The ability to be creative; make something special out of something looking so ordinary is a gift possessed by some special people on earth. These people have the ability to turn their lives around with a moment of magical brilliance. Jessie Lipskin, a young lady in New York, is one of such people with this incredible ability. She achieved a remarkable feat in spite of initial opposition from members of her family.
From ordinary to extraordinary
Her story is inspiring in various ways. Guess what? She turned a greyhound bus into a home so many people will dream to have. This has not only brought about the transformation of her own life; so many people in the world today have also been inspired by this. Sounds amazing right? Read till the end to find out how she was able to get this done.
A desire to get more out of life
Jessie Lipskin had all that people would dream of; a career in finance, friends, and family who loves her. However, she was not satisfied. She felt deep inside her that there is more she can do with her life than what she had at that point in her life. Unlike many people who feel the same way, she didn’t allow the feeling to be anything more than a sensation she felt. She took the bold step that revolutionized her experience as a person.
A bold step
It really doesn’t make sense that something ordinary like a bus will turn someone’s life around. However, that was the case for her. In an ordinary day, while she was surfing the internet in an ordinary manner, she came across something so ordinary; a bus. She was living in Manhattan back then. She made the incredible decision to move into a new home: the bus. This was not an easy feat for her.
A story worth sharing with the world
It required a lot of dedication, commitment, and doggedness; but nothing was strong enough to deter her from building her new home. She had to dedicate three years of hard labor to pull through. Once all was set, her new home became a masterpiece; a rare work of art. The new home was a delight to her and she was proud to share her inspiring story with others.
How it all began
It was in the year 2015 that this amazing story began. She was bent on decluttering in order to give herself a better chance of improving herself as a person. Her desire drove her to purchase a 1966 GMC Commuter Greyhound bus she came across on eBay. She won the bid and bought it for $7,000. She felt incredibly lucky to have the opportunity for such a bargain buy. Interestingly, she does not have a driving license by then. She was determined not to allow anything to stop her.
Beyond a Fantasy
It is important to point out at this point that Jessie was not just trying to achieve fantasy. She made this step because she was purposeful about making a decision to improve the quality of her life. She ensured that she knew exactly what she was doing before embarking on the journey. She is not the first person to turn a vehicle into a home; hence, that is not the reason why her story is inspiring.
A new life
Her story is inspiring because she thoroughly thought about improving her and made a home for herself that will suit her new lifestyle. It is worthy of mention that Jessie was inspired by the documentary on architect Michael Reynolds. Reynolds built “Earthships” by making use of recycled materials. Jessie felt she should do something of this similitude in order to meet her inner desire for a better life.
Instinctual
Being a bookworm, she started reading and researching solutions that are in the same format. When she eventually came across the bus on eBay, she knew right inside her that this was the real deal. Her desire to see the world, being a lover of travels, made her see a home on a wheel as the perfect option. The opportunity to travel around while being at home made a whole lot of sense to her.
A forest in a seed
Great people have a common characteristic; they are able to see a forest in a seed. When Jessie saw the bus online, she knew that it had not tantalizing features. In fact, it only has some seats. However, Jessie was able to see beyond the moment. She saw the potential of the bus and ensured it was realized. She knew from the onset how the interior and the exterior of the bus was going to look like. It was hard labor that required a little modification at different locations across three incredible years.
Determined to pull through
She knew it was never going to be a ride in the park for her from the onset. Hence, she had made up her mind to give it whatever it takes to complete this transformation. She knew that there will be people in her life who will not believe in what she had decided to do, but she was never going to let that affect her commitment to her project. Her desire to do something she will be proud of was stronger than the voice of any opposition. The work soon began just as she had planned it to be.
The work began
No one has ever been able to make it on their own; Jessie was not different. She knew that she needed a team to get the job done and she hired a supportive and cooperative one. Jessie, with the support of her team, began transforming the bus by stripped the bus empty. She knew that for her to be able to build something new, old cogs had to be removed. With all seats and other impediments gone, the bus was set for a new look.
