When we first heard Noami Grevemberg’s story, it felt like opening a door to endless possibilities. Noami’s life is a vibrant patchwork of courage, curiosity, and connection—a journey that began with the bold decision to trade stability for the unknown. Through vanlife, she didn’t just discover new landscapes; she unearthed new parts of herself, finding freedom in simplicity and strength in community.
As the founder of Diversify Vanlife and author of Living the Vanlife, Noami isn’t just carving her own path; she’s creating space for others to find theirs. Her reflections on intentional living, sustainability, and embracing your authentic self left us inspired to rethink how we define success—and how we connect with the world around us.
Redefining Success: A Leap into the Unknown
TBN: Noami, your journey started with a bold decision to leave behind the traditional 9-to-5 life. What inspired you to take that leap? How did it feel to embrace the unknown?
NG: Leaving the traditional 9-to-5 life wasn’t something I planned overnight—it was a slow realization that I wasn’t thriving in a system that didn’t align with my values. The tipping point came when I realized I was chasing a version of success that didn’t feel fulfilling. I wanted freedom, a deeper connection to myself and the world, and a chance to explore what truly made me come alive.
The decision to leave felt like standing at the edge of a cliff. It was thrilling and terrifying all at once. I had no roadmap, no guarantees, but I had this deep pull to trust that life could look different. I didn’t want to spend my days waiting for weekends or vacations to feel like myself; I wanted to live every day with intention, curiosity, and meaning.
Embracing the unknown was messy at first. I had to unlearn so many habits—like equating productivity with self-worth and success with busyness. But over time, that leap taught me how resilient I was. It showed me that even when things are uncertain, there’s power in trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.
That first step into the unknown wasn’t just about leaving behind a job but about choosing a life that felt more honest, more aligned with who I wanted to be. Looking back, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made because it gave me the freedom to redefine what “success” looks like for me.
TBN: Can you share a bit about the concept “Irie to Aurora”? What does it represent, and how does it connect to your personal journey?
NG: Such a great question.”Irie to Aurora” reflects my journey from peace and harmony to growth and transformation. “Irie” is a West Indian Patios term from my Trinidadian/Caribbean roots that means feeling great—being at ease with yourself and the world. “Aurora” symbolizes new beginnings, inspired by what was supposed to be a one-year road trip from New Orleans to Alaska to see the northern lights. Together, it’s about living intentionally, embracing change, and finding joy along the way.
Life on the Road: Lessons in Resilience and Joy
TBN: Living on the road comes with unique challenges and rewards. What’s been the most surprising lesson you’ve learned about yourself through van life, Noami?
NG: One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned through vanlife is just how adaptable I am. Living on the road forces you to face challenges head-on—whether it’s fixing something on the fly, navigating an unexpected detour, or learning to be okay when plans completely fall apart. I didn’t realize how much I could handle until I had no choice but to figure it out.
Vanlife also taught me that resilience doesn’t just come from grit—it comes from trusting yourself and finding joy in the little things. There’s something incredibly grounding about waking up to a sunrise over an unfamiliar landscape or learning to live well with less. Those moments taught me that I don’t need as much as I thought—not in terms of possessions or even certainty—to feel content.
But perhaps the most surprising lesson has been realizing the strength that comes from stillness. Being on the road often means long stretches of solitude, and at first, that felt intimidating. Over time, I learned to embrace it as a chance to listen to myself, reflect, and grow. It’s not always easy, but it’s given me clarity about who I am and what truly matters to me.
Living on the road is as much about exploring the world as it is about discovering my own capacity for growth, joy, and presence. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me, no matter where I am.
TBN: You’ve founded Diversify Vanlife to amplify underrepresented voices in the community. Why is inclusivity so important in this space, and what do you hope your platform achieves?
NG: Inclusivity in the vanlife and outdoor space is important because these lifestyles thrive on connection, diversity, and shared experiences. But for too long, the narrative of who belongs in these spaces has been limited—centered around a narrow, often exclusive image. Diversify Vanlife was born out of the need to shift that perspective and create a platform where underrepresented voices are not only seen but celebrated.
For me, it’s about more than just representation; it’s about equity and access. Everyone deserves to feel welcome, whether it’s on the road, in the outdoors, or within a community. The barriers to entry—be they financial, cultural, or rooted in systemic issues—are real. By sharing diverse stories and resources, I want to participate and help dismantle some of those barriers and open doors for others.
