Former  En Vogue member Dawn Robinson has candidly revealed her extraordinary journey of living in her car for the past three years. She describes this unconventional lifestyle choice not only as a significant challenge but also as a profound personal awakening that has reshaped her perspective on life and independence.

In a revealing YouTube video posted on March 11, the R&B singer Dawn Robinson opened up about her life experiences, stating, “You guys, for the past three years, I have been living in my car… I said it, oh my gosh, it’s out.” Her honesty about this situation highlights not only her struggles but also her resilience in the face of adversity.

Robinson provided insight into her journey, explaining that after residing with her parents in Las Vegas in 2020, she made the move to Los Angeles, prompted by advice from her former manager. Initially, he offered her a place to stay; however, when that arrangement fell through, she found herself in a hotel for eight months, struggling to find a permanent apartment amidst the chaos of her situation.

She alleged that her manager played a significant role in complicating her housing search, stating, “Sometimes people want to trap you and keep you in a situation where you’re vulnerable and depending on them.” This revelation underscores the challenges many face when navigating the music industry, particularly for emerging artists seeking independence and stability.

Faced with continuous obstacles, Robinson began exploring alternative lifestyles and became intrigued by the concept of “car life.” Rather than persisting in a frustrating apartment search, she embraced the freedom of living in her vehicle and eventually settled in the scenic area near Malibu. This choice not only represented a shift in her living circumstances but also a new chapter in her life.

“I felt free,” she expressed, reminiscing about her new lifestyle, “It was like being on a never-ending camping trip. It just felt right.” This newfound freedom allowed her to embark on a journey of self-discovery, stating, “This isn’t a sob story. This is about me learning who I am, as a person, as a woman.” Her journey reflects a deeper exploration of identity and personal growth.

Despite the challenges, Robinson shared the emotional toll of her experience, particularly following the loss of her dog Max, who passed away in the car. “I really am on my own,” she reflected, acknowledging that while she misses her family, this period of isolation has been a necessary and transformative experience for her.

Nevertheless, she remains open to the idea of a more stable living situation if it comes her way. “If I could have an apartment, I would,” she admitted, “But I wouldn’t trade what I’ve learned from this experience. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.” Her perspective illustrates a unique blend of resilience and gratitude, embracing the lessons learned during her time living in her car.

Robinson concluded her video with an empowering message for her audience: “Be spontaneous. Do the scary. F— fear.” This call to action inspires others to embrace their fears and pursue their own paths, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

As one of the original members of En Vogue, Robinson played a pivotal role in defining the group’s iconic sound. Formed in 1989 alongside Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, and Maxine Jones, the group has left an indelible mark on the R&B genre.

Their debut album, Born to Sing, released in 1990, peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and featured several hit singles, including the iconic “Hold On,” which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their subsequent album, Funky Divas, further solidified their legacy, with tracks like “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” reaching No. 2 on the Hot 100 and “Free Your Mind” achieving another Top 10 hit. Additionally, “Don’t Let Go,” a hit from 1996, also peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Robinson departed from the group in 1997 to sign with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label, although she later reunited with En Vogue for brief periods in 2005 and 2009. Beyond her musical career, she has made appearances in films and starred in the inaugural season of R&B Divas: Los Angeles, showcasing her versatility as an artist.