It Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely - How Monique Hutson Grew Dom Productions with the Help of Supportive Communities

Fed up with the microaggressions and toxicity she experienced as a young Black woman working as a content producer at a marketing company, Monique (Dom) Hutson, Founder and Lead Producer of Dom Productions, made the move into freelance and officially launched her own production company in 2019.

As she explains, “I always knew something felt off, but I just couldn’t put my finger on exactly what it was. Then I started to hear the word microaggression and learn more about how it manifests. I thought, ‘Okay, maybe this is why they keep commenting on my hair or outfit, assuming I don’t understand things, and putting my opinions down or acting as though they don’t matter. I had been a part of the team there for almost four years at that point and yet I still didn’t feel like I was being taken seriously. Eventually I hit my breaking point when I had a conversation with my boss about being burnt out. Her response to me was that I should just take a nap at my desk.” 

It was then that Monique took a much-needed break. While she had already been thinking about starting her own production company, it was something she’d expected to take on in her 40s. But ready to move on, she decided to start her entrepreneurial journey much earlier than she’d planned and launched Dom Productions in her 20s. 

Challenges and solutions

Building your own business is never easy, and Monique faced the additional challenge of doing it throughout the pandemic. 

Having bootstrapped Dom Productions from the beginning, she knew she’d need to raise capital to grow, and started applying for grants and to pitching competitions. She found it difficult to find supporters who aligned with her values, so she continued to build her network online throughout the pandemic and establish connections that would help to push her forward. 

“By the time we were coming out of the pandemic, I had formed so many connections that it I thought ‘Okay, it’s only up from here.’”

While looking for resources and communities that would help her grow, Monique found Make Lemonade, a coworking space for entrepreneurs that went online through the pandemic and Business in the Streets, a Toronto-based non-profit that’s dedicated to helping youth and underserved populations access ongoing business support, training, and mentorship. 

As Monique puts it, “They’re a really amazing charity. They helped me access grants, mentorship, and so many opportunities that were pivotal to getting my business off the ground.” 

Much to celebrate

As Monique grew her business, she continued to seek out communities and supporters that would help her take her next steps. 

At the beginning of 2023, she connected with BMO for Women who awarded Dom Productions a grant, and later on, The Forum, who Monique worked alongside to develop a widespread media campaign thanks to an Elevating Voices: PATTISON Diversity & Inclusion Media Grant.

She explains “[The BMO for Women and The Forum teams] were just so wonderful. I have a hard time taking compliments but seeing all of these people believe in me, believe in my vision, and appreciate what I’m trying to do in the world has been so inspiring and fulfilling. I’m so appreciative of them and what they’ve done for me.” 

From starting her business just four years ago to seeing her photography and videography displayed on public displays, including within Toronto’s well-trafficked Dundas Square, it’s safe to say Monique and the Dom Productions team have achieved incredible growth. 

What’s next 

For Monique, “Success is being mentally satisfied with what you’re doing and how you’re doing it–I don’t think there’s a strict way to quantify it.”

In addition to increasing sales, her sights are set on opening her own studio and co-working space that can be used for Dom Productions clients and rented out to others. 

As she says, “I hope to work with 100 women and women of colour by 2030. I’d also love to hire more support–whether it’s a contractor, a part-time employee, or eventually, someone full-time.” 

Her advice

“Don’t give up. There will be a lot of setbacks and challenges, but there’ll also be a way to get through them. Dig deep, do your research, and find your community. Find like-minded people who are going through similar experiences to you and see if you can find solutions alongside them. 

Keep talking to people and keep your friends close–including those you don’t work with. A lot of people say entrepreneurship is lonely, but I haven't felt that way. I’m lucky to have a great group of friends who will let me vent, and have found so many people who are always willing to chat and offer advice–even if it’s just over a cup of coffee. 

If you want it to work, you can find a way to do it.”