Wellness + Entertainment + Culture
Dominique B. Fluker is a dynamic journalist, on-air lifestyle expert, essayist, editorial strategist, and interior design storyteller based in Los Angeles. She's committed to covering impactful women of color, Black stories, and news at the intersection of business, lifestyle, wellness, culture, and entertainment. Her expertise includes feature writing, essays, editorial packages, branded content, news reporting, celebrity profiles/interviews, and lifestyle articles.
Her writing has been published in ForbesWomen, ESSENCE, Glamour, Travel + Leisure, INSIDER, Variety, Women’s Health, and others.
See a selection of her digital writing below. All pieces are hyperlinked for review. To read more pieces, click here.
Features
A Santa Barbara Road Trip Was The Mental Health Respite I Needed — The Zoe Report, 2025
20 Years Later, The Emancipation Of Mimi Is My Blueprint For Self-Liberation — REFINERY29, 2025
Motherhood On Rikers Island: Inside The Jail’s Doula Program For Incarcerated Moms — ESSENCE, 2025
Former ESSENCE Editor Charli Penn’s Favorite Black-Owned Home Finds To Set A Romantic Mood — ESSENCE, 2025
Tracee Ellis Ross Has A Strong ‘Inner Compass’ For Joy, Now She’s Sharing It On Her New Travel Show — ESSENCE, 2025
How ESSENCE And Black Women Are Prioritizing Pleasure — ESSENCE, 2025
Exclusive: Taraji P. Henson's 'Happy Place' Is In Bali — ESSENCE, 2025
After The Storm: New Orleans Is Still Healing 20 Years After Katrina — ESSENCE, 2025
Not Everyone Deserves An Invite — And This Viral +1 TikTok Theory Explains Why — ESSENCE, 2025
AAFCA Celebrates 20 Years of Amplifying Black Voices in Film and TV — Variety, 2023
Living The #SoftLife: Here's Why Black Women Are Rejecting The Harmful "Strong Black Woman" Trope— ESSENCE, 2023
Courting Is Out, ‘Vibing’ Is In, And Women Are Frustrated — ESSENCE, 2023
Let Me Count The Ways: Celebrating Black Love In All Its Forms — ESSENCE, 2022
Why Is Quiet Quitting A Thing? — ESSENCE, 2022
These Women Are Holding Beauty Brands That Posted Black Squares Accountable — Glamour, 2020
Black Girl Wellness: A New Cultural Renaissance — COVETEUR, 2020
Celebrity interviews
Exclusive: Actors KJ Smith And Skyh Black Are Expecting! — ESSENCE, 2025
Sheryl Lee Ralph Receives Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame: ‘Dreams Don’t Have An Expiration Date’ — ESSENCE, 2025
Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Secret To Thriving At 60+ Is Knowing Her Worth — ESSENCE, 2025
John Legend Loves Skincare — ESSENCE, 2023
Tracee Ellis Ross Brings The Heat With The Launch Of The PATTERN Blow Dryer — ESSENCE, 2023
Serena Williams Launches New Lifestyle Brand 'Will Perform' — ESSENCE, 2023
Self-Care Series: Tia Mowry On Finding Joy In Therapy, Social Media, And Wash Day — ESSENCE, 2023
Tabitha Brown Wants You To Cook From The Spirit With Her New Book — ESSENCE, 2023
ESSENCE Spoke With Sheryl Lee Ralph Ahead of Her Historic Emmy Win — ESSENCE, 2022
MasterClass Announces Emmy Award-Winning “Good Morning America” Co-Anchor Robin Roberts To Teach Effective And Authentic Communication — FORBES, 2020
Why Issa Rae Embraces Being A Multi-Hyphenate Artist and Entrepreneur — FORBES, 2020
Why Olay Wants To #MakeSpaceForWomen at Super Bowl LIV With Taraji P. Henson — FORBES, 2020
How Serena Williams Continues To Go Beyond Expectations At The Bumble Bizz First Movers Summit — FORBES, 2019
Why Elaine Welteroth Decided To Explore Her Ancestral History With Genealogy Company, Ancestry — FORBES, 2019
Wellness/Service journalism
This New App Connects Women Of Color Facing Infertility — And Builds Hope Along The Way — ESSENCE, 2025
Health Matters: Here's What You Need To Know About Fibroids — ESSENCE, 2025
