Influence & Individuality: How Do We Stay True to Ourselves in a World That Pressures Conformity? My Conversation with Dominique Baker
How do we resist the pull of conformity and embrace what makes us unique? These questions are at the heart of my recent conversation with Dominique Baker, a fashion and beauty influencer who has built an online presence rooted in authenticity, self-expression, and the power of personal choice—including her decision to be childfree.
Dominique isn’t just known for her impeccable style and beauty expertise; she’s also a vocal advocate for self-confidence, meaningful friendships, and standing up against online bullying. Our conversation was filled with sharp insights about influence, individuality, and what it really means to live life on your own terms.
The Influence of Influence
Like it or not, we live in a world where influence is everywhere. Whether it’s social media, advertising, or even the expectations of those closest to us, we’re constantly being shaped by outside forces. Dominique understands this more than most. As an influencer, she’s deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with having a platform—and she takes that responsibility seriously.
Rather than simply following trends, she focuses on sharing her real experiences and perspectives, reminding her audience that influence should never mean losing yourself in the noise of what everyone else is doing. “I hesitate to even call them followers,” she told me. “They’re all individual people.”
Her approach is a powerful reminder: Whether online or offline, we get to choose how much influence we let in—and how we use our own influence to uplift others.
Embracing Individuality in a Copy-Paste Culture
One of the things I admire most about Dominique is her unwavering commitment to being herself. She refuses to fit into a mold, even in an industry that often thrives on sameness.
We talked about how, over time, it feels like we’ve lost some of the individuality that used to be celebrated. Social media has made certain styles, opinions, and behaviors more uniform. The pressure to conform—whether to fashion trends, beauty standards, or societal expectations—can be intense.
But Dominique challenges that. She encourages women to embrace their quirks, to celebrate their differences, and to step into their own unique sense of self. “Be your own amazing weirdo,” she said. And honestly? That’s advice we could all use.
The Complicated World of Female Friendships
A big part of our conversation focused on friendships, particularly the ways women relate to and support (or sometimes undermine) one another. Dominique has been open about her experiences with female friendships—the good, the complicated, and the ones that ultimately needed to end.
We talked about the passive-aggressive friendships, the secret competition, the friendships that feel conditional, and the deep value of having friends who truly support you. She also shared her admiration for how men tend to navigate friendships—more direct, less drama, and a lot less room for resentment to build over time.
I found myself nodding along as we discussed the reality that some friendships aren’t meant to last forever. Letting go of relationships that no longer align with who we are is difficult, but it’s necessary. It’s part of growing into ourselves, of choosing relationships that add to our lives rather than drain us.
Standing Up Against Online Bullying
Being a public figure comes with its share of challenges, and Dominique has faced online bullying and harsh criticism over the years. She’s been targeted in ways that are often uniquely aimed at women, especially Black women in visible spaces. But instead of letting it break her, she’s used her voice to push back, standing up for herself and others who have faced similar experiences.
Her stance on bullying is clear: It’s not just about ignoring negativity. It’s about changing the culture—calling out harmful behavior, setting boundaries, and not allowing toxicity to have the final say.
For anyone who has ever struggled with online (or offline) criticism, Dominique’s message is one of resilience: Your worth isn’t determined by someone else’s opinion of you.
Curious About Influential Speaking?
If you’ve ever questioned how to hold onto your individuality in a world that seems to reward sameness, Dominique’s insights are a must-hear.
Where in your life do you feel the pressure to conform?
Are there areas where you’d like to express yourself more fully?
What does individuality mean to you, beyond the expectations placed on you?
These are the kinds of questions we explored in this episode, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Let’s Stay Curious Together.
My conversation with Dominique Baker reminded me just how powerful it is to own who you are—to embrace the things that make you different, to surround yourself with people who truly support you, and to live life unapologetically.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here.
For more reflections, insights, and to join the conversation, follow along on Instagram@curiouslifeofachildfreewoman. Let’s stay curious together!