Challenges
There were challenges along the way that way conquered. She realized that it was more difficult to work on the bus than a home that has a fixed location. She didn’t have it easy with the slanted window. She knew that she would require the help of others and she was not too proud to get help. This was an important decision. Many people today are not able to achieve their dreams because they don’t want to have to acknowledge the contributions of others in their success.
Identification of limitation
Jessie didn’t fall for that trap. It is wisdom to be able to evaluate yourself and identify your limitation. She did this earlier enough and realized that she was limited in some ways. She knew that only the contribution of others will be sufficient to make up for this deficiency. Regardless of the contribution of others, it does not in any way change the fact that she is the one who had shouldered the burden of embarking on the project.
A little push from others
She knew she needed help with carpentry, plumbing, and electrical works. She had never received any training in these aspects. She searched for people who can be of help in these regards and she was able to find them eventually. Her friends, as well as some contractors, contributed significantly in order to transform the bus. She is forever grateful for this network of friends and local professionals who helped make her dream come true.
Family issues
However, she was not able to get support from the set of people she needed most: her family. No one had done that previously in her family. Her mother, in particular, was very critical of her. She felt it didn’t make sense that her daughter wanted to abandon her home to live on a bus. She was, however, able to overcome this challenge eventually. Her doggedness and commitment to the work convinced her family and she gained their support in the long run.
It depends on me!
Jessie knew that it was not good enough to have the support of her friends and her family for the project to succeed. She knew that she has to be on top of her game to get the job done. It was her vision. Hence, its success or failure ultimately lies on her. Hence, she ensured that nothing went wrong. According to her, the greatest challenge she faced was the building of closets, storage, and walls.
Perfection at the fore front
Failure to make the angle exactly the same each time the bus is parked will lead to a new issue. The door might not open, for example. Hence, she had to be detailed to ensure that everything was perfect. She meticulously scaled through this first hurdle with the help of her team. They completed the major framework and scaffolding of the bus to get set for further work.
Mind-blowing woodwork
Mike Slater, a local carpenter, was tasked with the unenviable task of doing the basic furnishings of the boss. Her response to a good job by Slater? “Amazing Carpentry”. This was her description of his work on her Instagram post. She was indeed thoroughly impressed with the contribution of the local carpenter. His work ensured that the kitchen countertops, all closets, and boarding were in place. Slater had ensured that the home was ready for further designs.
Behold the Masterpiece!
The new home cost $70,000. It was completed after three years of meticulous effort. She might be thinking that she had overspent. However, that is not the case. A standard, apartment in Manhattan costs much more. Hence, she had actually saved herself some money by getting her new home. Besides, it was more than a home to her, it was her pet project.
I made it!
The personal feeling of satisfaction she got from completing the work is worth more than money to her. This is confirmed by her willingness to show the world what she had been able to build after three years of hard labor.
All white Exterior
Most people only consider the interior as the proof that the transformation is complete. Jessie had other ideas. She was very concerned about how the exterior looked as well. The bus was painted white majorly and accompanied with a stripe of red, white, and blue. She was, however, not satisfied with this pattern. She preferred an all-white painting. True to form, she didn’t hush on this and got her design. She had the bus painted all-white.
Maximized interior space
Jessie felt awkward about the space of the interior of her new home. She was not comfortable with the fact that her new home looked bigger than previous home at Manhattan. Her plan to downsize her home in the first place was defeated. Hence, she decided to embark on maximizing the available space. She ensured that her new home is structured just like the way she wants it to be.
Home Indeed
She wants to be able to feel like she is at home right there. Hence, she brought in some touch of her previous home. She used some photos of her ancestors to decorate the home to reflect her root. Her great grandmother, who also lived in New York (Delancey Street on the lower East side precisely) is a huge fan of china plates. She brought them into her new home as well and made use of them regularly. She did all these to make her new home represent her family background and the kind of person she perceives herself.
21st Century Class Kitchen
The kitchen has a semblance of the modern kitchen. It is embedded with modern appliances and every other thing you will find in a standard modern kitchen. It has a stove, an oven, wooden countertops, as well as a large sink. The large storage is also a worthwhile mention. The kitchen is designed to make use of the environment. It is typically designed to reflect the personality of Jessie, the brain behind the design.