Is There Ever A Good Time To Get A Hysterectomy? Here’s Why You Should Weigh Your Options — ESSENCE, 2025
5 Tips For Breathing Life Back Into Struggling Friendships — ESSENCE, 2024
Are You Having An Issue Putting Yourself First? Here Are 5 Ways To Help You Prioritize Your Needs — ESSENCE, 2024
Black Women Health & Wellness Pioneers Throughout History: Ophthalmologist Dr. Patricia E. Bath — ESSENCE, 2024
Black Health & Wellness Pioneers: Rebecca Lee Crumpler, The First Black Woman To Earn A Medical Degree In The United States — ESSENCE 2024
Black Health & Wellness Pioneers: Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston, A Trailblazer For Sickle Cell Disease Research — ESSENCE 2024
Exclusive: Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins Shares Her Journey To Motherhood Through IVF And Faith — ESSENCE, 2024
Health Matters: When Is A Lump Abnormal? Here Are Several Signs You Need A Mammogram — ESSENCE, 2024
Here's Why You Should Try The Pvolve Workout To Support Your Holistic Health — ESSENCE, 2024
The Cause For Cuffing Season: 3 Therapists Explain Why A Dip In Temps Leads To A Rise In Loneliness — ESSENCE, 2024
Fashion Is One Of The Strongest Forms Of Memory, ESSENCE, 2024
Here's Why Decision Paralysis Is Costing Your Joy And Peace Of Mind — ESSENCE, 2023
Don’t Worry, Sis; People Aren’t That Concerned With You, And Here’s Why — ESSENCE, 2023
Can Stress Impact Our Vaginas? — ESSENCE, 2023
Suffering From Workplace Trauma? Here's What To Do To Help It — ESSENCE, 2023
Here’s Why You Should Incorporate The Newest Wellness Practice, “Microjoys” Within Your Life — ESSENCE, 2023
Egg Freezing: When Do You Know It’s Time? — ESSENCE, 2023
How To Rest In Your Success Without Planning Your Next Accomplishment — ESSENCE, 2023
Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man? TikTok Is Bringing Back Early 2000s Dating Advice, Making Us All Cringe — ESSENCE, 2023
Craving Connection? Here Are The Benefits Of Touch Therapy According To Experts — ESSENCE, 2023
Is Past Financial Insecurity Impacting Your Present Relationship With Money — And Your Mental Health? — ESSENCE, 2023
Don’t Worry, Sis; People Aren’t That Concerned With You, And Here’s Why — ESSENCE, 2023
Burned Out? It’s Time For A Wellness Sabbatical. Here’s Why You Should Take Time Away From Work And Life. — ESSENCE, 2023
My Summer Bucket List Is Helping My Anxiety – Here’s Why You Should Make One — ESSENCE, 2023
ESSAYS
We Were Invited To Alo Yoga's HQ To Exercise And Learn About Gut Health, In Honor Of Mental Health Month — ESSENCE, 2025
After My Mother Died, I Used Her Wisdom To Parent Myself — ESSENCE, 2025
I Don’t Aspire To Be A Wife — ESSENCE, 2023
‘How My Pilates Practice Changed My View Of My Body As A Curvy Black Woman’ — Women’s Health, 2023
Packing Your Joy: A Guide To Successfully Relocating — SWEET JULY, 2022
How a Malibu Surf Trip During the Pandemic Taught Me to Be Kinder to Myself — TRAVEL + LEISURE, 2020
Op-EDS
Op-Ed: Jackie Christie And Her Daughter’s Fight Is Troubling — And A Reminder Of Toxic Family Dynamics — ESSENCE, 2025
Op-Ed: Vice President Kamala Harris Is Bringing The Joy Back To Politics — ESSENCE, 2024
Op-Ed: Don’t Blame OWN’s ‘Black Love’ For The Recent Rash Of Celebrity Divorces — ESSENCE, 2023
Op-Ed: Here’s Why The Terms “Summer Body” And “Unbig Your Back” Are Problematic — ESSENCE, 2023
Love & relationships
Do You Believe In The Invisible String Theory? Understanding The Viral TikTok Trend — ESSENCE, 2025
Let's Talk About Sex: Are Soul Ties A Real Thing? — ESSENCE, 2025
Living Your Best (Love) Life: Does Dialing Up Your Feminine Energy Guarantee A Successful Relationship? — ESSENCE, 2025