What I hope the platform achieves is a deeper sense of belonging for everyone, especially those who haven’t felt represented in these spaces. Whether it’s through showcasing diverse travelers, providing practical tools, or sparking conversations about equity and inclusion, the goal is to inspire others to see the road and the outdoors as spaces where they too belong.
Ultimately, I hope Diversify Vanlife serves as a reminder that our stories—every one of them—have value. And when we create room for more voices, we all grow richer in understanding, connection, and community.
TBN: What advice would you give to someone who’s considering vanlife but feels hesitant or unsure?
NG: The first thing I’d say is this: It’s okay to feel hesitant. Vanlife is a big step, and you don’t have to dive in headfirst—find a pace and approach that works for you. Start small. Maybe it’s a weekend trip in a rental van or even just sleeping in your car for a night to see how it feels. Those little steps can give you a taste of the lifestyle without the pressure of fully committing right away.
Second, focus on why you’re considering vanlife. Is it freedom, adventure, simplicity, or something else? Having clarity about your “why” will help you navigate the challenges and stay grounded when things get tough—because vanlife isn’t always Instagram-perfect sunsets and endless road trips. There will be hard days, but knowing why you’re doing it–the outcome you hope to achieve is what will make those moments worth it.
I’d also encourage you to let go of the idea that you have to have it all figured out before you start. You don’t need the most expensive van built or a perfect plan. Some of the best lessons—and the most memorable moments—happen when things don’t go as expected. Embrace the unknown, and trust that you’ll figure things out along the way.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of community. One of the biggest surprises for me has been how many incredible people I’ve met on the road. The vanlife community is full of resources, support, and inspiration—reach out, ask questions, and learn from others who’ve been there. You don’t have to do this alone or reinvent the wheel–pun intended.
If you’re looking for more practical tips and real-life stories from 10+ years of living on the road, check out my book, Living the Vanlife: On the Road Toward Sustainability, Community, and Joy. It’s part guide, part memoir, and filled with insights to help you navigate vanlife—whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in.
At the end of the day, vanlife isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s about creating a lifestyle that works for you. If you’re feeling drawn to it, trust that curiosity—it’s probably telling you something important about the kind of life you want to live.
Heartfelt Encounters: Stories from the Open Road
TBN: Your book, Living the Vanlife, dives into the nitty-gritty of the lifestyle. What was the most rewarding part of writing it, and what do you hope readers take away from your story?
NG: Writing Living the Vanlife was one of the most rewarding challenges of my life. It gave me the chance to reflect on a decade of experiences—both the highs and the hard lessons—and distill them into something tangible that others can learn from. It was also about more than just sharing the logistics or the dreamy parts of vanlife but offering a real, honest look at what this lifestyle can teach us about freedom, resilience, and living with intention.
One of the most fulfilling parts was knowing I could help people feel seen, especially those who may not have felt represented in traditional narratives about vanlife. Sharing my story—from embracing sustainability to navigating life on the road as a woman of color—wasn’t always easy, but it felt deeply important. I wanted readers to know that this lifestyle can look a million different ways, and there’s no “right” way to do it.
What I hope readers take away most is a sense of possibility—that there are countless ways to live a meaningful, fulfilling life. My story isn’t a blueprint; it’s an invitation to think outside the box, challenge societal norms, and explore what feels authentic to you. Whether that’s reimagining how you live, approaching sustainability in a new way, or simply appreciating life’s quieter moments, the goal is to inspire curiosity and courage.
And, of course, I wanted to provide practical value, too. The book is packed with tips, from van builds to sustainability practices, to help readers navigate their own journeys. My hope is that it feels like sitting down with a friend who’s been there—a mix of real talk, encouragement, and actionable advice.
For me, Living the Vanlife is a conversation starter. It’s a way to connect with readers, open doors for deeper discussions about sustainability, community, and freedom, and hopefully inspire others to carve their own paths.
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TBN: Traveling brings so many unique encounters. Can you share a favorite person, moment, or place from your vanlife adventures that deeply impacted you?
NG: One of the most unexpected and life-changing moments from my vanlife journey happened on a hot summer day in Texas back in 2019. I was on a long stretch of highway, just trying to make miles, when I saw a group of kids selling German Shepherd puppies out of a kennel. I’ve always loved the breed, but I wasn’t even thinking about getting a dog. Still, something tugged at me to stop.
