Dawn McCoy is a tv & podcast host, social media influencer, actor, writer, singer/songwriter and personality… and not just in a “TV personality” kind of way. As a little girl growing up in Dallas, Texas, her family would frequently sing oldies to her: Lloyd Price’s “You’ve Got Personality” when they were delighted by her zeal for life, and Joe Jones’ “You Talk Too Much” when they weren’t so delighted. But, even at an early age, Dawn loved people. It was clear that she had a gift not only for gab, but for connecting people, communicating with people, and inspiring them to be their happiest selves when she was around. She literally spread sunshine and smiles wherever she went. That smile has taken her on a whimsical, winding road – one on which she was amongst other things, Barbra Streisand’s personal shopper, a makeup artist, and a country singer at The Grand Ole Opry – only to realize that that earliest, purest gift of hers was her greatest gift.
With that gift, she spreads sunshine today as a host, writer, humanitarian, social media influencer, beauty and lifestyle expert, public speaker, actor, and singer/songwriter. You could say she stays busy. But as one of the most respected foodies in Los Angeles, at least she doesn’t stay hungry… or thirsty.
A proponent of “doing good,” she’s been the spokesperson and Global Ambassador of Good for Unite4Good, is an ambassador for No Kid Hungry, and her #Dear15Me philanthropic social media movement was featured on The Real. As a voiceover actor, you have heard her as the voice of Marshalls, Subaru, Serta, Target, Overstock, Diet Dr. Pepper, Little Tikes, UPS and many more.
Dawn lives in Los Angeles, with her Maltese, Miss Ellie, in a place called “Casa Texacali” – because you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can never take Texas out of the girl.
Name: Dawn McCoy
Occupation: I’m myself for a living, aka, a professional talker: host, actor, writer, emcee, public speaker, social media personality, singer/songwriter, humanitarian, and Host & producer of the celebrity-meets-culinary podcast, “Dine & Dish with Dawn.”
Website: iamDawnMcCoy.com and Dawnspiration.com
Instagram: @iamDawnMcCoy / @DineAndDishWithDawn
Twitter: @iamDawnMcCoy
Facebook: /DawnMcCoyOfficial
1. What are three words that best describe you?
For some reason, this challenged me. So, I decided to turn it into a game and ask my friends and social media family. The most popular answers were: “Joyful. Inspiring. Charming..”
And, my dear friend – and, former boss – Nami wrote: “FIND YOUR HAPPY.” Yep. That’s what I like to think I’m here to do – help inspire people to “Find their happy.” Thanks, Nami.
2. Tell us why you’re awesome in two sentences or less.
No pressure! Ha! I’m an eternal dreamer and lifelong creative, I trust that when I fall, I can put myself back together and have learned that the cracks that remain are just there to let the light shine through in a way it couldn’t before. I also get to be “me” for a living, which is pretty much the coolest thing ever – I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for this.
3. What are your three biggest indulgences?
- A really good Cabernet Sauvignon
- Crème de La Mer (I’ve been using the original cream for 20 years, thank you very much)
- First class airfare with my pup (much to my accounting professor mother’s chagrin)
4. What’s currently your favorite…
Restaurant: In Los Angeles: Franco’s on Melrose – my secret little hidden gem for intimate dinners and the best authentic bolognese. Officine Brera for their better-than-sex gnocchi. Citizen Beverly Hills for dinner parties, business dinners and happy hours, and Homestate for QUESO!!! In Palm Springs, Mr. Lyon’s for their killer wedge salad and Cheeky’s for breakfast – the best chilaquiles you’ve ever tasted.
Food: Macaroni & cheese at San Ysidro Ranch, Over The Rainbow citrus cake in Palm Springs, and one of Cara Kleinhaut’s beautiful cheese boards for a lazy summer day. Janie Bryant’s Green Goddess dressing. Five Daughters Bakery donuts in Nashville. You know. LIGHT fare.
Cocktail: A Mi Cocina margarita – on the rocks with salt – in Dallas, Texas. And, I love me a frequent glass of Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet.
Shopping destination/store: I’m a sucker for Anthropologie. I feel an odd connection to the place. And, as a lover of all 60s & 70s fashion – I basically want to be Jaclyn Smith, Priscilla Presley and Elizabeth Taylor rolled all in one.
For the best vintage, I always go to see Nicolas at The Fine Art of Design in Palm Desert and Jam Leonard here in Los Angeles. And, for furniture, I’m all about Christopher Kennedy in Palm Springs, Taylor Burke Home, Tov and Sunbeam Vintage.
Fashion item: Always a protective or nostalgic necklace of some sort – a St. Christopher medal or a map necklace with a diamond coordinate marking The Dallas Theater Center – that I can touch for reassurance or clutch when I’m nervous. Nashelle makes really good ones, too. Necklaces that I wear close to my heart have to speak to it, as well.
Place to hangout: my new home – Casa Texacali, The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel Bar or The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
City: Beverly Hills!!!!
Travel item: Portable Amazon Echo speaker – I love to get my groove on while getting ready wherever I’m traveling. I’m an avid “mix-tape-maker”. I believe the kids today call them “PLAYLISTS.”
Beauty product: A must-have for me are good corner half lashes like the ones from Ardell because they’re easy to apply! Never get photographed without ‘em. Also, loving Mark By Avon lip paint in Cozy and my eternal favorite Fusion Beauty lip gloss in La Lip Jolie – both the perfect pale pinks. And, for my nightly baths, Rituals bubble bath and Kneipp Bath Salts are my musts for a foamy, relaxing end to every day.
