The Collective’s Dominique Cojuangco-Hearn talks candidly about what it means to run a beauty platform, the importance of leading with purpose, and how motherhood changes your perspective
This is an excerpt from the MEGA November 2024 Beauty Blog
It is her smile that you notice first, and her sense of humor, second. “I had this custom-made just to make her laugh,” Dominique Cojuangco-Hearn says to MEGA, sweetly, referring to her shirt printed with photos of her mom, Gretchen Barretto- Conjuangco, from the early nineties. And, needless
to say, the demands are high for a chance to purchase — pictures are taken, pleasantries are exchanged — all of which have set the right mood for an early call time. “I never knew this had so much potential for it to be her official merch,” she laughs.
Over breakfast, Dominique and I spoke at length about all kinds of things: Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Manila Tour, MEGA’s Beauty Awards, and of course, her last feature for a magazine. “It’s been a while. A lot has changed. But life is great,” she shares. “I’m enjoying being a wife and mother. It’s amazing how much joy I get out of it. We’re making the most of the little moments as they come and are excited for the future.”
When asked about her self-care rituals, she admits that things changed after she gave birth to her daughter, Penelope. “I’ve had to manage new responsibilities with finding time for myself and time with just Michael and me, but parenthood has strengthened our relationship. Our lives have slowed down, but Penelope has taught us that that’s alright, if not something we need to do more often,” she says.
She adds, “Self-care routines usually take place while Penelope is asleep. I like to keep it simple, but consistent, and find that works best—it doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. I need to make sure my cup is full, so I can show up as my best self for her.”
Dominique reveals that her morning and evening skincare routines are her favorite. “It’s when I’m able to take time to reflect on the day to come, the day’s end, and what I may want to do differently,” she says. “My evening skincare is where I take my time, using heavier, more hydrating products, and giving my face a lymphatic massage with my Gua Sha. I have found myself adding podcasts to my self-care ritual during feedings and pumping sessions. It has made what can feel isolating, less lonely.”
You see, there is an easy charm that is deeply entwined with her character, but it is the sense of warmth, passion, and authenticity that will have you rooting for her. On the crest of her shoot, we reminisce about the history of her e-commerce self-care shop, The Collective. “I had just left my job and wanted to spend my time creating something that made an impact,” the beauty entrepreneur emphasizes. But what many may not know is that her mission to transform the online retail culture is also rooted from her personal experience.
Read more about Dominique Cojuangco-Hearn’s insights and lessons learned while running The Collective in MEGA’s November 2024 issue , now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photographed by SELA GONZALES. Creative direction by BRIE VENTURA. Written by MARA GO. Sittings Editor AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON. Producer JONES PALTENG. Makeup ZIDJIAN PAUL. Hair MARK ANTHONY ROSALES assisted by EJ FLORES. Styled by JRO ALARCIO assisted by NINA CUYANA and CHARLOTTE SOMBILLO.
