We recently had the chance to connect with Dominique Farmer and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Dominique, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are very intentional and structured to set the tone for everything that follows. I begin with prayer and devotion, which allows me to center myself spiritually, reflect on scripture, and ground my mindset in gratitude and purpose. That quiet time not only strengthens my faith but also helps me approach the day with focus, patience, and clarity.
After devotion, I move into light stretching. This is important to me because it awakens my body, relieves tension, and creates energy that carries into my workday. I’ve learned that when I take time to align both my spiritual and physical health at the start of the day, I am more present, productive, and balanced throughout the day.
At 6:30 each morning, my Alexa greets me with the words, ‘Good Morning Gorgeous, Dominique Courtney, today will be a great day.’ It’s a simple routine, but it provides a positive affirmation that reminds me to start the day with confidence and optimism. By the time I’ve finished this routine, I’m fully prepared to review my schedule, prioritize key tasks, and enter my workday with energy, focus, and an encouraging outlook.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dominique Courtney, and I am a licensed minister, author, entrepreneur, and the founder of Total Redemption Life Center, an organization dedicated to providing independent living housing and second chances for formerly incarcerated men. Beyond that, I am also the owner of iVacay with Neek, a travel agency designed to make dream vacations both accessible and unforgettable. In everything I do, I carry a heart for people, a passion for excellence, and a desire to create opportunities that bring transformation and joy.
What makes my journey unique is that it’s rooted in both faith and resilience. As a woman who has experienced challenges, loss, and renewal, I have used my testimony as fuel to inspire and uplift others through my books—Just for Today…21 Day Devotional, H.O.P.E (Hold On, Pain Ends), and RefresHER. Each of my ventures, whether ministry, housing, or travel, is about helping people experience freedom, spiritually, emotionally, or practically.
Right now, I am especially excited about growing Total Redemption Life Center, because it addresses a critical need in our community, as well as continuing to write books that empower women to heal and embrace their God-given identity. My story is one of redemption and rebuilding, and my brand reflects that same heartbeat: to create spaces where people can be restored, discover purpose, and step boldly into their next chapter.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. It is the anchor of my identity and the lens through which I view everything I do. Through prayer, devotion, and walking in His Word, I’ve learned that I am a daughter of the King, called to live with intention and excellence. That relationship grounds me in faith and reminds me that my worth is not tied to titles or positions, but to purpose.
I’ve also been shaped by key family influences. My mother instilled in me a spirit of excellence as an administrator teaching me the importance of organization, discipline, and precision in every task. My uncle poured into me financially, showing me the value of stability, stewardship, and encouraging me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams with courage. Both of them helped me understand that excellence and financial wisdom are the foundation for building something sustainable.
In addition, my pastor and First Lady have been instrumental in teaching me how to align my business with my spiritual calling. They showed me that I don’t have to separate my marketplace assignments from my kingdom purpose, but instead can submit my entrepreneurial work to God as purpose-driven kingdom business. Together, these relationships spiritual, familial, and pastoral have molded how I see myself as a woman, a leader, and a servant called to impact others through faith and excellence.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. Walking through seasons of domestic violence, divorce, growing up fatherless, and battling depression forced me to confront pain at its rawest level. Those experiences humbled me, broke down the walls I had built to protect myself, and revealed that strength isn’t found in appearing perfect but in learning to rise again when life has knocked you down. Success could never teach me that level of resilience.
Through those valleys, I also learned compassion and empathy. Because I’ve been the woman who felt unseen, broken, and silenced, I now carry a heart to uplift others who are in those places. My suffering gave me the ability to connect with people beyond surface-level success; it gave me a ministry, a message, and a mission. Success may inspire others from a distance, but suffering equips you to walk alongside them in their struggles.
Most importantly, those painful seasons taught me how to trust God in ways I never would have if everything had gone smoothly. I learned that His presence is closest in the darkest hours, and that He can transform even the most devastating circumstances into testimonies of hope and restoration. Suffering became my teacher, showing me purpose in pain, and preparing me to steward success with humility, gratitude, and a heart for healing others.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is my relationship with Jesus. They know my faith is the foundation of everything I do and that prayer and devotion guide my daily life. They would also say my children mean the world to me, and that I have a deep love for seeing people grow in their faith, purpose, and potential. Whether through ministry, mentoring, or simply encouraging others, my friends know I genuinely care about helping people become who God created them to be.
On a lighter note, they’d also say traveling the world is one of my greatest joys. I love exploring new places, embracing different cultures, and creating lasting memories. So if you asked my friends, they’d sum me up as someone whose heart belongs to Jesus, whose priority is her children, whose passion is helping people grow, and whose spirit loves the adventure of seeing the world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. I already live by that principle. For me, excellence isn’t about the applause or recognition—it’s about honoring God, honoring my assignment, and staying true to my values. I’ve learned that when you give your best, even in unseen moments, it builds character and integrity.
Whether anyone praises me or not, I believe my work speaks for itself and ultimately serves a greater purpose. My motivation comes from within and from my faith, not from outside validation. So yes, I can—and I do—give my very best regardless of who’s watching.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamdcourtney.square.site
- Instagram: @iamdcourtney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdcourtney
Image Credits
photos by frizelle
