Ashley Dunn of Holllywood on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Ashley Dunn shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Ashley, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to fully step into the spotlight—and to stop dimming my light for the comfort of others. For a long time, I found myself shrinking in rooms where I should’ve been shining, just to make people feel more at ease. But I’ve learned that playing small doesn’t serve me, and it doesn’t serve the purpose God placed on my life.

This season is about standing tall in my truth, owning my gifts, and allowing my light to shine unapologetically. Because my light was never meant to blend in—it was meant to illuminate. And if that light inspires others to do the same, then I know I’m walking in alignment with exactly what I’ve been called to do.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ashley Dunn — a TV producer, entertainment reporter, and host of the UnDunn with Ashley Dunn podcast. Over the past decade, I’ve built my career around storytelling that’s real, intentional, and rooted in authenticity. I’ve had the privilege of producing and covering some of the industry’s biggest moments — from the NAACP Image Awards and BET Awards to film premieres and festivals — all while creating safe spaces for vulnerability and truth in my interviews.

Through UnDunn, I’ve led conversations that unpack culture, mental health, identity, and resilience — topics that don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. Beyond journalism, I’ve also brought my storytelling and strategy skills to social impact work, from grassroots political campaigns to initiatives like Black Women in Entertainment and Black Girl Joy Day.

At the core of everything I do is one mission: to inspire, empower, and amplify marginalized voices through authentic, healing-centered storytelling.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Fear has served its purpose and must now be released. It once protected me, kept me cautious, and taught me discernment — but I’ve learned that there’s a difference between being careful and being confined. I understand that I’m human and fear will always exist in some form, but I can’t allow it to dictate how I show up in the world.

For too long, fear made me question my readiness, my worth, and even my calling. But now, I’m in a season of choosing courage over comfort. I refuse to let past disappointments or failures convince me that what’s ahead isn’t meant for me. Every “no,” every setback, was preparation — not punishment.

So this chapter is about release and surrender — about trusting myself enough to take the leap, even when I don’t have all the answers. Because I know that what’s waiting on the other side of fear is the fullness of who I’m meant to become.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I no longer felt ashamed of my story and my journey. For a long time, I carried my experiences quietly, thinking strength meant silence. But healing taught me that transparency is its own kind of power.

The moment I realized that what I went through wasn’t just for me—but for someone else who might need to hear it—everything shifted. I started sharing little pieces of my story, only what I felt ready to reveal, and slowly saw how it resonated with others. People leaned in, connected, and found healing in my honesty.

Now, I understand that our stories are bridges. They remind us that we’re not alone. By sharing mine, I give others permission to embrace theirs—and that’s what this journey of life is truly about: using our stories to heal, empower, and build each other up.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to me. That’s the lifelong project—one that will always be evolving, stretching, and teaching me new lessons along the way. I’ve poured so much of myself into my career and into others, but I’ve learned that the most important investment I can make is in my own growth and healing.

Becoming the best version of myself—mentally, spiritually, and emotionally—isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. And it’s one I’m deeply committed to, no matter how long it takes. Because at the end of the day, I am the greatest project I’ll ever have the privilege to work on.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I shifted the room. That when I walked in, the energy changed—I brought light, joy, and a little sparkle everywhere I went. I want to be remembered as someone who left people better than I found them, who poured into others even when my own cup wasn’t full.
I hope my story is one of resilience and purpose—that I pursued my dreams boldly, even when the odds were stacked against me. That I found my voice, used it with intention, and created space for others to do the same.

More than anything, I want the world to remember that I showed up fully, loved deeply, and made room for healing, laughter, and connection wherever I went. That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.

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