Women's Tabloid

Crafting spaces where Fashion and Wellness thrive: An interview with Dominique Laird

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Picture of Women’s Tabloid Magazine May 2025
Women’s Tabloid Magazine May 2025

Imagine stepping into a space that not only mesmerizes but also evokes your senses, blending the allure of fashion with the warmth of a social haven. So Much Trouble is one such destination, inspired by the most iconic closets in TV history, reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw’s legendary walk-in closet, but with a twist—cocktails and a curated selection of fashion’s best-kept secrets. Created by Dominique Laird, this boutique transcends traditional retail by offering plush velvet, baroque cabinets, and a layout that feels like a friend’s ultra-chic dressing room. It’s a place where fashion meets fun, with events like the now-iconic Boujee Boot Sale and personalized styling sessions.

Beyond fashion, Dominique Laird also nurtures Blended Wellness, a passion-driven venture that aligns with her broader vision of creating holistic experiences. Her expertise spans entertainment, fashion, dance, and design, making her a powerhouse in the experiential and eatertainment design sector. In this exclusive interview, Dominique shares her insights on merging luxury with experience, why fashion should always be enjoyable, and how her diverse ventures reflect her commitment to crafting unique and engaging environments.

Women’s Tabloid: Wellness spaces worldwide are increasingly integrating self-care and mental well-being into their design. How does Blended ensure that its physical environment truly reflects and enhances the values of self-worth and self-confidence?

Dominique Laird: Blended is designed to make people feel empowered the moment they walk in. It’s more than just a wellness space – it’s an experience that nurtures both self-worth and self-confidence. From the way natural light fills the space to the thoughtful textures and scents, every detail is curated to evoke calm and create a welcoming energy. We step away from sterile, transactional wellness spaces and instead craft an immersive environment where movement, beauty, and recovery blend seamlessly, ensuring clients feel both restored and valued.

WT: With the global wellness industry expanding rapidly, what key differentiators help Blended stand out in an increasingly competitive market?

DL: Blended isn’t just about services – it’s about seamless integration. We bring together fitness, salon, and spa treatments in a way that feels natural and intuitive. Whether it’s a post-workout recovery facial, a scalp treatment tailored to active lifestyles, or a massage designed for muscle regeneration, every offering connects to the next. What makes us different is our deep personalization, high-touch luxury without the pretense, and a fusion of modern science with ancient wellness rituals. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a place to evolve, restore, and truly embody confidence.

WT: Many wellness destinations are moving towards a multi-service approach, combining fitness, beauty, and lifestyle experiences. What are the biggest operational challenges in maintaining a seamless, all-in-one wellness ecosystem?

DL: The biggest challenge is ensuring everything flows – not just logistically, but energetically. Every expert in our space, from trainers to therapists to stylists, operates under the same philosophy while still honoring their individual expertise. Personalization at scale is another key challenge – clients expect tailored experiences, so creating seamless transitions across services while maintaining efficiency requires constant innovation. Whether someone is experiencing Blended in person or digitally, the experience must always feel authentic, intuitive, and in tune with their unique journey.

WT: Consumer expectations around wellness and self-care are constantly evolving. What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of holistic well-being, and how is Blended positioning itself to stay ahead?

DL: Wellness is becoming more personal, emotionally intelligent, and experience driven. There’s a shift towards nervous system regulation, recognizing that true well-being is about more than just physical performance – it’s about how we manage stress and recovery. Personalization is also key, with AI-driven wellness experiences tailoring movement, skincare, and recovery to individual needs in real time. Spaces like Blended, which seamlessly integrate movement, mental well-being, and self-expression, are leading the way. The idea of luxury is also shifting – from indulgence to access, time, and deep restoration, which is exactly what we deliver: wellness that is truly transformative, not just a trend.

WT: How does authentic storytelling enhance brand connection in the wellness industry?

DL: In wellness, authenticity is everything. People don’t just want a service – they want to feel something real. At Blended, we tell stories that celebrate transformation, resilience, and self-discovery. It’s never about perfection; it’s about the journey. We share real experiences, real growth, and real emotions because that’s what builds trust. When people connect with a story, they see themselves in it. And that’s what turns a brand into a movement.

WT: How does So Much Trouble collaborate with international brands or organizations to further its mission of promoting sustainability in the fashion industry?

DL: So Much Trouble isn’t just about vintage – it’s about reshaping fashion culture. We partner with sustainability-driven designers, global artists, and cultural institutions to push boundaries. Whether it’s curating limited-edition upcycled collections, hosting immersive activations, or collaborating on projects that bridge the past and future of fashion, we’re always looking for new ways to challenge how people engage with clothing.

WT: What strategies has So Much Trouble implemented to attract an international clientele and establish itself as a global destination for curated fashion?

DL: It’s all about storytelling and exclusivity. Every piece in our collection has a story, and we make sure it’s told across every touchpoint. We also bring the brand to life in key cultural cities, hosting curated pop-ups that create demand and deepen connection. Our approach to curation ensures that everything is one-of-a-kind, making our collections impossible to replicate. And by collaborating with cutting-edge designers, we blur the lines between fashion history and the future.

WT: How has So Much Trouble’s emphasis on storytelling and authenticity resonated with international audiences, and what feedback have you received from global customers?

DL: People connect with fashion that has soul. Our audience is drawn to the idea that clothing is more than just fabric – it’s history, identity, and art. The feedback has been overwhelming; customers tell us they love the craftsmanship, the nostalgia, and the idea of wearing something with a story, not just a label.

WT: What are the challenges faced by So Much Trouble in scaling its experiential retail model to appeal to a diverse, global audience?

DL: Scaling while staying intimate and curated is the biggest challenge. The more you grow, the harder it is to maintain the uniqueness that makes So Much Trouble special. The key is being highly selective—choosing the right locations, partners, and moments to expand without ever diluting the essence of the brand.

WT: How does So Much Trouble’s curation of rare and iconic vintage pieces contribute to the global appreciation of fashion history and craftsmanship?

DL: Fashion isn’t just about trends – it’s about culture, craftsmanship, and rebellion. By curating rare, iconic pieces, we preserve fashion’s history while keeping it relevant for today’s world. In a landscape dominated by mass production, So Much Trouble offers an alternative—an archive of beauty, individuality, and self-expression.

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