey, bearing the street names where friends, family, and important moments have come to pass.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bydomari.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bydomari
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/bydomari
- Other: tiktok @bydomari
