Today we’d like to introduce you to Laniea Dominguez.
Hi Laniea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Throughout my life, I’ve always found ways of turning a painful situation into something comical so as to take the power back. When I was 12 years old, I witnessed my mom being hit several times by my stepdad. The next day he left, and my mom had two black eyes that she could barely open. When I ask her why she stayed, she said “ love is blind” to which I replied, “no mom, you are because you can’t open your eyes” then we both laughed. That is how I often dealt with these situations. While I didn’t start performing on stage until I was 37, I’ve used humor in most all my life’s struggles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a stand-up comic is never a smooth road. You start out doing bringer your shows, putting your name in a hat in hopes to be drawn for three minutes of stage time, performing in dive bars, back yards & competing with the thousands of the Southern California comics that are also trying to get stage time. I knew in the beginning there had to be a better way. I also wanted to find a way to get back by using my passion of making people laugh so I started Comedy for Causes. Not only does this allow me the opportunity to produce my own shows and have stage time, I get to make a difference in the world as well as all of the comedians I book for my shows.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My career has always been in advertising and marketing in print, radio and social media. In 2022, I made the leap of starting my own business as a social media marketing agency. This allows me to make a living so that I can also pursue my passion of performing stand-up comedy, which oftentimes pays very little. I am fortunate in that the two industries go hand-in-hand because it’s all about telling a story, painting a picture, and connecting with others.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The qualities I feel are most important in my day job is underpromising and over delivering! I love seeing my client’s business grow and providing them a great service! As for my career in standup comedy, I most definitely love making people laugh while raising funds and awareness for amazing causes!
Contact Info:
- Website: ComedyForCauses.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/comedyforcauses
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ComedyForCauses/
Image Credits
(Photo w red umbrella) Tipsy Chef Café in Meridian, Idaho Photo in top right corner: Comedian George Wang left, me in the middle and Comedian Sam Ridley on the right Photo with little girl in the front Comedy For Causes benefit for Jessa that was battling cancer titles #StrongLike Jessa Comedian on the left is Katsy Chappell, next to her Emmanuel Christopher, then Nathan Scott Ford, and me In front: Mom Laura Marie Smith and baby Jessa Photo on the bottom: Comedians Sam Ridley, Mike Cano, me and Chris Simpson
