Dominique Jane is Miss August 2015. She grew up in Agoura Hills, California in the shadows of the mansion, and there was nary a time Dominique didn’t love Playboy. And while many wannabe centerfolds strive to grace the pages of the magazine, Dominique’s appearance was almost kismet.
Now, Dominique is nestling into motherhood. She lives bicoastally, traveling between Los Angeles and Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, director Jody Hill. She sat down with us to chat about how Playboy changed her life, remaining friendly with fellow Playmates, and being her husband’s “occasional” muse.
How It All Started
Playboy: What is your origin story with Playboy?
Dominique Jane: Well, back in the day, a lot of my girlfriends were invited/going to Playboy parties. While I was well-liked during my youth, I wasn’t the traditional looking Playboy model type; I didn’t have big boobs or blonde hair. I wore braces in high school and had a fair complexion. However, I always admired the Playboy brand. I was obsessed with the issue featuring Drew Barrymore on the cover. I thought it was incredible when I was younger. Then after moving to Los Angeles in my early 20’s I started modeling. I was doing a fair amount of work through my agency when the photographer who took my pictorial, Sasha Isenman, came into my agency and asked if there were any girls interested in a test shoot. I was thrilled about the opportunity!
Playboy: And what was the vibe and the theme of your shoot?
Dominique: My shoot was at the Good Look Bar, which sadly is not there anymore. It was when they still had printed pictorials and mine was cosmic-themed. The Red Woman or The Red Goddess. I just felt very lucky to be a part of the Playboy family. It felt really empowering to be picked and to be there on that day. I’m so happy that it was in print, which is something I think is so iconic. It’s a big accomplishment for me. When I’m older I can look back and tell my grandkids, “This is what grandma used to look like!” [Laughs]
The Playmate Experience
Playboy: How was your experience being a Playmate?
Dominique: I did a lot of events. I worked one of the Super Bowl parties, which was so fun! And a few of the Bunny Bowls. When I moved to Los Angeles I was an intern at E! News. When I became a Playmate, I was interviewed for E! and it was televised. It was all about my experience becoming a Playmate, because it was such a special thing for me. Playboy was a huge part of my life for a bit, and I will always keep those memories dear to my heart.
Playmate Friends Forever
Playboy: Did you become close friends with any other Playmates?
Dominique: Danielle Alcaraz is actually my best friend. We’re still really close. I felt like I used to be somewhat close with a lot of the other girls, but I think we all kind of went our separate ways. I was also friends with Rachel Harris, who also seems to be embracing motherhood which I love to see. Yeah, I felt like Playboy was somewhat of a sisterhood type of thing, but I think life happens and you all go your different ways. But I’m grateful for all of it.
Playboy: What does being a Playmate mean to you?
Dominique: When I first started working with Playboy, it meant “Family, girl power, feminism!” And, like I said, I missed that. The collaboration, events, and that kind of camaraderie with the girls. But I see so many Playmates doing big things, which is so great. I feel like I was part of a revolution in some way…I think people miss those days. To me Playboy just embodies freedom.
Her Career
Playboy: What is your career outside of being a Playmate?
Dominique: My career other than mom…I still model when I feel like the project is right. I did a lot of print modeling and commercial work so I still have a good relationship with my agents. They know how to submit me for the right jobs. One fun fact about me is, I was one of the dancers on the 2014 Kanye West tour, which is how I met Danielle. It was more interpretive dancing than modeling. I’m not sure if you’re familiar, but that was something that was really a fun thing to be a part of. I’ve always liked Kanye’s music so it was really cool to be on stage with him and get to somewhat see what he experiences being a performer. But yeah a lot of my other clients were the Dry Bar, PacSun, Nordstrom, Adidas, a bunch of other great brands.
Her Passions
Playboy: What are you passionate about?
Dominique: Well as I mentioned, I’m a relatively new mom, and I love it. My baby’s 11 months old and I just love being with her and watching her grow. I see a lot of the girls I worked with entering motherhood. It’s really cool to see. With motherhood I try to learn as I go. I’m also really passionate about what the future looks like for the next generation.
It’s daunting to consider the challenges they face, like climate change and the vast amounts of waste we produce. It’s truly shocking. The pollution that ends up in our landfills and oceans is overwhelming. I can’t help but worry about what the future holds for younger generations if we don’t take action. Living in Charleston, a city closely tied to the water, I see firsthand how we’re harming our oceans and marine life. It’s heartbreaking to witness the litter affecting our ecosystem. I want to contribute to positive change, not be part of the problem.
Error: No feed found.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.
Family Life
Playboy: How’s home life with your husband Jody Hill?
Dominique: He’s an amazing man. I feel very fortunate to have met him. He’s very talented and a great husband and father. Currently he is working on a new movie starring Zac Efron, which is really exciting and it’s being shot all around LA.
Playboy: And are you ever part of his creative efforts?
Dominique: He did put me in an episode of The Righteous Gemstones in the first season. I was a Cyber Goth. It’s really fun to hear his ideas and sometimes give my input. I really do consider him a creative genius. The things he comes up with are just astonishing to me. Life with him is always, for the most part, fun.
Playboy: Is he funny around the house?
Dominique: Yes. But I sometimes have to tell him “You don’t need to direct me!” [Laughs] But he’s a great guy. I’m lucky.
Read More: Playmate Katie Vernola Is Burning Up the Racetrack