Hollywood it-girl, Beau Dunn, multi-talented model, actress, artist and philanthropist, was born and raised in Beverly Hills, the daughter of a businessman/art collector father and actress/model mother. Dunn began her career in the fashion, arts and entertainment world at a very young age. Her face has graced ad campaigns for various high-end brands, and she has made cameo appearances for hit TV shows like “Entourage,” “Up All Night,” and “CSI.

Dunn captured the art scene with her first modern art collections, which included Barbie, Hello Kitty and gun inspired pieces. They evaded a provocative transformation of today’s most popular kid’s toys. The  well-grounded young beauty is also credited with having co-founded the Cure Lipedema Fund, a charity she holds very close to heart. I had the pleasure of interviewing Beau at her Los Angeles home, via Skype, a few weeks ago, where we spoke briefly about her drive.

 Who is Beau Dunn?

Beau: That’s kind of a hard question. I’m an artist, a sculptor; I have my own charity; there is a lot going on in Beau Dunn’s life. (Laughs) I was born and raised in Beverly Hills near the beach, and I went to high school right over the hill. Then I went to Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA to study studio art and sculpting, and at the same time I was modeling and ditching classes to go on auditions and photo shoots. Pretty naughty, but I love modeling and acting. I was juggling a lot of stuff at that time.

When did you start creating art?

Beau: I started creating art when I was a little girl. I remember when I was in the 2nd grade, my teacher asked what your parents did for a profession and I told everyone my dad was a sculptor. In actuality, he is a business man and art collector, so I was always immersed in art events and going to galleries. I always had a passion for art, especially my art classes.

Do you recall a memorable fashion shoot?

Beau: My glossy photo shoot with Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine, has left the biggest impression on me, I feel it was very TWELV inspired. It was a very dark shoot, shot in black and white. I especially loved this huge military hat. I love fashion; it was fun.

Tell us more about your Charity.

Beau: The role that fits me the best is definitely that of a philanthropist. I was diagnosed with a disease called Lipedema, referred to as “painful fat syndrome”. It is a fat disease prevalent among young women, especially those going through puberty. I figured this out after a long flight to New Zealand— my legs became very swollen and it was painful, Before I got diagnosed, I researched online and asked around other doctors but no one really knew much about this disease. So I went to a specialist, Dr. Karen Herbst, and thanks to her we founded the Cure Lipedema Fund. I started this charity because I wanted young girls to get treated.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Beau: My favorite childhood toys were definitely my Hello Kitty figurines. When I was probably six or seven years old, my dad had the license for his company, Munchkins, so for Christmas I would receive a huge gift bag with every single Hello Kitty toy. That was so much fun— I remember all my friends were jealous that I had all the Hello Kitty toys and they could not get them.

If you could do it all over again, what would you have done differently?

Beau: If I could do something all over again, I would probably not have ditched so many classes at Pepperdine. (laughs) Though working on photo shoots and going on auditions kept me grounded, I did miss a lot of art classes, which I am a little bummed out about, so if I could do it all over, I would miss less classes instead of being on fabulous photo shoots.

What new projects are you working on?

Beau: I am actually working on my new art show— it is a little top secret, but it will be a lot of fun! I am still working on my Hello Kitty pieces and now selling them exclusively on commission for limited editions. I am also working on a lot of editorials and a few TV pilot projects. (laughs as her Sphynx cat, Pierre, jumps into the frame to say hi). I’m also working on my charity, which is a really big deal to me to help out all those girls.

By Renato Amado