Meet Domonique Revere-Lincoln, 30, a Cleveland native who is the CEO of her household, the lead designer of a luxury intimates line, Empress Lingerie and the Founder of MOOD (Molding Our Outstanding Daughters).
MMR: Tell us more about MOOD.
DRL: MOOD is a mentoring organization, committed to supporting t(w)een girls, as they navigate adolescence and grow into happy and successful adults. We do this by creating social change, providing community service and entrepreneurial opportunities, as well as, having open forum and panel discussions to discuss issues and topics that our youth face daily.
MMR: And what about Empress Lingerie…
DRL: Empress Lingerie started out of a need. As a plus-sized woman and former plus model, I have always had a difficult time finding intimates and swimwear that fit my body properly and furthermore, made me feel good and were my style and “taste”. So after much research, through trial and error and after building a phenomenal team, Empress Lingerie came to life in the summer of 2009. Since that time, we’ve been featured in some of the industry’s top fashion and lifestyle magazines and blogs. As well as, having been seen on television, runways and in boutiques all over the world.
MMR: Who is your professional and/or personal inspiration behind what you do?
DRL: Both my mother and wife are sources of inspiration for me. My mother, because she has a go-getter, can do attitude like none other. She’s always tactful in her approach, but will not take “no” for an answer. My wife, is definitely the yin to my yang. She has a calm, cool demeanor that helps to ground me. She is my voice of reason, my bumper from the harsh world, my fighter. Despite the circumstance, she can always see the glass as half full. These two are my biggest cheerleaders and their unconditional love fuels me…along with my beautiful children!
MMR: If you can describe what makes your business/craft so unique by using one word, what would it be?
DRL: Wow, that’s hard! I would say…empowering. Both my brands seek to empower, by encouraging and allowing others to be comfortable in their skin.
MMR: What words of encouragement do you have for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
DRL: There’s a few things … 1. Don’t take it personal! Your brand is not for everyone, but it is for SOMEONE. When faced with adversity, press on. 2. Get comfortable with “no”; you will hear it a lot, initially. Again, that doesn’t mean that you are not worthy and it is not tied to your success, it simply means that they don’t get it … yet! Keep moving! 3. Always be reminded of why you got into business. It may have been to fill a gap in the market or improve a product or service, whatever the reason, it was to make a difference in the lives of others. So always be willing to make changes to improve the experience of your customers. Remember, they’re your employer! 4. There’s no better time than the present. Invest in your dreams, before someone hires you to fulfill theirs.
MMR: How can people contact you, see your work, learn more, purchase items, etc?
Empress Lingerie:
WEB: www.empresslingerie.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Empress-Lingerie
Twitter: @EmpressLingerie
Instagram: @EmpressLingerie
MOOD:
WEB: www.moodgirls.org
FB: https://www.facebook.com/moodgirlsorg/
Twitter: @MOODGirlsOrg
Instagram: @MOODGirlsOrg