Living Your Best (Love) Life: Are You Afraid Of Dating? Here Are 23 Ways To Get Out Of Your Shell — ESSENCE, 2025
Here Are 7 Signs Of Financial Abuse You Need To Look Out For When Dating — ESSENCE, 2024
Here Are The 2024 Dating Trends To Take Your Romantic Life To The Next Level — ESSENCE, 2024
Internet Sensation, Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson On Regaining Confidence And Red Flags To Spot When Dating — ESSENCE, 2024
Are Long-Distance Relationships Worth It? Experts Weigh In — ESSENCE, 2023
Here Are 7 Toxic Dating Games You Should Be Mindful Of — ESSENCE, 2023
How To Successfully Go On A “Cutie Run” To Meet Your Future Partner IRL — ESSENCE, 2023
‘The Color Purple’ Themed Black Excellence Brunch Served As A Super Soul Sunday For Attendees — ESSENCE, 2023
Are Long-Distance Relationships Worth It? Experts Weigh In — ESSENCE, 2023
There’s A Reason Why You May Be 'Groundhogging’ – Dating The Same Kind Of Person Over And Over Again — ESSENCE, 2023
‘Spinning The Block’: When Should You Get Back With Your Ex? — ESSENCE, 2023
Bridal Bliss: The Bride And The Groom Both Changed Their Last Name For This Tampa Wedding — ESSENCE, 2023
EXCLUSIVE: Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Son, Etienne Maurice, Is Engaged! — ESSENCE, 2023
Bridal Bliss: The Theme For Rayna And Jesse's Wedding Was Black Excellence — ESSENCE, 2023
SEX COLUMN
Let’s Talk About Sex: Here Are 20 Ways To Have Deep And Long-Lasting Orgasms According To Experts — ESSENCE, 2025
Let’s Talk About Sex: What Exactly Is Gooning? — ESSENCE, 2025
Let’s Talk About Sex: 12 Misconceptions About "Backdoor" Play — ESSENCE, 2025
Let’s Talk About Sex: What’s Syntribation And Should You Try It? — ESSENCE, 2025
Let’s Talk About Sex: Does 'Body Count' Really Matter? — ESSENCE, 2025
Let’s Talk About Sex: It’s Okay To Not Want Sex – Here’s What These Experts Have To Say About Asexuality — ESSENCE, 2025
Let’s Talk About Sex: Can AI Improve Your Love Life? — ESSENCE, 2025
Let's Talk About Sex: Exploring The Kink – It’s Okay To Have “Nasty” Sex — ESSENCE, 2025
Sex Talk: Here’s How You Can Explore Temperature Play To Heat Up Or Cool Down Your Sex Life — ESSENCE, 2024
Do You Have A Sexual Profile? Here’s How To Find Out — ESSENCE, 2023
Sex Talk: What’s ASMR Sex And Why Should You Try It? — ESSENCE, 2023
Pegging, Anal Sex, And Strap-Ons, Oh My! How Do You Know It’s Right For You? — ESSENCE, 2023
Everything You Need To Know About BDSM, And Yes, Biting Is Involved. — ESSENCE, 2023
It’s Time To Go Deeper: Inside The “Anal Surfacing” Sex Trend — ESSENCE, 2023
Can Probiotics Improve Your Sex Life? — ESSENCE, 2023
Feel More Empowered In The Bedroom By Using The ‘Queening’ Technique — ESSENCE, 2023
Sex Talk: 3 Ways To Create A Sexual Self-Care Routine — ESSENCE, 2023
Now You Have The Power To Manifest Intense Orgasms – Inside The Viral Manifestation Trend, “O Method” — ESSENCE, 2023
Sex Talk: Here’s Why You Should Add Orgasmic Meditation To Your Sex Routine — ESSENCE, 2023
Sex Talk: Your Guide To Steamy Foreplay – Here Are 5 Ways To Get Started — ESSENCE, 2023
Sex Talk: Reasons Why Your Partner Isn't Affectionate After Sex — ESSENCE, 2023
ENTERTAINMENT (Film, TV, concert reviews, and news)
Here’s What Happened At The 17th Annual Black Women In Hollywood Awards — ESSENCE, 2024
‘The Color Purple’ Themed Black Excellence Brunch Served As A Super Soul Sunday For Attendees — ESSENCE, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: OWN Set To Premiere ESSENCE Magazine Series 'Time of ESSENCE' — ESSENCE, 2023
EXCLUSIVE: Ayesha Curry & Sydel Curry-Lee Talk Relaunching Their Wine Brand After Its Acquisition: "This Is A Toast To Powerful Women" — ESSENCE, 2023
