Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Agnew.
Dominique, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
HueVersity was launched after searching for some inspiration and encouragement specifically for those that owned birthmarks. As I began searching online, I noticed there was a limited amount of content that was available. I was in a dire need to lift my spirits. Due to the limited amount of resources that was available online, plus from my own struggles, I said it’s time for me to take a leap of faith and start my own platform. I figured if I was having a hard time and struggling being myself; who else was struggling with their identity? This would also give me an opportunity to connect with others and hear their stories. Hue represents the various shades of tones that we come in. Inspired from diversity, represents how we are all a canvas and come in a variety of features. Combined HueVersity was created to change the narrative of how we perceive those with birthmarks and unique features.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting an inspirational brand specific to birthmarks and skin differences has not been an easy task. The biggest obstacle to overcome is (yourself). Getting out of your own way and not believing in false narratives. I am constantly thinking of how I can provide a fresh perspective to my audience. Creating organic content that encourages those that have had a negative self-perception about their birthmark can be challenging. However, I welcome the challenge because I am truly passionate about changing the narrative and perception some may have towards individuals with birthmarks. While some platforms can launch and create a large presence, I am in the growing phases as I continue to create engagement, bring awareness and promote images that embodies a beautiful representation of unique aesthetics.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
HueVersity is an inspirational brand promoting individuals with birthmarks, where we define and own our standard of beauty. What set’s our brand apart is, we are not conforming to society’s standards of beauty. We launched in the beginning of 2019, to change the perception surrounding those with birthmarks and skin differences. We promote individuals that have birthmarks and businesses that cater to those that promote diversity in beauty. On a weekly basis, you can also expect a message or quotes that encourages individuals on their journey. Our goal is for those with birthmarks to recognize that they are beautiful or handsome just the way they are. We recognize that no two journeys are alike but we want people to know they are not alone.
The aspect that has made me proud and by far the most rewarding is receiving direct messages from individuals that our content has a made a difference in their day. That they needed some inspiration because they have had a few bad days dealing with negative comments or people staring at them. That has been the highlight for me because I know how much I struggled with being comfortable in my skin and owning my unique beauty. At the end of the day, it makes me feel like we are making a difference.
At the moment, we are working on initiatives to grow and influence our audience so we can continue to make an impact and expand our reach.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I would identify myself as being quiet and reserved. However, I recall being very active in church and apart of several organizations in school. My parents always encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and go after anything I desired. There was a shift in my confidence during my adolescent years, as I was developing my own identity. I remember in middle school, dressed for PE class in shorts and a girl making a comment about my birthmark being ugly and that I needed to cover it up. That comment that was planted in that moment stuck longer than it should have. At that time, I allowed that person’s opinion to have more value than my own. That’s why it’s imperative for me to be an advocate for those with birthmarks and skin differences, so they won’t allow negative comments to keep them in a place where they are not living their truth and being authentic. My journey is just beginning and I look forward to where it takes me in the future.
Contact Info:
- Email: hueversity@gmail.com
- Instagram: HueVersity
Image Credit:
HueVersity IG Page
DK LEN’Z
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