Story & Lesson Highlights with Dawn Hoffman of Venice Beach

Dawn Hoffman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Dawn , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My mornings are precious to me. Most start with gratitude, meditation, a morning walk to the Venice Pier, and, depending on the time, a beach walk up to the skatepark, graffiti walls and Windward circle. I stop at The Cow’s End for some coffee beforehand, where the community of regulars share a hello, some small talk, and the staff offers a warm greeting. In the pier parking lot, I am always met by familiar faces of my surfer friends getting out of or about to get in the water. This includes the Famous GleniceVenice doing his surf report. I include a walk to the end of the pier where there is an exact center point which creates an “echo box.” There, I offer a blessing in the four directions, above, and below to my loved ones, community, the city, the country, any country at war, and the world as a whole. As I walk back, I usually see more familiar faces, photograph surfers, and every once in a while, dolphins. It really brings me joy that my big city feels like a small town every morning. Of course… depending on what is happening with work, the weather, or the day of the week, this routine needs adjusting.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dawn Hoffman, and if I had to define my brand, it’s rooted in creative freedom and the knowing that I can never fit into just one box—(You can explore my diverse work at dawnhoffmancreative.com.)

For over 28 years, my primary career focus has been Bidding and Producing television commercials, where I developed expertise as a highly adaptable, resilient professional in the commercial world.

However, the freedom of freelancing has allowed me to pursue passions that fuel my spirit. This past year, between commercial projects, my focus has been on producing and curating art shows. You can find out more on IG @inspiredart_shows. Having been passionate about photography since age 16, I also make time to exhibit my work. This years focus has been ‘For the Love of Venice’ a photo greeting card series. I am currently curating monthly shows, actively demonstrating my ability to transition vision into tangible, community-focused events. This work has been noticed, leading to a recent consulting role on a project that integrates strong philanthropic and production elements. I am also excited for the art shows already planned for 2026!

In short, I am a visionary producer whose success in the commercial industry fuels a passion for creative expression, community activism, and partnering with creatives to help them share their work and pursue their goals confidently.”

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Wow! That’s a deep and powerful question.

In the past few years, I’ve realized that while helping others is part of who I am, understanding others perspective to the best of my ability is key, some relationships mirrored a pattern where I gave more than others in the name of love, integrity and loyalty. The good news is, I have recognized this pattern can cause suffering or become a lesson. I am grateful for the mirror of where I needed to grow, heal and let go. I would never want anyone to feel misunderstood or alone. I had to learn to set boundaries and not give everyone a seat at my table. Truth is that I deserve to be around people who are proud to have me around and champion me as much as I do them. I will always see the best in others and yet no longer make excuses for them when their pain or pattern hurts me. Unconditional Love does not mean “I love if you”. It means I love you and respect where they need to be one your journey. If it is not with me, that is ok. Being the first to apologize, setting down your ego and being gentle with myself and others is so important. We are all so worthy of love and if we are lucky we learn to become the safe space instead of relying on others to do that for us.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The kind thing I would say to my younger self is:

“You are amazing, Girl! You always have been. You are worthy of love. Your intuition is a precious gift. Trusting yourself cultivates safety. Believe actions, not words. Your light is meant to shine, and abundance has always been yours—claim it.

We are all unique expressions, and sometimes others are not able to hold, reflect back, or meet us where we are in our growth and healing. Stay grateful, for everyone is a teacher. Never allow others to define who you are. Stand in your power, speak your truth and always choose you if anyone makes you choose.

Be willing to grow for yourself, and when in love, love as deeply, purely, and honestly as you can. Play as much as you can. And work doing something you love with people you like.

The desire you had at such a young age to help others and heal the world is beautiful and unending. You see everyone as equal and deserving of love, and that is a precious, precious quality.”

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 do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that we are all sparks of the same Creator. I believe when there are 10,000 names for “God,” arguing about what someone else believe is silly. The point of this existence is to illuminate this light in each other.

Because of this, I believe there is not a single soul on the planet that can suffer without it affecting the 8 billion people on the planet.

I believe we all come into our “earth suits” with a set of lessons to learn, which includes how well we nurture the body, mind, and soul. And I believe the common thread we all came here to learn is that when we lead with love for all beings, we all thrive. When we release fear, we come to understand that Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes is the simple answer. I work in Production, where it is often said, “We have a thankless job.” (Haha!)

I do think it is in our nature to want others to recognize our hard work and effort, but expecting acknowledgment often leads to disappointment. I am so grateful for reading “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz when it came out. “Always Do Your Best!” is one of the agreements, reminding me to give what I know is my best, even if at times others expect more. I have volunteered a lot and given my best, and seldom does anyone stop to praise. I give my best in all things because it makes me feel fulfilled and proud of myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dawnhoffmancreative.com
• Instagram: @dawndhi @inspiredart
• Linkedin: edin.com/in/hoffmandawn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.hofman29
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKiTOuEOs29tArXaU8225mQ

Image Credits
Dawn Hoffman