Meet Domonique Toney of New Orleans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Domonique Toney.

Hi Domonique, 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?
My journey started with learning how to survive, adapt, and still find purpose through real life experiences. I’m a mother, caregiver, creator, writer, and entrepreneur whose life has been shaped by faith, healing, resilience, and transformation. Every season including motherhood, trauma, rebuilding, and personal growth played a role in who I am today.
“The Urban Butterfly” represents transformation in the middle of everyday life. The butterfly symbolizes growth and evolution, while “urban” reflects real, unfiltered life experiences. It’s about becoming who you’re meant to be, even while navigating chaos, responsibility, and change.
Through my writing, content, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, I aim to create connection, honesty, hope, and community. Everything I do is rooted in authenticity and reminding people that growth doesn’t have to look perfect to still be powerful.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was navigating postpartum while still trying to figure out who I was outside of survival mode and motherhood. There were moments where my mental health suffered quietly because I was carrying so much at once while still trying to show up for everyone around me.
I also struggled with fully believing in my purpose and trusting that my experiences could become something meaningful instead of just painful. Healing, rebuilding confidence, and learning how to pour into myself the same way I pour into others has been a huge part of my journey.
A lot of what I create now comes from those experiences. I’ve learned that growth isn’t always pretty or linear, but there’s purpose even in the difficult seasons. That’s something I try to be honest about because so many people are silently navigating the same things.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I honestly do a little bit of everything, and I think that’s what makes my journey unique. At my core, I’m a caregiver and a mother first, and that naturally pours into every area of my work. My everyday profession is caregiving, but outside of that I’m also an entrepreneur, author, creator, and community builder.
I’ve started my own hotshot company, built a loc business with my own products, created the “Nola Boy Moms Club” to build connection and support for moms, and I also help others bring their business ideas to life. I love helping people see potential in themselves and their purpose.
I’m also an author, and one of my biggest accomplishments right now is my upcoming book, “Firm Foundation,” releasing May 26th. The book reflects a lot of my personal experiences with faith, healing, motherhood, resilience, and rebuilding.
What sets me apart is my authenticity. I don’t believe in pretending life is perfect. I’ve built everything while navigating real life, real struggles, and real growth, and I think people connect with that honesty. No matter what role I’m in, my goal is always to leave people with hope, encouragement, and the reminder that they can rebuild and evolve too.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I hope to see more industries shifting toward community, mentorship, ownership, and real impact instead of just visibility. Personally, my vision goes far beyond business. I want to help nurture the children and families in my community in ways that create long-term change and become an example for other cities.
One of my biggest goals is to eventually open a trucking and diesel mechanic trade school for both young men and women. New Orleans is such a unique city because we’re a port city with so much opportunity, culture, and untapped potential. We hold the keys to movement, trade, business, and influence in ways many people don’t even realize.
I believe the future is going to require more hands-on education, entrepreneurship, skilled trades, and community-based support systems. Not every child’s path is traditional college, and I want to help create spaces where people can still build successful, stable, and purpose-driven lives.
Because New Orleans is so multicultural and resilient, I truly believe we have the ability to create models of growth, mentorship, and opportunity that could inspire change far beyond our city.

Pricing:

• Loc services and maintenance pricing varies by style and length. Consultations are available before booking.
• Business setup assistance and branding guidance available for aspiring entrepreneurs. Pricing varies by project needs.
• • “Firm Foundation” book release coming May 26th.
• Community events and support initiatives through Nola Boy Moms Club are designed to remain affordable and accessible for local families.
• “Urban Butterfly Activewear” focused on confidence, transformation, wellness, and everyday movement currently in development. Upcoming lifestyle and faith-based streetwear/accessory brand “CHD” currently in development.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dom1x