Meet Dominique Robbins | Author & Filmmaker

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

Hi Dominique, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My balance has changed extremely. I use to set very specific, set-in-stone goals. Work carried over into my home life and weekends frequently- I had a work phone! Life was draining allowing my work to have that much access to me. Now, that period in time was also when I was making the most money but I was miserable. Since then, I value my peace over anything and give myself plenty of grace. I set general milestones for the week. For example: if I need to complete six tasks, I won’t pick times to do them but rather a completion date that lands before its due. I’ll commit to an “everything must be done by Thursday” mindset. The only catch is it must be done during business hours only. No after hours or bleeding into weekends. So if Monday I’m striding, but Tuesday I’m having a bad day, I just won’t do too much that day. Or alternatively, I’ll rush to do everything early in the week, and then have a four day weekend. That’s just what works for me.

Flexibility has been my greatest productivity hack. Having a work life balance that works specifically for your life is essential. It has been made more evident through the pandemic that not only can more businesses offer better work/life balances but, working people need it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Last we spoke, I had just released Uncivil- my first novel. What I didn’t mention, was that I was in film school. The book served as the confidence boost I needed to share my stories and be willing to put myself out there. Since enrolling I’ve learned a lot about production, editing, coloring, and even producing. All of the skills I acquired have allowed me to take my stories off the page and put them on screens. I won’t say its been easy, however I will say there has been no hurdles. Working in this industry has been a natural fit for me. The only thing that sets me apart is discernment and being true to my vision. Decision making is half the battle, in life and producing. If I have an idea for a project, down to the shot or color grading, I make it happen. Those traits married together have helped me in more ways than I can count. The thing I would want the world to embrace about my work is that it will always plant a fruitful seed in you. You’ll walk away with something to energize your spirit.

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 am such a homebody but I am an expert planner! I would start my best friend off light during the week with a breakfast at Breakfast at Barneys and Flying Biscuit. Then I would take them to be a tourist: six flags, trap museum, maybe a concert or festival because there is always an event happening. ( There’s no pandemic in this hypothetical experience  right? – Okay, cool). Maybe visit Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours for lunch one day, then Fin and Feathers for lunch another. After, we could go grab massages and hit the Painted Duck and 9mile Station in the evening.. Then for the weekend, I would take my friend to brunch, BQE Lounge or Bougalous for a good time. Because its Atlanta and brunch ends late we would go home, shower and pregame. Once we’re dressed, then off to Suite Lounge for a live music meal and Oak ATL for the mega club experience.

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?
I would like to shoutout every person that has ever encouraged my storytelling. Especially my family, my husband Marquis and my mother, Belinda, who helped me develop my creativity early on. Moreover, thank you to each person who has purchased my book, Uncivil, once I got enough confidence to share my characters with the world. As I’m breaking through the film world and bringing new characters to screens, I must also thank Nakia Stephens, who has remained humble, open and transparent with her wisdoms and career lessons of a professional screenwriter and filmmaker. Most importantly though, I’d like to shoutout God the Father, for His continual presence in my life. I know that without the favor and grace of God, my journey wouldn’t be what it is. I’m grateful.

Instagram: @_SayDominique @Uncivilbook

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0961D00sWH3phkl4YUN7Dg