Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Davis-johnson Griffin
Hi Dominique, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a 33-year-old mother of two children – Ja’nique, who would have been 9 this year, and 5-year-old Ja’niyan. I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina with my parents, Robert and Sherry Johnson, and my siblings Deidre, Robert III, and Robin. My large, tight-knit family provided me with a loving upbringing, as my mother has 11 siblings and my father has 3, giving me over 70 cousins and a lifetime of cherished memories.
Despite not always being the nicest child, putting up a tough exterior to avoid being picked on, my parents’ and godmother’s consistent love and guidance have shaped me into the caring, encouraging, and leadership-oriented person I am today. I had a humble upbringing, raised by a “village” of family, neighbors, and teachers.
Currently, I serve as the Outreach Coordinator at Capital City Church Eau Claire, where I strive to give back to the community I grew up in, with the help and direction of the Lord. In my free time, I enjoy being a mom, reading, writing, coaching, listening to audiobooks, and indulging in my love of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and fantasy. Being in a healthy, thriving relationship has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new interests. I cherish the simple moments I share with my daughter, delighting in her daily growth and accomplishments. Ja’niyan, with her blossoming personality and loving heart, is the brightest highlight of my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The tragic loss of my daughter Ja’nique Griffin in 2015 has been the biggest challenge of my life. Just four days shy of our due date, I suddenly sensed something was terribly wrong. At the hospital, with me hooked up to monitors, the devastating news came – there was no heartbeat. I had to deliver my unborn child, leaving me utterly devastated for the next seven months as I struggled to cope and carry on.
Through prayer, love, and sheer determination, I have made it through this most difficult time. Losing Ja’nique was both the best and worst thing to happen to me. In my darkest hour, my relationship with Christ deepened. Over time, I also learned to love myself more. I eventually separated from my then-husband and finalized a much-needed divorce, freeing myself from the toxic dynamic I had mistaken for love.
Grief still surfaces at times, but with the help of therapy and continued prayer, I’ve been able to work through it and keep moving forward. The loss of my daughter will always be a profound wound, but I am grateful for the growth, self-discovery, and renewed faith that has emerged from this tragic experience.
In 2018, while pregnant with my now 5-year-old daughter Ja’niyan, we were informed that she had Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Determined to prepare for our special arrival, we underwent extensive therapy and educational classes. However, on the day Ja’niyan was born in January 2019, we were overjoyed to learn that she did not have Down syndrome after all. This news brought a mix of emotions – we were excited about the new life ahead of us, yet uncertain how to process the unexpected change.
Shortly after, we dedicated Ja’niyan to the Lord, entrusting her to His care. Over the years, we have faced numerous medical challenges, from accidents to severe allergic reactions, but Ja’niyan has proven to be a true champion, always persevering. As a mother, it has been heartbreaking to witness my child suffer, but through it all, God has faithfully sustained and strengthened our family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For the past 8 years, I have worked as a Library Assistant while pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science to become a Librarian. Alongside my academic pursuits, I have also coached cheerleading for over a decade, working with students at my former middle and high schools. Although my initial dream was to become a Nurse, I was deterred by the sight of blood and instead became a Registered Medical Assistant. While working in the medical field, I still felt unfulfilled and yearned for more.
In 2014, I began my first coaching job at Gibbes Middle School, where I spent 4 years before transitioning to my alma mater, Eau Claire High School. For the past 6 years, I have served as the Head Cheer Coach, building a successful Stomp and Shake Cheer Program. Under my leadership, Eau Claire became the first high school in South Carolina to establish a chapter of Cheer Phi Club, a direct extension of Cheer Phi Inc. In addition to my coaching duties, I also hold the role of Junior Class Advisor, overseeing the planning and production of the school’s prom and pageant. Watching my students grow and overcome life’s obstacles is deeply rewarding. It brings me great pleasure to see them excel and thrive.
In 2019, I opened up my own small business, designing custom gear and decor.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Each October, we observe Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Awareness. For the past 9 years, on the last Saturday of the month, we have held “The Walk for Ja’nique” in remembrance of my daughter Ja’nique and all the precious babies who have passed. During this brief, one-mile walk, we say a prayer and release balloons to honor their memory.
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