On movement, meaningful connection, and choosing the right rooms
Dominique (35) has spent much of her adult life navigating new places, new careers, and new communities. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she has called Berlin home for nearly a decade—long enough to know its rhythm, but still curious enough to keep discovering it.
Today, Dominique works as a project manager at a creative agency, bringing with her a background in design and years of experience across the creative industry. But beyond titles and roles, it’s her approach to friendship and connection that defines this chapter of her life.
“I didn’t move to Berlin just to build a career,” she shares. “I wanted to build a life—and that means real relationships.”
Friendship, Built Intentionally
For Dominique, After5 wasn’t about networking in the traditional sense. It was about finding women with shared values, similar curiosities, and the desire to show up—consistently and authentically.
That intention quickly turned into friendship.
One recent moment stands out. Together with an After5 friend, Dominique signed up for their first-ever Hyrox class—a demanding mix of strength and endurance that neither of them fully knew what to expect from.
“It was intense, humbling, and honestly really fun,” Dominique laughs. “We pushed each other through it, got completely sweaty, and then did what felt just as important—sat down for coffee afterwards to decompress and laugh about how hard it was.”
It’s a simple story, but a telling one. Movement, shared challenge, and space for conversation afterwards—this is how friendship grows when it’s given room.
A Life Shaped by Curiosity and Values
As she looks ahead, Dominique’s goals reflect both commitment and evolution. One of her biggest personal milestones is applying for a German passport, something she has worked toward for years.
“Having a European passport has always been important to me. It represents stability, belonging, and a future I’ve actively chosen.”
Professionally, she’s in a moment of transition—exploring how her existing skills can move into an industry more closely aligned with her values. Sustainability, particularly within the textile industry, has become a growing focus.
She’s interested not just in systems and processes, but in education: helping people understand how small, conscious choices can reduce textile waste and create long-term impact.
Sundays, Berlin-Style
Despite her driven nature, Dominique values rest just as much as momentum. Her ideal Sunday is slow, grounding, and distinctly Berlin.
It starts with a sleep-in, followed by really good coffee and a walk outside. Flea markets play a starring role—wandering, observing, and letting the city unfold without a schedule.
The weekend usually ends the same way it began with intention: an intense gym class, a physical reset before the week ahead.
“There’s something grounding about finishing the weekend by moving your body properly. It helps me feel clear before Monday.”
Becoming a Connection Curator
With nearly ten years in Berlin, Dominique has developed a deep understanding of the city—its neighbourhoods, hidden corners, and places worth returning to. But what truly motivates her is sharing that knowledge in ways that help others feel at home faster.
As a Connection Curator within After5, she brings both openness and experience: a willingness to guide, and an equal excitement to explore alongside others.
“There’s so much potential when the right women are brought together with intention,” she says. “After5 already has that energy—it’s about nurturing it and making space for meaningful connection.”
In a city known for its scale and anonymity, Dominique’s story is a reminder that friendship doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built—through shared effort, honest curiosity, and choosing the right rooms to step into.
And for her, that choice continues to shape everything that comes next.