It is also equipped with a dryer and washing machine that are not energy-extensive. Jessie ensured that most parts of her adorable home had windows that allow her to have a good view of her environment. The windows of the kitchen were also designed with the same mindset.
21st Century Class Bathroom
The bathroom was also designed to offer luxury and a comfortable lifestyle. The bathroom is adjacent to the kitchen. It is big enough for a little exploration. It is embedded with mahogany wood slotted flooring. This makes it possible for water from the shower to be drained off almost immediately. There is a gray water tank that is mounted under the bus. Water from the shower drain which is also connected to the floor drain goes straight to this gray water tank.
The Bedroom
The most intriguing part of Jessie’s bus turned home is the bedroom. To say that the room is beautifully designed is an understatement. The aesthetic quality of the room is rare. Besides, it is designed such that it offers her beautiful views of her surroundings. She prefers this amazing view to have a TV. In fact, according to her, she was glad she didn’t have a TV!
She was more at home with waking up in the morning to enjoy the beauty of her environment than watching TV. I guess you are beginning to wonder what she does in her new home during her free time. Well, it is not farfetched. Do you remember that it has been mentioned earlier that she likes reading a lot? There is your answer.
Personal Library
You have probably been wondering whether she “miraculously” didn’t have a library. Of course, it will be a miracle for someone who has Jessie’s personality not to have a personal library in her new home. Jessie’s interest in reading did not submerge in her new home. She ensured that she added a small personal library to her new home. It was located at the back of her bedroom.
She filled it with books she planned reading during her free time. She was not happy with the fact that her commitment to transforming the bus to her new home had taken much of her time and prevented her from reading as much as she would have loved. She, therefore, ensured that she made up for lost time. She has fond memories of enjoying the comfort of her bed while reading a book.
Room for Visitors
Room for visitors? Yes, she had a room for guests in her new home. Her new home has everything you will find in a stationary home. Jessie ensured that there was nothing in her new home that will make her home inferior in any way to stationary home. The addition of a space for guests in a strong display of intent to ensure that her home is just like any standard home.
In spite of the limited space available, Jessie ensured that she created a space in her new home in case she has guest(s). The room is towards the front of the bus. It is big enough to contain friends or families who want to stay with her temporarily. This reflects her large heart to accommodate others. Some people would have claimed that there is not enough space to accommodate others. The visitors’ space had a touch of luxury and comfort that is reminiscent of the bus-turned-home.
Clothes?
Of course, she created space for that too. Who wouldn’t? However, it was lesser than she would have loved. This small space, however, taught her to be able to further keep only the things she needs in the long run.
Where is she now?
You might not want to hear this, but she eventually left her bus-turned-home for a new home. It ended up being a lesson for her rather than a permanent resident. She sold the home on Craigslist for $149,000. That is more than double the amount it cost her to set up the home in the first place. She has indeed made a lot of money from the sale of the home. However, this is not about commerce. She gained much more than the monetary gain.
Internalized Virtues
She didn’t only transform the bus, she had also transformed herself while transforming the bus. She had learned to take important decisions in life in spite of opposing views. She had learned not to be afraid to make important decisions in the future in spite of whatever price she might have to pay. She also made good friends during this amazing journey.
She is glad that the experience of owning the bus had taught her important lessons in life. She is also glad to know that her story has inspired other people to also make important decisions in their lives.
The Lesson
Just like Jessie, you are only limited in life when you think you are limited. Don’t hesitate to take bold steps you are convinced will be needed to improve the quality of your life. What will you lose in the long run? Maybe people laughing at you. That is what comedians do for a living! The fact that you are a little anxious to do what you want to do is not strange. However, it becomes an issue when you never take a step simply because you are anxious.
Take a bold step today
You have much more to gain by taking that bold step. Don’t let fear stop you. Don’t let opposition stop you. It is normal that some people, even important people in your life don’t believe in your dream. You become a failure when you begin to doubt yourself too. Your resilience and commitment to your dream in itself send a strong message to those opposing you. They will be eventually convinced to support you when they observe that you are refusing to give up on your dream.