Meet Domeanic Carter-Banks | Photographer & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Domeanic Carter-Banks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Domeanic, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

Balance in my work life has become vital in order for me to embrace change. It took a moment for me to find my rhythm. I had an unhealthy outlook on change when it came to my work life. It was like I needed to abandon ship! As my responsibilities began to grow, I couldn’t see how I could balance being a devoted wife/Mom and pursue my passion as a photographer and creative. The lack of balance really caused me to self-sabotage myself into missing opportunities.   Balance has helped me maintain a healthy personal life, be a good steward of interpersonal relationships, and helps to cultivate a peaceful lifestyle built on a foundation of faith.

Recently, I’ve had two life events that have called for change in my work life. One being the birth of our fifth child, a baby girl named Lola who arrived this past March. The other, our 3 year old Elani, our rainbow after a storm, was diagnosed as non-verbal and placed on the Autism spectrum. The journey to the diagnosis was not easy. Her diagnosis thrives off of balance and routine.  Its called for me to place photography in a more flexible place to better serve my daughter.

I’ve had to personally reassess some area’s in my work life. I’ve had to learn to be more strategic to create balance that allows the many areas of my life to flow. That means creating environments that allow me to flourish. To marry my new roles at home and my work life I invested in a private studio space. Doing so has helped me to be close to home and still work. I’ve learned to be more aware of my schedule to identify times that accommodate my clients needs and allow me to shoot, edit, and even design while my kids are in school.

Work life balance also implores me to be intentional about the close and interpersonal relationships with those I love. That means having a scheduled date night with my Husband and planning family fun days. Also choosing to meet up with my prayer partner for a cup of coffee helps to make sure I keep our sisterhood strong. Even keeping myself open to new partnerships It takes some true flexibility, but these relationships are worth it.

I’ve also seen that balancing my work life has called me to be responsible for my peace and that strengthening myself daily in my faith is non-negotiable. I can not be Domeanic for everyone and nothing to myself. Waking up early in the morning before everyone, to pray, meditate, or just listen to what God has to say to me is so necessary. In those moments, I feel I’ve command balance over my day before it starts.

Balance in my work life took time to develop. What that looks like for me may not be the same for others. It’s a continual juggling act, but its truly a blessing that brings more freedom and opportunity when embraced.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think what I bring to the creative table is dope. It’s fresh and vibrant. What I bring will never be the same as someone else. It’s almost like your DNA no two are identical. I worked hard from the inside out to get to this point in my life in realizing that. I really know that my artistry in photography speaks to me being called as a Creative. It wasn’t easy because I literally ran in fear from my gifts because I didn’t think I was worthy to walk in those rooms. Recognizing the effects of emotional trauma and self-sabotage, have allowed me to overcome a lot of obstacles so far this year. If it weren’t for my faith, family, and my church I probably would have thrown the towel in on my photography a long time ago.

I’ve learned that when challenges come don’t run! Allow myself to feel the moment, but don’t stay in that place. That’s where opposition loves to overtake us. I learned I am resilient and stronger than I’ve ever known once I reflected on all that I have been through. Also stopping to give thanks and extend grace to myself and others allows me to stay humble and serve better,

I want the world to know that Domeanic, or Dom as some call, is a multi-faceted Creative. Photography is only one of my gifts. It fell into my lap after I decided I needed to learn more in my Graphic Design career. I’m also a clothing line owner to a streetwear brand called Crown Life Apparel.

Outside of being a creative, I have a heart for people who are raising children with special needs, mothers that suffer from infant loss, and also those impacted by sudden cardiac arrest. I have been impacted directly in all of these area’s. I consider them area’s where God uses me to pour and encourage others who are also impacted or face disparities like I have.

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.
Ayeee Let’s goooo!

We’re soooo staying at the Lorenzo Hotel.

Definitely bringing my. camera to get some dope stills of our time. So I’m a crazy foodie. I love hole in the wall joints that are quirky yet yummy. We’re not watching weight by the way lol. Breakfast, we’re headed over to Hypnotic Donuts over in White Rock. Their apple pie one is crazy. Then maybe head downtown to Klyde Warren to play some games and read some while we have a great convo. Most likely.

Next, it’s lunch…were heading over to THE VELVET TACO off 75!!! I’m such a groupie for their Tacos! After eating we need to walk some calories off so we’ll head over to the deep… Deep Ellum that is. There we’ll check out some dope shoppe’s and hit up one of my fave’s Le Bon Temps Beignets and Coffee. We need motivation to walk lol.

Since the sun is starting to set we’re headed over to Trinity Mills for dinner and convo’s at Artpark. Super dope spot with funky sitting and graffiti views. Dessert…definitely going to hit up The Cake Bar.

Other notable places, Bubba’s off Hillcrest has amazing Fried Catfish, also check out more parks downtown, the Sweet Tooth Hotel for some selfies, the Dallas Museum of Art to stay centered, check some music spots out, definitely a thrift store like Super Thrift, and Liberate Church for Sunday worship,

Of course you could totally switch this up and do one or two a day for the week.

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my tribe. My tribe is made up of my husband and life partner Shedrick Banks, my kids: Shedrick (Baby Shed), Nyla Rose, Israel, Elani, and Lola. We have sacrificed a lot together, but our love and encouragement for one another never fails no matter the mountains we climb together. My church family Liberate Church along with my leaders, Prophetess Shari and Apostle Clifton Eddington. The continue to cover me, speak life into me, and make sure I walk from a healed place in my purpose with authority that God has given me. Also the divine connections and partnerships I have been able to partake in during this season.

Website: DMESHELLPHOTO.com

Instagram: instagram.com/dmeshellphoto instagram.com/crownlifeapp

Image Credits
D. MESHELL PHOTOGRAPHY