Soft Life, Real Talk: Ditching Performative Wellness

Black women are reimagining wellness on their own terms—beyond trends, beyond performance. In this episode, we explore what it really means to opt out, slow down, and live well.

In today’s conversation, Dr. Cassandre Dunbar is joined by Dominique Fluker, contributing lifestyle editor at Essence, writer, interior designer, and wellness storyteller. Together, they unpack the evolution of wellness for Black women, the pressure to perform self-care online, and how community, authenticity, and creativity are helping us reclaim what it means to be well.

You’ll hear about:

• Dominique’s bold leap from tech to journalism (without a backup plan)
• How Essence is shifting the narrative around Black women and wellness
• The rise of revolutionary rest and opting out as resistance
• Why “soft life” is about healing, not consumption
• Wellness trends to be cautious of—including AI therapy and TikTok fads
• The impact of curated home spaces on emotional well-being
• And why human connection is still our most powerful medicine

This episode is a love letter to self-trust, slowing down, and designing a life that reflects who you truly are.

Guest Spotlight: Dominique B. Fluker is a nationally recognized multimedia journalist, editor, content marketer, and interior design storyteller based in Los Angeles. She currently is the Contributing Lifestyle Editor at ESSENCE Magazine. She has created purpose-driven and multicultural content for iconic web and print publications like ForbesWomen, Glamour Magazine, ESSENCE Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Business Insider, Women’s Health, Variety, and more. As a culture and entertainment enthusiast, she's interviewed legendary celebrities such as Oprah, Toni Braxton, John Legend, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Robin Roberts, Serena Williams, and more. As an established advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tech and entertainment industries, she's also a noted public speaker, moderator, host, on-camera talent, red-carpet correspondent, and thought leader. 

Dominique has found solace in curating physical spaces while creating a name for herself at the intersection of digital content curation and editorial storytelling. She believes interior design is an extension of thoughtful storytelling. 2021 marked Dominique's official foray into professional interior styling with the launch of her first business, DBF Interiors. She has been featured as an interior design expert in Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, and more. 

Connect with Dominique:

Follow her on Instagram @dominiquebfluker

Connect with her on LinkedIn 

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Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.

Be Well, Sis is an editaudio collaboration.

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