Alicia Keys Hosts An Intimate Spatial Audio Listening Event In Hollywood — ESSENCE, 2023
We Were Guests At Coco Jones’ Star-Studded 25th Birthday Bash — ESSENCE, 2023
Inside Black Love Inc.’s Inaugural Black Love Honors Brunch — ESSENCE, 2022
Skye Townsend Brought The Funny At TheWrap’s 5th Annual Power Women Summit — ESSENCE, 2022
PJ Morton’s ‘Watch The Sun’ show takes the audience to church — AMPERSAND, 2022
‘End of The Road’: Awkward and disconnected thriller or pointed socio-political commentary? —AMPERSAND, 2022
HBO ‘Insecure’ Writers Amy Aniobi And Syreeta Singleton Reflect On Its Final Season — FORBES, 2021
Essence Black Women In Hollywood Event Celebrates Black Stars While Shining A Light On The Lack Of Diversity In Hollywood — FORBES, 2022
How Regina King Tapped Into Her Creative Genius To Captivate The Screen In New HBO Series ‘Watchmen’ — FORBES, 2020
Rihanna’s Ally Speech And Other Notable Moments From The 51st NAACP Image Awards That Celebrate Diversifying Hollywood — FORBES, 2020
How Bravo’s First-Ever BravoCon Is Bringing Diversity And Inclusion To The Network’s Programming — FORBES, 2019
A Documentary Exploring The Passionate Pursuits Of Black Women Entrepreneurs Premiers On Netflix Today – Here’s Why You Should Tune In — FORBES, 2019
TRAVEl
Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Here's Why Vietnam Is The Wellness Escape You Didn’t Expect — ESSENCE, 2025
The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Here Are The Hot Spots For Black Women To Visit In Tokyo — ESSENCE, 2025
The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Aruba Off The Beaten Path — ESSENCE, 2025
Gig-Tripping: Marriott Bonvoy Offers Rewards Members An Exclusive Way To Experience Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour — ESSENCE, 2025
I Got The Best Sleep Of My Life At Carillon Miami Wellness Resort — ESSENCE, 2024
We Traveled To Ibiza, Spain, To Celebrate The Launch Of Grey Goose Altius With DJ Idris Elba — ESSENCE, 2024
I Learned To Off-Road Like A Pro In Moab, Utah, Thanks To Ford’s All-Women Bronco Off-Roadeo Experience — ESSENCE, 2024
We Traveled To Tabernash, Colorado, To Drive Kia’s 2024 Sorento X-Pro. Here’s How It Went — ESSENCE, 2024
I Celebrated Galentine's Day Early In Puerto Rico! Here Are 7 Things You Should Do When Visiting. — ESSENCE, 2024
We Had The Opportunity To Drive The 2024 Honda Prologue Throughout Sonoma Wine Country. Here’s How It Went — ESSENCE, 2024
A Newcomer's Guide To Exploring Bermuda’s Rich Culinary Scene — ESSENCE, 2024
Living Well: I Traveled To Calistoga For Wellness Week At Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs — ESSENCE, 2023
Living Well: I Traveled To The Bluegrass State To Attend The Kentucky Derby, Visit Bourbon Distilleries, And See Horses — ESSENCE, 2023
Here’s How I Got Over My Fear Of Traveling Abroad Again — ESSENCE, 2023
Luxe Living: The Wellness Scene In Lowcountry At Montage Palmetto Bluff — ESSENCE, 2023
Living Well: A Staycation At The 1 Hotel West Hollywood Is The Perfect Spring Break Getaway — ESSENCE, 2023
I Traveled To The Santa Ynez Valley To Test Kia’s 2023 Fleet Of Electric Cars, And It Was One Of The Best Road Trips I’ve Ever Experienced — ESSENCE, 2023
We Traveled To Cognac And Paris, France, To Experience What A True Bastille Day Celebration Is Like With D’USSÉ — ESSENCE, 2023
Money and Career News
Boss Women Media’s Black Girl Magic Digital Summit Returns With 100K Of Funding For Black Women Business Owners — FORBES, 2022
The De Young Museum Celebrated Black Legacy And Economic Empowerment With Obama Portraits Viewing — FORBES, 2022
Thasunda Duckett Named First Black Woman On JPMorgan Operating Committee — ESSENCE, 2020
