#SMASHTESSFAM FEATURE - DOMINIQUE BAKER
Dominique Baker has been a big supporter of Smash + Tess and we are SO grateful. You can often find her styling her S + T over on her IG (@dominique.baker) and she knocks it out of the park EVERY time. If you don’t already follow her on Instagram, what are you waiting for?!
We loved getting to know her even more working together on the S+T x Benefit Cosmetics Saturday Benebabe Romper campaign and know you will as well! We got some insight into the campaign, her personal life and what she does in her free time!
What has the experience of being the face of the Saturday Benebabe Romper Campaign been like for you?
SURREAL! I had been a fan of Smash + Tess for a while. The quality and style of all of the clothing I loved. It also meant a lot to me that S+T catered to everyone. I loved visiting the website and seeing women who looked like me! And Benefit Cosmetics is this huge, well-loved brand. When I had trouble finding blush, my cousin told me to get Benetint. I never looked back.
I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be collaborating with brands of this calibre. I am BLESSED.
What does being a apart of the #smashtessfam mean to you?
Being apart of the #smashtessfam to me means being happy and radiant. It means "elevated casual chic" which is my jam. It also means being inclusive, recognizing the beauty and worth in everyone and seeing others out there who are marginalized or discriminated against and lifting them up. It also means being comfortable and beautiful in your own skin.
What’s the best piece of advice that has shaped you professionally or personally?
I have two pieces of advice - "Know that everyone is trying their best and going through something you don't know anything about, so be kind." Being empathetic and understanding is so important. It makes us better people and gives us those tools to deal with everyday life.
The other piece of advice is "If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it." This resonated with me so much. For years, I was stuck in jobs that I didn't like - that undermined my self-confidence. When I started my blog and built this wonderful, uplifting community, I finally started feeling like an "expert". My self-confidence and self-worth soared seeing that I created a job that was based on my passion. Ahhhhhh - so good!
As an Influencer, how do you balance what you share with your audience vs what you keep private?
I am an open book...but I keep my marriage pretty private. It helps that my husband hides each time I try to photograph him - lol! Keeping my relationship with Ryan private keeps it special. My marriage is also like a retreat. If I'm feeling overwhelmed, I know I can put the phone down and get some hugs from the hubs.
There are some things about me that I have never shared such as family and health struggles. It's important to me to deal with those things on my own. Judgement online can get pretty intense, so that's my way of protecting my heart and soul. I only share what feels right.
What's your favourite thing about where you live?
Whoa - where do I start? Ottawa is GORGEOUS, all year round! Ottawa is known for its wealth of festivals. Pre-COVID, I would go to countless, awesome music, food and art festivals. There is also a healthy sense of community here. Ottawa feels like a "big small town" - I love it. A lot of warmth here.
What does your ultimate Saturday (*wink) consist of?
Sleeping in, brunches, mimosas, bike rides, movie nights, long walks with my pup Reese, cottage visits, watching endless YouTube makeup tutorials, gardening, making big dinners...all the fun things that fill my heart that I can't do during weekdays!
How did you first discover Benefit Cosmetics?
My cousin who lives in Spain always has the rosiest cheeks. She always wore the perfect blush. During my last visit to Spain, I finally asked her what blush she was wearing. She happily said: "Benetint!!! It's the best - and it smells good!" She took me to Sephora immediately and I bought it on the spot.
What's your guilty pleasure tv show or movie?
The new Unsolved Mysteries and I can watch The Shawshank Redemption on a loop.
Who inspires you?
Too many women to list!!!
Desert island beauty product?
Benefit's Cha Cha Tint. Do you know how long I have been searching for the perfect coral lip colour? Found it in Cha Cha Tint!
Favourite way to style your Saturday Benebabe Romper?
I have two favourite ways, actually - with my trusty oversized denim jacket and also with a well-worn, fitted, black leather moto jacket. I style both looks with cool sneaks. The Benebabe romper is pretty versatile.
Dom's got the mic! What would you love to share with our #smashtessfam and #benebabes?
Thank you for being such a supportive and inclusive community. Honestly - I have met so many wonderful Smash + Tess and Benefit lovers like me this summer. Keep shining!!
You can shop the Saturday Benebabe Romper here!