Meet Jena Dominique | Co-founder & Creative Projects Manager at Made in Color

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jena Dominique and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jena, why did you pursue a creative career?

Believe it or not, I got my bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Anthropology with an emphasis on culture because I thought I wanted to be involved in the justice system. I swear I was my parent’s ‘art school kid,’ they just didn’t know it.

It wasn’t until 2014 when I went on my first solo backpacking trip through western Europe that I tapped into my desire to create content and experiences that shift perspectives. Upon returning to Oakland, CA, I launched my first company, StreetSalad, which pictured local street art, businesses, and characteristics that truly make a city unique.

Since then, my creative career has drastically evolved, and I haven’t looked back. From modeling to DJ’ing; from co-hosting the It’s A Look podcast to co-founding Made in Color, my creative abilities continue to unfold right before my eyes. Being creative opens the flood gates to concepts that challenge the status quo, expression on multiple mediums and the opportunity to create a lasting impact URL and IRL.

When I create, I completely step into my light as a multidimensional artist, thought leader, and inventor.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Owned and operated by Black women, Made in Color is a fully remote, national team of creatives of color that have reached over two million people through momentous social media campaigns and in-person activations. We transform narratives into captivating content and refreshing experiences that are 100% real, vibrant, and bold.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I’ve only been living in LA for eight months, so my vision is a bit nearsighted. But if my friend were coming to town, I’d definitely take them to the wonderful spots my friends have taken me!

I absolutely love The Line Hotel and would highly recommend it as a place to stay. Not only are the rooms very chic and cute, the views are incredible, the pool is perfect for a lil’ dip. Also, from food to decor, the Openaire restaurant is giving everything!

Superba Food + Bread has bomb food and an even cuter patio. Loved all of their side veggies.

Jeong Yuk Jeom for excellent Korean BBQ. A friend took me there – not only were the bites ‘chef’s kiss’ good, the restaurant provided an ambient food experience.

There’s a super cute ice cream place called SomiSomi with the best cookie n’ cream/ matcha swirl.

Osteria La Buca is great for Italian, especially the short rib raviolis!

Views and bites from the SoHo House Downtown LA are a must.

Walks around the Silverlake Reservoir are so beautiful and peaceful. There’s a pop-up flower shop there on Wednesdays that I love to stop at.

I’d highly recommend taking a Sunday yoga class with WalkGood LA to get your mind and body aligned.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Shoutout to my mother, Jena Domingue, my co-founder Selena Davant, our advisor Rebecca Young, and our wonderful team of past and current creatives – y’all know who you are!

We also want to dedicate this shoutout to the incredible community of people who champion and help us rise up. The list below is by no means exhaustive; just a start – Bryan Lattimore, Chris Lyons, Warren Jones, Camille Camejo, Ashley Webster, Madison Eker, Geena Ashlee, Maegan Lillis, Tony Severo, Quinnton Harris, Noura Liben, Larry Yarrell, Lincoln Stephens, Justin Adu, Damaune Journey, Sarah Noyes, Tyrell Spradley, Maureen Miller, Ivellisse Morales, Leilani Lipa, Matt Tuffour, and Hella Creative.

Lastly, shoutout to all of our past and current clients for trusting us with being and amplifying their voices and stories – including but not limited to Better Booch, 1504, Clubhouse, ADCOLOR, Greystar Properties, Bozzuto, Create The Space, Visit Oakland, McKinsey & Co., The Kapor Center, The Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, WITH Wellness, The3% Movement, BLCK VC, and Sum of Us Festival.

Website: https://www.madeincolor.co/

Instagram: instagram.com/madeincolor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jena-dominique/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VTRZnp1MC0&t=1s

Other: https://www.instagram.com/jena_dominique/ https://www.instagram.com/leena_ds/ https://madeincolor.pixieset.com/

Image Credits
Samantha Tyler + Carla Hernàndez Ramirez