Skincare product: Creme de La Mer face cream
Hostess gift: My signature “Bubbles and bubbly” (usually a Tocca Stella bubble bath, Sophia champagne and a cheeky bottle opener). I fervently believe you should always have a bottle of bubbly in the fridge to pop in case a celebration pops up, and bubble bath at the ready to celebrate nightly for no reason at all.
Home décor item: Obsessed with my new artwork for my new home from the Christopher Kennedy collection for Wendover Art Group and the patron saint Dolly Parton painting by Scarlet River that hangs over my desk.
Book: My quote book journals I’ve collected since age 12 with quotes that inspire me.
Website: LuluAndGeorgia.com – I’m in the finishing stages of designing my home and I find endless inspiration there.
Magazine: Domino (GOALS!!!)
Please list at least three of your absolute favorite, MUST-HAVE items. (If you were stranded on a desert island, you would probably bring these with you.)
My dog, Miss Ellie, the Miss Manners book my mother inscribed a very special message in, and a photo of me in pink satin shorts and cowboy boots as a 5-year-old child which reminds me that the spunky girl I was is the same woman I am today.
5. What’s the ONE thing you absolutely can’t live without?
Nighttime bubble baths. I take one every single night to unplug and unwind, and it’s my one must-have when selecting a home or hotel. It’s imperative to me as an extrovert to have that luxurious alone time every night… even if for just a few moments.
6. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Flakiness. I look forward to things as soon as the plan is set so when people cancel, don’t show or forget, I find it hard to forgive. I attribute it to having the huge heart of a 3-year-old who can be easily let down when her hopes are high. Ooh, and one more? Not a big fan of lack of gratitude and competition between women. We are here to cheer each other on, people! It makes life so much more joyful.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (living or not) who would it be, and WHY?
Bruce Springsteen – quite simply because I love him and he’s basically the sexiest man on the planet. Joel McHale – because no one has ever made me laugh harder. Pat Conroy – my wordsmith mentor who passed away but who still inspires me with his southern fiction and lyrical voice. Dolly Parton – because her marriage of work ethic and heart inspire me.
And, my Nanny – because I wish I could hug and kiss her one more time, tell her how much her heart inspires mine, show her that her curtains and chandeliers live so beautifully in my new home, and so I could finally give her that cheerleading picture of me she asked for in high school that I never found time to send.
8. What does it mean to you to have a strong, engaging brand and how has having one helped you?
I love people. In fact, when people ask me what I love most about what I do, I say “People. People are my favorite.” The world of social media has opened up a whole other realm where I get to meet new friends and engage with people on a daily, personal level that I was never able to before. Since my brand is basically me – and, entails just authentically being such – all I have to do is share my voice, speak my truth and hope that it resonates with and inspires who it’s supposed to reach.
9. What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
You are absolutely perfect just the way you are, kiddo. The things that you think are weaknesses right now? My darling, they’re actually your gifts. And, one day, your dreams will come true because of those so-called weaknesses and differences. Start viewing them as your superpowers. Pinkie swear. Also, travel as much as possible. No money? No problem. Just visit a corner of the world outside your comfort zone – it could even be the next county over.
10. What is one piece of advice you would give to women today about staying true to themselves and succeeding on their own terms?
It’s really important to REALLY get to know yourself. Use moments of vulnerability, weakness, failure, breakups and loss as opportunities to enjoy your own company, rediscover yourself, reconfigure your goals and dreams, and really get CLEAR about who you are and what you want.
The best thing that ever happened to me was breaking up with my boyfriend of 7 years at age 33. I thought the world was over and now of course I realize, it had only just begun, or, rather, given life – and, light – to an entirely new world, one in which I both can’t wait to wake up in the morning, and one where I’m at peace with myself. Trust that what is meant for you will find you, and let go – as easily and gracefully as possible – of those things that are not.
1. Topo Chico Mineral Water
The zero calorie beverage’s natural mineral composition quenches thirst, assists with digestion, and cures hangovers. (Thanks for the tip, Dawn.)
Less than $5, amazon.com
2. Diane Von Furstenberg Luggage
Classic, durable pieces with timeless flare, so you’re sure to travel in style.
$120 – $1,500, amazon.com
3. Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet
Grgich Hills Estate produces elegant, complex wines with a consistently superior level of quality – the cabernet being Dawn’s favorite choice.
$72 – $375, grgich.com
4. Portable Amazon Echo Speaker
This hands-free speaker is portable, customizable, controlled by your voice, and always getting smarter. It’s perfect for traveling, and everywhere else!
$84.99, amazon.com
5. Crème de La Mer
La Mer’s luxuriously rich cream deeply moisturizes and infuses skin with sea-sourced renewing energies, leaving it naturally vibrant and restored to its healthiest center.
$85 – $2,095, cremedelamer.com
6. Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior
An indispensable manual to navigating life from birth to death without making a false move. Miss Manners is the gold standard to consult for etiquette and behavior, the essential currency of a civilized world.
$10.76 – 25.90, amazon.com
7. Five Daughters Bakery Donuts
100 Layer Cronuts, cake butter pastries, healthy paleo and vegan options, stuffed happy doughnuts and the perfect cupcake – is your mouth watering too?
Prices vary, fivedaughtersbakery.com
8. MALIN+GOETZ Candle
Burn a sage candle for good vibes, or the vetiver for something crisp, clean and classic. There’s even a mojito scent that promises to refresh with traces of mint and lime to brighten any mood.
$22 – $55, malinandgoetz.com
9. RITUALS Bath Foam
For the perfect end to everyday, draw yourself a calming bubble bath equipped with RITUALS bath foam and enjoy the luxury you deserve.
$19, rituals.com
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