When I walked up to the kennel, there she was—a skinny, big-eared pup with this wild energy and sweetness in her eyes. She climbed over her siblings, licked my face, and, honestly, I was a goner right then. After some back-and-forth, she was in my arms and heading back to the van with me.
I named her Amara, and she’s been my road companion ever since. She’s only known the open road as home, and she’s brought so much joy, playfulness, and love into my life. Amara has been a grounding presence during the highs and lows of vanlife and transitioning from partnered to solo travel—keeping me active, making me laugh, and reminding me to slow down and enjoy the little things.
Finding her was one of those serendipitous encounters that changed everything. She’s not just my dog—she’s been my anchor, my adventure buddy, and honestly, one of the best parts of this whole journey.
Staying Grounded: Noami on Intentional Living
TBN: Vanlife often encourages a simpler, more sustainable way of living. How has this lifestyle changed your relationship with material possessions and the environment?
NG: Vanlife completely rewired how I think about “stuff” and my place in the environment. When you live in a van, every single thing you bring has to earn its place—whether it’s a piece of gear, a favorite book, or even a jar of peanut butter. Space is limited, so you quickly realize that owning less isn’t a sacrifice; it’s freedom.
I went from being someone who thought more was better to someone who now sees value in intentionality. Each item in my life has a purpose—whether it’s functional, sentimental, or brings me joy. That mindset has stayed with me as I transition into homesteading. Even now, on 5 acres of land, I’m more intentional about what I build, what I bring into my space, and how I use resources.
Living in a van also gave me a front-row seat to the impact we have on the environment. You’re constantly immersed in nature—camping on public lands, waking up to sunrises, and falling asleep under the stars. But you also see the flipside—trash left behind on trails, overflowing campsites, and the fragility of these ecosystems. It made me hyper-aware of my own footprint and sparked this deep commitment to living sustainably, whether that’s minimizing waste, conserving water, or making more conscious choices with consumption. And it’s not about perfection, but being mindful and doing what you can with what you have.
I hope sharing this inspires others—whether they’re hitting the road or just looking to simplify life. Living this way has taught me that sustainability isn’t about doing without but doing things differently—and finding joy in that.
TBN: What does living intentionally mean to you, and how do you stay grounded while constantly on the move?
NG: Living intentionally, for me, means showing up fully for the life I’m creating—making choices that align with my values and staying present in the everyday moments. Moving through the world with purpose, whether that’s through the things I consume, the places I visit, or the way I connect with others.
Slow travel has been a huge part of that. When I was on the road full-time, I wasn’t racing to tick destinations off a list. Instead, I took my time—staying weeks or even months in places that felt right. That allowed me to truly experience the rhythm of a place, connect with its people and culture, and appreciate the nuances I’d otherwise miss. It taught me that grounding doesn’t come from staying still; it comes from being intentional about how and where you place your energy.
These days, staying grounded means maintaining that sense of slowness and presence, even in my daily life. I take long walks with Amara, let myself savor a good book, or spend an afternoon simply observing the desert from my porch. It’s not always easy but it’s those small, simple rituals that anchor me—when I’m on the road or at home.
Through my decade of living on the road, I’ve learned that intentional living isn’t a destination; it’s a practice–being okay with the ebbs and flows of life and staying true to what feels good and authentic in the moment.
TBN: Looking back on your journey, what do you hope your story and work inspire in others who are searching for their own paths, Noami?
NG: Looking back, I hope my story shows people the power of living in alignment with their values—even when it’s unconventional. For me, that meant leaving behind the “shoulds” society imposes—like what success or happiness should look like—and instead making space for freedom, joy, and connection. It’s not about having it all figured out but being willing to explore what feels right for you.
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the way it’s sparked conversations—about sustainability, minimalism, community, and the courage to live differently. Whether it’s sharing a quiet morning on the land or amplifying underrepresented voices in vanlife, my hope is that people feel seen and inspired to reimagine what’s possible for their own lives.
At its core, my work has come to embody the simple truth that life doesn’t have to follow one specific path to be fulfilling. It’s about making intentional choices and creating something that reflects your unique vision. If my journey has inspired even a small shift—whether it’s embracing simplicity, trying something new, or seeing yourself in spaces where you didn’t before—then I feel like I’ve done my job.
Click here to check all the interviews from our “Empowered Women Empower Women” series.
