From Bullying to Building Dreams: Aylú’s Journey Transforming Buses into motorhomes
Aylú is building a thriving business transforming buses into custom motorhomes, fueled by a childhood memory and a determination to overcome past challenges. Her company, GigiMotornomes, offers personalized motorhome builds and is preparing to launch a rental fleet, opening up the experience of road travel to a wider audience.
Aylú’s path wasn’t always paved with success. She faced sexism in a traditionally male-dominated trade. “I have been practicing this trade for five years now and they still want to teach me how to do things for the simple fact of being a woman,” she explains, acknowledging the prevalent gender stereotypes within the construction world. However, instead of conforming, she actively embraces her femininity. “I try to make the fact of being a woman in an industry that usually has men as protagonists an advantage: I know it is indeed striking, and I try to use that to our advantage to enhance our venture. I even exaggerate: I make my nails more and more striking and I always use bows in my hair.”
Beyond custom builds,gigimotornomes aims to provide access to the motorhome lifestyle through rentals. The upcoming fleet will allow individuals to “open the experience to those who dream of traveling on wheels without having to buy or transform a vehicle.”
Aylú offers advice for those selecting a motorhome, emphasizing the importance of considering group size. “The most vital thing when choosing the vehicle is the number of people who will be traveling,” she cautions. Vans typically accommodate two or three, while larger buses can fit up to eight, and travel distances should also be factored in. She also warns against common mistakes,specifically choosing a vehicle that is too large “without having professional registration or experience” in handling its dimensions,noting that many larger motorhomes require professional licensing. Conversely, she advises against selecting a vehicle too small to meet a family’s needs.
The business is experiencing rapid growth, encompassing workshops, online courses, consultancies, a growing social media presence, and collaborative projects with other companies. The launch of the rental service,currently in advancement using a former school transport vehicle designed for four or five people,is the next major milestone.
Aylú’s inspiration stems from a cherished childhood memory: looking out the window of a motorhome built by her father. ”Life, somehow, gave him that postcard back,” she reflects, “Only now she is also part of those who turn the key to the engine and set dreams in motion.”
