Dawn Robinson’s Journey: Living in Her Car
In a candid and surprising online revelation, Dawn Robinson, a member of the acclaimed ’90s R&B girl group En Vogue, disclosed her unconventional living situation. In a video titled “Your New Life is Scary,” Robinson revealed that she has been living in her car for nearly three years, a reality she openly acknowledged with a mix of disbelief and acceptance.
Background and Initial Challenges
Robinson’s journey began in 2020 when she was residing with her parents in Las Vegas. While she initially appreciated being at home, tensions arose. “I love my mom, but she became very angry, and a lot of her anger she was taking out on me,” Robinson explained. Feeling suffocated by the escalating conflict, she found it necessary to seek alternate living arrangements.
The Transition to Car Life
After a brief spell living out of her car, Robinson was persuaded by her former manager in Los Angeles to relocate there, with the promise of a temporary stay. However, upon her arrival, she discovered that her expected accommodations were insufficient. Initially, he financed a hotel for her, which extended from a single night to an eight-month stay.
As the financial burden of the hotel grew, Robinson faced increasing anxiety about her living arrangement. “He was paying about $1,700 a month while my hotel was over $3,000,” she recounted. Faced with the reality of these costs, Robinson had to re-evaluate her situation.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
During a discussion with her assistant, Robinson considered “car life,” a lifestyle embraced by a unique community. “I have been researching car life,” she shared, acknowledging the various groups who choose to live in vehicles. Inspired, Robinson decided to embrace this new direction, culminating in her move to Malibu on March 9, 2022.
Describing her first night in the car, she conveyed a sense of both freedom and fear. As she adapted to her new lifestyle, she learned essential skills for living in her car, from covering windows to maintaining her privacy. “If you don’t know who I am, I’m not telling you that part,” she cautioned about divulging her identity to strangers.
A Reflection on Growth
Despite the challenges, Robinson emphasizes that she does not want anyone to feel pity for her. “This is not like, ‘Oh, my God! Poor Dawn, she’s living in her car.'” Instead, she sees this experience as an opportunity for personal growth. “I’m learning about who I am,” she stated, reflecting on a journey she never anticipated. “We say that we can’t do certain things until we know we’re capable.”
En Vogue’s Legacy
En Vogue, formed in Oakland, California, in 1989, gained fame through hits such as “Hold On,” “Don’t Let Go,” and “Free Your Mind,” selling over 20 million records. Robinson departed the group in 1997 but later returned for their 20th anniversary in 2009, only to leave once again shortly after.
Although Robinson was absent during En Vogue’s recent performance at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, where the group had reassembled, she remains focused on her personal journey amid the challenges of her new lifestyle.
Conclusion
Robinson’s revelation serves as a reminder that life can lead us to unexpected places. As she continues to navigate this chapter, she embraces her vulnerability and sees it as a vital part of her learning experience. “Sometimes in life, we end up in situations that we weren’t expecting,” she concluded in her video, capturing the essence of her transformative journey.
