Story & Lesson Highlights with Ashleigh Dawson of Hollywood

We recently had the chance to connect with Ashleigh Dawson and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Ashleigh, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What battle are you avoiding?
I am avoiding the process of closing down R2R as a nonprofit in Nevada and either opening it back up as a for-profit with a mission in LA or just sticking to a nonprofit model.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey I am Ash, started an upcycled fashion company in 2014 when no one was doing the sustainable thing, and I was only 17. Then, in 2019, an angel sponsor asked us to become a nonprofit organization. This was when our bigger vision of a closed-loop lifestyle right here in LA came. I know that solutions for a fully regenerative lifestyle are already available. We just need to start implementing. I also work part-time for LA Compost as their Outreach Coordinator. Currently going to school at 30 for my Bachelor’s in Anthropology. Now I have a new business idea and I can’t wait to share it with the world.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I actually redefined what the world told me I should be when I was very young. Being dyslexic, most people think I can’t. Everything is very frustrating as a dyslexic, but I am still able to do everything that anyone else can. So from a young age, my teachers said, “No, you won’t be able to do that on your own.” I would fight for my intellectual property of my own intelligence. Most of my teachers, even in high school, would tell me I’d never get into College or be able to hold a job. But look at me now, running my own company, going to school, and working for LA Compost!

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Last year, actually. My niece was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in August 2024. This has been one of the hardest times of my life. I want to give up on school, R2R, and just do ONE thing: being with my niece.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That we are not the issue, Carbon Capturing can solve everything, and greenwashing the linear system of production.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
Spending more time with my family. And starting this new business idea I have.

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