Black Girl Sunscreen Secures 1 Million From Female Investor Amid COVID-19 — FORBES, 2020
Kamala Harris Is Biden’s VP Pick, But What Does That Mean For Black Women Entrepreneurship? — FORBES, 2020
The Honey Pot Founder Bea Dixon Still Aims To Empower Young Black Girls Amidst Target Commercial Backlash — FORBES, 2020
Haiti Tech Summit Founder Christine Souffrant Ntim Is On A Mission: 'Haiti Is Not Open For Business, It’s Open For Disruption' — ESSENCE, 2019
Interior Design
We Went Home Decor Shopping With Jennifer Hudson, Here's How It Went — ESSENCE, 2025
Home Style: How To Turn Your Bathroom Into A Beauty Room — ESSENCE, 2025
Home Style: Black-Owned Décor To Spruce Up Your Space For The New Year — ESSENCE, 2025
BEHR Just Announced Their 2024 Color Of The Year, And It’s Giving Elevated Luxury — ESSENCE, 2023
Color Drenching: Everything You Need To Know About This Emerging Design Trend — ESSENCE, 2023
Celebrity Interior Designer Nikki Chu Shares How To Level Up Your Home For Spring — ESSENCE, 2023
Home Style: Inside Kellie Brown’s Stylish Abode In Palm Springs — ESSENCE, 2023
The Newest Design Trend? Creating A Room Outside — ESSENCE, 2023
I'm an interior designer, here are 6 things in your living room I think you should get rid of — INSIDER, 2021
I'm an interior designer. Here are 7 ways to upgrade your space this spring. — INSIDER, 2021
I'm an interior designer, here are 12 things in your home I think you should get rid of this year — INSIDER, 2021
I'm an interior designer. Here are 9 home-decor trends that will be popular this year. — INSIDER, 2021
INTERVIEWS
Inside The ‘Searching For Soul Food’ Los Angeles Influencer Dinner With Celebrity Chef Alisa Reynolds — ESSENCE, 2023
The Fight For Birth Equity For Black Mothers Continues, But Midwifery Can Serve As A Solution — ESSENCE, 2023
ESSENCE Uncovers The Inspiration For Disney’s Newest Attraction, 'Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’ — ESSENCE, 2023
Mrs. Universe Juanita Ingram Is Taking the World by Storm — Shondaland, 2022
How Fawn Weaver Created Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey From Hidden History — FORBES, 2022
How This 24-Year-Old Former NYSE Equity Trader Made History — FORBES, 2020
From Entry-Level To C-Suite: Meet FedEx Custom Critical’s First African-American Woman CEO — FORBES, 2020
ESSENCE Best & Black Owned series: How FAMU Influenced Monique Mitchell To Launch Her Own PR Agency — ESSENCE, 2019
ESSENCE Best & Black Owned series: How This Former Engineer Left Her Dream Job To Bring Girls Of Color To Tech — ESSENCE, 2019
ESSENCE Best & Black Owned series: How This Former Corporate Merchandiser Pivoted To Create Her Own Styling Firm — ESSENCE, 2019
How Her Mom's Health Crisis Led 'Married To Medicine' Star Genise Shelton To Live Healthier and Help Others Get Fit — ESSENCE, 2018
Entertainment Industry Vet Yvonne McNair On Her Secret To Creating Some Of The Biggest Music Events In History and Her Advice For Entrepreneurs — ESSENCE, 2018
This Black Creative Started Her Own Talent Agency To Make The Entertainment Industry More Inclusive— BauceMag, 2020
Branded Content
10 H&M Summer Looks That Will Turn Heads At The 2025 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture — ESSENCE, 2025
Black Creators: Mattie James Turned Her Blog Into a Six-Figure Business — ESSENCE, 2020
Black Creators: Rondel Holder Is Doing It For The Culture — ESSENCE, 2020
Black Creators: Tonya Rapley Gets Real About Money And Motherhood — ESSENCE, 2020
Black Creators: Ebony Jamison Of BrownSkinBeautiful Knows Transparency Is Key — ESSENCE, 2020
Black Creators: With Cliquish, Taylar Barrington-Booker Empowers A Community — ESSENCE, 2020