Art world multi-hyphenate Dominique Clayton has long been a force behind the scenes—championing emerging artists, uplifting marginalized voices, and carving out space for creators raising families through her Dominique Gallery platform. A Los Angeles native, art dealer, curator, and writer (with bylines in Cultured and more), she’s also a mother of three daughters—an identity that deeply informs her latest curatorial triumph.

Her current exhibition, Giving You The Best That I Got, on view for just a few more days at Art + Practice in collaboration with the California African American Museum, is a powerful meditation on Black motherhood—spotlighting the narratives, visuals, and emotional depth too often absent from contemporary art spaces. As Clayton shares, it’s “one of the most special projects of my career and a highlight in my journey as a mother and a daughter.” If you’re in L.A., consider this your cue to run, not walk (it closes March 7th).

For this installment of Mother Essentials, Clayton’s picks reflect a woman in a new chapter. “I am a completely different mom now than when I was chasing after toddlers!” she explains. “I used to swear by all the latest kids gear and healthy snacks, now I’m in the era of pouring back into myself so I can power through the upcoming teen years!”

What follows is a list that’s less about sippy cups and more about slick buns, statement rings, favorite bookstores and coffee shops, and the rituals—big and small—that sustain her.

Art + Practice. “This art exhibition space in L.A. is where my current show Giving You The Best That I Got is on view through March 7th. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with the California African American Museum and explores the deeper narratives and visuals and emotions associated with Black motherhood, which we don’t often see in contemporary art. As a Black mother of 3 girls, this is one of the most special projects of my career and a highlight in my journey as a mother and a daughter. I can’t wait to expand the show and take it to new cities and be in community with even more artist mothers.” ArtandPractice.org and CAAMuseum.org

Lore Leimert Bookstore. “This newly opened independent bookstore and community space in Leimert Park (a cute historically Black enclave in South Los Angeles) is across the street from my exhibition. I’ve spent a lot of time here over the past 6 months, moderated an artist talk, and dragged my kids inside every time. Luckily there’s the cutest kids nook where my daughters are able to kick back, read books, and do arts and crafts.” @LoreLeimertPark

Clearly Canadian. “While I’m proudly Californian, I do enjoy an international beverage. I used to drink these when they were popular in the ’90s. Now they are back, and my kids, who are dual Canadian citizens, really love these!” Clearly Canadian Sparkling Flavored Water (12-Pack), $40.99, Walmart.

Black Strap Molasses. “My grandma used to always eat spoonfuls of molasses or put it in hot cereal or pancakes. As a kid, I thought it was gross. Now as an adult with bad anemia, it’s a lifesaver. I sneak it into smoothies for the family and it blends in perfectly with the nutrients we all need.” Organic Black Strap Molasses, $17.99, Amazon.

Black Paper Party. “My old college roommate, Madia Willis, started this holiday gift wrapping company. They have now expanded from Christmas wrapping paper and gift bags to a whole line of PJs, housewares, and more.” BlackPaperParty.com

Jo Phillipe Parfum. “Founded by another mama, Imani Bordeaux, I love the La Sirene and Dirty Gold scents. So fresh and subtle. Just like me.” La Sirène Eau de Parfum, $89, Jo Phillipe.

Harun Coffee. “A newly renovated coffee shop and speakeasy just next door to Lore Leimert Park. It’s a perfect mix of coffee, tea, art, and vibes. It feels like a home away from home for me.” @Harun.Coffee

Kiss Edge Fixer in Strawberry Acai. “I often have to go from day to night activities for work. Nothing beats a clean slick middle part bun and this edge control gets all my flawaways in check. And my teenager always steals this for her baby hairs, so I have to buy multiples.” Edge Fixer Gel, $9.49, Kiss.

Melody Ehsani Clothes & Accessories. “They remind me of the cool girl I was before having children. Melody is also an L.A. native like me, so our style and vibe is very much in sync. I wear my Pay Me ring whenever I’m at art functions and important meetings as a gentle reminder that my ideas and labor are not free!” Pay Me Ring, $58, Melody Ehsani.

Betsey Johnson Accessories. “Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers since childhood. Every year I treat myself to a fun shoe or bag. I hope to amass a fun collection my daughters can wear for all their future parties and special occasions.” Masen Heel, $129, Betsey Johnson.

Dr. Scholl’s Sandals. “I’ve been wearing these wooden clogs since highschool. My kids know I mean business when they hear me clanking down the hall in these shoes. I also have flat feet, so the wood helps keep my feet in great alignment. My daughters also love slipping these on.” Original Sandal, $140, Dr. Scholl’s.

Deeluxe Soaps. “My mom has been a serial entrepreneur since I was a kid. The perk is that I always get to be the first customer or taste tester! She currently has a soap line, which is so fun and kitschy and a reminder to my kids to stay fresh! They also make the best gifts!” DeeLuxeSoaps.com

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features with food star Jing Gao of Fly by Jing, Sarah Fritsch of Studio Tigress, artist Lena Corwin, Hello!Lucky’s sister duo, doula and author Latham Thomas, Carla Wingett of Idlewild Floral, Andrea Faulkner Williams of Tubby Todd, Hana Getachew of Bole Road Textiles, artist & author Carissa Potter Carlson, actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, and DJ and director Va$htie Kola.