Today we’d like to introduce you to Cali Blue Bus.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Our names are Elyse and Aaron and we are the owners of Cali Blue Bus. In 2019, while we were out on a date at the San Pedro Fish Market, Elyse received the phone call that we had won a 1973 VW bus in an Instagram raffle (yes, those are real!). She bought just one raffle ticket and it ultimately changed our lives.
Both of us always loved the open road and camping with our two husky dogs, so this was the perfect and cozy adventuring companion, as it’s equipped with most everything one may need to embark for some unforgettable memories. Some of the best moments while on the road are the smiles and the conversations from strangers turned into friends; this blue bus has definitely brought people together. We wanted to share its nostalgia with others and that was the idea for starting our small business as we made the Cali Blue Bus available to rent servicing Southern California.
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?
That year, we experienced a rite of passage to becoming true VW owners: completely breaking down in the middle of nowhere and putting thousands of dollars towards repairs. We didn’t know a thing about VW’s but quickly became novice mechanics after it had numerous mechanical and electrical issues. The engine had even caught on fire while we were driving on the eastbound ten freeway. We made a video about that incident and posted it on YouTube. You can view it here: https://youtu.be/prZKNS-omYg.
Then the pandemic happened. Our road trips had seized, our starting business came to a halt and like everyone, we were wondering what will happen next. Elyse’s creative spirit led her to the idea of an Etsy store selling Cali Blue Bus merchandise that she designs, anything from T-shirts, mugs, enamel pins and so much more. As much as she loves designing and making her visions a reality, we both really missed sharing its classic vintage charm with others and simply just interacting with people again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our 1973 VW bus is primarily used as a backdrop, a focal point for any event including weddings, photoshoots, private parties, corporate functions and movie filmings. We feel so honored to be a part of some of the happiest moments in people’s lives; the Cali Blue Bus is the life of the party and promises to deliver smiles for miles!
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
It was because of the pandemic that we thought how do we still share this classic VW charm in a more intimate and safe setting. We ultimately came up with it being booked as a unique beach getaway experience on AirBnB. Located in the South Bay, we offer the curious taste of “vanlife” to guests celebrating milestones or simply unplugging from the hustle and bustle of the city. The feedback we receive is amazing! Everyone’s favorite is watching the sunset and nothing beats falling asleep to the sounds of waves crashing. Just reading through guests’ reviews is heartwarming and we are so honored in creating the memories for them that they’ll never forget.
All in all, it was a very rocky start, an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. Though through patience, persistent, learning to work with your better half and not giving up on a vision, we have come to love our little blue bus through the ups and downs and hope to continue to share it with others for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.calibluebus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calibluebus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaliBlueBus
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cali-blue-bus-palos-verdes
- Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaliBlueBus?ref=shop_sugg.
Air BnB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/44670532?adults=1&check_in=2021-11-26&check_out=2021-11-28&translate_ugc=false&federated_search_id=1f78a983-3d6d-4446-9c0a-27084894b696&source_impression_id=p3_1635971896_efCf9pcg2%2BzaziKb&guests=1
Image Credits:
Contributing Photographers: Sharony Digital Photography, ICoronado Photography, Kara Coleen Photography, Ana Karotkaya Photography
