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

Hi Dominique, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
During the beginning of the Pandemic, I was working as a substance abuse counselor at a methadone clinic. I was able to see not only our clients but other unhoused individuals being affected by many of the resources they relied on for food, clothing, and other necessities closed. I realized a lot of people and organizations that would volunteer stopped providing resources as well because of the highly contagious virus. I took the initiative of providing clothing, hygiene products, and food to unhoused individuals in Downtown Los Angeles and San Fernando.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I provide unhoused individuals with hygiene kits which include a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, bandaid, a bar of soap, deodorant, and a pair of socks. Along with the hygiene kits I take donations of clothes from friends and family that the individuals can go through. Also, I have the opportunity sometimes to collaborate with a great friend of mine, Jalise Johnson, who owns 818 PlatesFoundation, Inc, which she provides food on the day I pass out hygiene kits.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a sucker for great food from businesses with wonderful hospitality. A place I would take my friend to Sushi Yoko in Gardena, CA. The owner/sushi chef has such a great personality which keeps me coming back almost weekly. I would take them to Da Poetry Lounge Tuesday night for an evening of live poetry in the Fairfax District.

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?
My nonprofit would not have the success it has had without certain people believing in me and my vision. I’m forever grateful for Nia Norman, Jalise Johnson, Junior Vereus, and my other friends who dedicated time to volunteer!

Website: https://linktr.ee/teleologyproject

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teleologyproject?utm_medium=copy_link

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.