Meet Dominique Chapman | Founder Crave Community

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

Hi Dominique, how do you think about risk?
I’ve never really been the “climb the corporate ladder” type. Sure, I had a steady paycheck at one point, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t built for the 9-to-5 grind. I was juggling a bunch of health/wellness jobs while trying to grow Crave on the side, and one day, it hit me—when you only give something part of your energy, it can only reach part of its potential.

So, I quit everything. No backup plan, no safety net… just a whole lot of faith in what I was building. I knew that if I wanted Crave to become something real, I had to go all in.

And I have to say, I’m really lucky to have a husband who has believed in me through this whole process. I truly couldn’t have done it without him. He’s been my biggest supporter, my sounding board, and the person who reminds me that taking risks is worth it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Crave is so much more than just an event—it’s an experience. A space where everyone belongs. We pride ourselves on inclusivity, creating a community where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are. Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is Crave.

What sets Crave apart is the genuine, authentic energy people bring to every event. There’s no pressure to fit a mold—everyone is encouraged to just be themselves. At Crave, connections go beyond business transactions; real friendships are formed, and collaborations thrive.

Building Crave hasn’t been easy, and there have been plenty of challenges along the way. Especially when it comes to comparison on social media. But through it all, I’ve learned that when you put heart into what you’re creating, the right people will show up. Crave is about breaking down barriers, redefining wellness, and making sure everyone has a place at the table.

At the end of the day, Crave is built on inclusivity and connection, and it’s proof that when you create something with intention and love, amazing things happen. This is just the beginning!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for the week, I’d take them through the best of this city I love. Obviously if I was having an event they’d be the first on the list. We’d start the day at Genteel Coffee—my favorite spot for a morning pick-me-up. Afterward, we’d grab lunch at The Rose in South Park & enjoy some natural wine, then stroll through South Park for some shopping. We’d head to Sunset Cliffs for a scenic walk, yapping and maybe even some beach time. Dinner would definitely be at Wolf in The Woods in Mission Hills (my childhood home), one of my go-to favorite restaurants. Can you tell I love food.

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?
Oh, absolutely! There’s no way I could have built Crave on my own. It has been a journey full of highs and lows, and I’m beyond grateful for the people who have been there through it all.

First, the incredible Crave community—every person who has ever shown up to an event, supported a small business through us, shared a post, or simply believed in what we’re building. You are the heart of Crave. Seeing people connect, collaborate, and feel at home in this space we’ve created is what keeps me going.

My friends and family also deserve the biggest thank you. They’ve listened to every idea (even the crazy ones), cheered me on when I needed it most, and reminded me why I started this in the first place. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely at times, but having people who truly see and support you makes all the difference.

And I have to shout out every woman-owned business and creative entrepreneur I’ve crossed paths with. Seeing other women take risks, bet on themselves, and build something from the ground up is endlessly inspiring. This journey has been filled with learning, growing, and a whole lot of faith, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

And, of course, my husband—who has officially become the muscle behind Crave. He’s constantly loading and unloading my car, lugging heavy things to events, and somehow always gets roped into setup duty. Honestly, Crave wouldn’t run without him… or at least, I’d have a lot more back pain!

Website: https://www.cravecommunitysd.com

Instagram: @cravecommunitysd

Image Credits
Crave Community