Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Torres.
Hi Sylvia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was working for an airline commuting 40+ miles 5 days a week and saving money for a car when the pandemic hit and we went into lockdown. I was furloughed and started collecting unemployment not knowing what was going to happen next. I had all these plans and they seemed unreachable. As one does during lockdown, I started watching a lot of YouTube videos on vanlife and the more I watched the more attainable it seemed. I have always loved travel & tiny living so this was perfect! It would also solve my housing issues since Los Angeles is expensive as we all know and I wouldn’t have to commute 40+ miles every day to work! I started to bring up the idea to friends & family and they all agreed it was crazy but so up my alley!
I called my dad and the next day we went looking for vans! We saw a listing on offer up and drove to Moreno Valley to check out the van! It was the perfect size, it ran really well and in my budget! It took us 15 days to convert it into my tiny home on wheels. My dad did a gorgeous job! I have been living in it ever since! My best friend and I took a month trip up the coast to Washington and back home. I went camping all summer and now I’m back in LA for the holidays! Staying close to family. I documented the whole build process and shared my adventures on TikTok & Instagram and have now started to make videos for YouTube. I have found purpose in sharing my story as a plus-size POC nomad living in her van.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think any Vanlife person would say our lifestyle is smooth. In fact, I think most of us would say it’s quite the opposite but the good outweigh the bad! When you live in your vehicle, you are giving up a lot of luxuries. My build is very simplistic. I do not have solar at the moment so I’ve been charging computers and portable batteries at family & friends. I shower every few days and because gyms are closed right now, I have been showering at friends & families & when I am traveling, I use a solar shower or pay to shower at truck stops. I rely on public bathrooms unless I’m camping. & don’t get me started on trying to find a parking spot! Then there are those times when you’re out in nature just you & the wind and you breathe the air and everything seems right in the world. Some people are afraid it will get lonely…. but I think we need to learn how to be alone it’s so freeing. Seeing the world & meeting new people… I wouldn’t trade those experiences for any luxury.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently on unemployment but before that, I was working for an airline as a customer service agent. I loved my job meeting people from all over the world, exchanging travel stories. I would love to travel full time and work remotely. I am looking into a few options at the moment. I live my life day to day since circumstances can change at any moment. I’m enjoying the journey.
What makes you happy?
Happiness is a feeling not a destination. I always remind myself that the ups and downs are all part of the journey and we should embrace both. With that said, I am happiest when I am exploring a new place, trying new foods, being creative & making connections with people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sylviathegnomad?igshid=h2dehozwe37s
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV67ItH5WFTd0tXHzFh0BoQ
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJQxKnub/
