Meet Catina: Your Expert Guide to Solo Van Life

I’m Catina, The Van Lifestylist.

I curate the foundations of confidence, safety, and freedom.

After years of exploring, downsizing, and living on the road, I’ve learned that "ultimate freedom" isn't about the perfect van—it's about the systems that keep you there. I focus on Function Over Fashion. My mission is to help you bypass the "aesthetic trap" and "information overload" by curating the logistics, mindset, and practical tools you need to transition to the road with confidence.

A woman sitting at a table in a coffee shop, holding a mug, smiling at the camera. The background features a menu board, hanging lights, and shelves with items.

Why I’m Your Guide

I’ve tested the nomadic lifestyle across nearly every vehicle type to understand what truly works:

  • The Scale: I’ve managed the complex mechanical and logistical demands of a 33-foot motorhome.

  • The Simplicity: I’ve lived full-time in a Toyota Sienna minivan using a removable, non-permanent Roadloft kit.

  • The Transition: I spent years in tiny house communities, learning how to create "home" and community in small spaces.

  • The Future: This Spring, I am moving into a used Ram ProMaster and installing a modular Roadloft conversion that will grow and adapt with me.

Expertise You Can Trust: The Practical Side

Most van life guides focus on complex carpentry or expensive custom builds. I take a different approach because my background is built on professional precision.

I am a full-time solo traveler (usually with my dog, Henry, close by) and a Federally Credentialed Tax Professional (Enrolled Agent). I bring that same level of logistical accuracy to your journey. When I talk about residency, health insurance, and budgeting for van life, I’m helping you navigate the real-world financial realities that make this lifestyle sustainable.

My Mission

I founded The Van Lifestylist to be the practical, relatable guide I wish I’d had. Whether you are a solo female traveler over 45 navigating safety anxieties or an aspiring nomad who wants to avoid the stress of a traditional carpentry-heavy van build, I provide the educational tools and personalized mentorship to get you on the road safely.

I focus on the logistics of living, so you can enjoy the freedom of the road.

A Few Places I’ve Shared My Journey