January Featured Artist, Dominique Steele

January’s Featured Artist is 22-year-old Dominique Steele, who lives in Brantford and specializes in creating candles, wax melts and reed diffusers.

Dominique is working towards completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film Studies at Carleton University, while also studying to obtain her Real Estate license through Humber College. She started her side hustle, Valiant bydmnqe, in May 2021, making candles and wax melts with coconut soy wax and a wooden wick as opposed to a traditional cotton wick. All the diffusers are made with all natural fragrances and carrier oils. Dominique’s products are available for purchase online and customers can select shipping, local delivery and local pick-up options at the check-out. She also participates in farmers markets, pop-up shots, holiday craft shows and trade shows across Ontario.

When asked who inspired her artistic pursuits, Dominique credits her mom, who is also an entrepreneur. “I have always admired my mum and what she does. Seeing her book meetings, attend trade shows and just get her name out there always had me wanting to do the same,” Dominique explains, “It’s because of her I have the drive, ambition and strength to do what I’m doing now…she has always wanted me to experience things for myself, but has been there for me every step of the way…I am beyond grateful and blessed to have the strongest woman I know in my corner. She’s a rock star and has done so much more than inspire or mentor me.”

Dominique continues to expand her product line with new creations all the time. Most recently, she has experimented with essential oil candles rather than just fragrance to provide customers with additional benefits while burning their candles. In addition to essential oils, Dominique’s tools of the trades also include toxin free fragrance oils, plant based wax and natural wicks.

When asked what she likes most about Brantford, Dominique said it’s the amount of opportunities. She adds, “I have to make a difference in this town as a Black entrepreneurial woman. Brantford has taught me a lot about myself in the time I have been here. I love the opportunities that have been given to me in order to thrive in my craft.” One Brantford artist in particular she finds inspiring is the owner of the clothing store Alt Boutique. “The store recently moved, but they were once located on Dalhousie St. in downtown Brantford. The aesthetic and vibe of the store pushed me into a leap to start selling my own creations.”

Driven by her own creativity and lots of support from her mother, Dominique encourages others to take chances. She says, “shoot your shot, do what you love and make sure you’re living your best live. You only have one life, so live it to the fullest and be fearless!”

Visit www.valiantbydmnqe.com to browse or shop online. You can also follow @valiantbydmnqe across all social channels to keep up with Dominique’s new product offerings and projects in 2022.