Inspiring Conversations with Alice Zealy of rain2shine ventures

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alice Zealy

Hi Alice, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At an early age, I found an immense passion for interior design and architecture. I studied art and design from grade school through high school and while other girls were subscribing to Seventeen magazine, I was making inspiration boards from Architectural Digest Magazine. While in high school, I attended “design camp” at North Carolina State prior to attending the university after graduation. Later, I furthered my education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a well-known school for their interior design program.

After a decade of putting my education to work in a variety of industries, including property management and retail, I embarked on my first business as a jewelry designer. I was discovered by a company in Los Angeles that hosts gift suites for major award shows and I was fortunate to adorn many celebrities in my custom jewelry line for red carpet events such as the Emmys, Golden Globes, and American Music Awards. Although I thoroughly enjoyed this endeavor, I wanted to branch out to other areas of design but couldn’t find the time to truly pursue those goals…until a major life change.

During my divorce in 2019, I began to realize what was important and what I truly wanted in life. I knew the big house, full of “stuff” did not bring me happiness. This soul-searching led to a simplified life where I wouldn’t be tied down to a brick and mortar home. I wanted the ability to use my creativity and the flexibility to travel. The RV lifestyle seemed like the perfect solution. I spent months hunting for the perfect camper for renovating to live in full-time. In early 2020, I found a 2003 Holiday Rambler Presidential 5th wheel with good bones and a great layout. Once I saw it in-person, I knew it was the one!

After purchase, I began renovations quickly. Within a few months, my new tiny home on wheels was complete. I shared progress as well as before and after photos of my 5th wheel on social media. Before I knew it, people began reaching out to see if I could also work my magic on their recreational vehicles–vans, buses, c-classes, 5th wheels, you name it. And so, the business was born and my life long dream of working in the interior design/architecture field had come full circle…in the form of RVs!

My first clients came in March 2021 and I have since tackled more than a dozen renovations for clients. My renovations have been featured in numerous national and international publications and blogs as well as News features. My eye for design and decor, and experience as a Full-Time RV-er set me apart from other RV renovators. I think about functionality in a small space better than most and know how to take my client’s ideas and style and turn each project into an aesthetically pleasing space that is functional, safe and unique!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A major challenge I struggled with in the beginning was making people aware of my services. Sure, people have been DIYing and modifying their own campers for years. And yes, there were already quite a few professional RV renovators in the field. But the majority of RVers didn’t (and a lot still don’t) know that you can hire someone to turn a used camper into a beautiful tiny home on wheels or mobile business. This has actually gotten even tougher recently with public forums shutting down the ability to share these services as they consider it “self-promotion.” We’ve definitely had to shift our marketing efforts due to those parameters and get more creative.

Another challenge is being a solo female RV renovator. There are quite a few of us out there but most consist of teams, such as a couple. We all do amazing work. However, there will always be people who question whether or not I do the actual labor. Although most of them are respectful in their questioning, there are some that just simply don’t believe that I can do this type of work without a man’s help. To which, I respond…you’re welcome to check out my socials where you can actually see videos of me building these campers and vans.

The truth is we all need help or a second hand from time to time and I did have quite a bit of guidance in the beginning from my spouse. I’ve gotten stronger and more confident with every project and am completely self-sufficient in my profession. At the end of the day, I believe my work speaks for itself and that will prevail.

Additionally, RV renovations are a very niche market. Although I no longer live in Raleigh, I still love the city and the people. Since there are very few renovators in the state of NC, I hope that if there is someone in need of my services in the Raleigh area, sharing my story and services will help them find rain2shine rather than having to go out of state.

As you know, we’re big fans of rain2shine ventures. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
1. Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know? What do you do, what do you specialize in?

rain2shine ventures is passionate about transforming recreational vehicles on a client basis into personalized tiny homes on wheels. We specialize in revitalizing and customizing RVs to fit your unique style and needs.

From modern upgrades and stylish interiors to functional layouts and meticulous attention to detail, we breathe new life into every RV we touch. Our mission is to enhance your travel experience by blending comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

We’re not just renovators; we’re adventure enthusiasts who understand the value of a well-designed living space on the road. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time traveler, our commitment is to create a space where you’ll feel at home, no matter where your journey takes you.

Join us in redefining RV living and let’s hit the road in style!

2. What sets you apart from others?

Alice, the owner of rain2shine ventures, is a Full-Time RV-er which sets her apart from other RV renovators. She thinks about functionality in a small space better than most and knows how to take her client’s ideas and style and turn each project into an aesthetically pleasing space that is functional, safe and unique!

As a client based company, we enjoy working with each individual/couple on their specific functional needs and style. While other RV renovators offer RV flips for sale or a renovated package deal, we customize each of our projects for that particular client’s wants and needs.

3. What are you known for?

We are known for our bold uses of color and “Magazine-Worthy” RV renovations. However, we are able to take any of our clients’ styles whether they want more neutral tones or those bold uses of color and streamline them into something beautiful.

Our renovations have been featured in numerous national and international publications and blogs as well as News features.

4. What are you most proud brand wise?

Breaking barriers/stereotypes in a male-dominated industry as an All-Female company, overcoming challenges, personally living the RV life, and most importantly…empowering others to live alternative lifestyles, get out of the “rat race,” and enjoy the simple life in style!

5. What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?

We offer customized RV renovations for each of our clients, taking into account each client’s wants, needs and style to create a space that’s not only functional but beautiful. From magazine-worthy tiny homes on wheels to mobile businesses, we do it all.

This is achieved through a detailed process where we take time to really get to know our clients. We request they share as much information as possible through our online RV remodel form as well as send us photos and links of their preferred aesthetic and design (when possible). We then set up a phone consultation where we get to know the client better and chat about their lifestyle, ideas and functional needs.

During our in-person consultation, we do a full assessment and inspection of the RV, including a thorough walk-through with the client to discuss the scope of work in more depth.

Following the consultation, we break down each major project (based on many discussions and assessments) into an itemized list with estimates, allowing the client to prioritize their list of must-haves and wants and discuss how all of that will fit into their budget. We tweak accordingly and hit the ground running.

During the renovation, we offer our clients options to fit their space–wallpaper, tile, lighting, furniture, etc. Some clients give us free reign to use our creativity and expertise for their RV and design while others are more particular on their specific functional needs, layout and floor plan.

What makes you happy?
Many things! But first off, I have to say RV life. It was literally one of the best decisions I ever made. I love the simple life and the RV community. I also truly love living in my self-renovated RV. I find so much joy and pride in living in a beautiful tiny house on wheels that I built with my own two hands.

Additionally, my cost of living in an RV resort is minimal ($500/month) which is nearly impossible to beat in our current economy and offers so many amenities. One of the benefits of my cost of living is being able to travel more often due to my immense savings which was one of the top reasons I wanted to live in an RV…travel and adventures.

Because I love RV life, I find great joy in creating opportunities for other people to enjoy it as well. Seeing my clients’ faces on “Reveal Day” is one of the best feelings! Additionally, knowing that I have helped set them up for success on the open road with a customized space to suit their functional needs and style, is an indescribable feeling.

Pricing:

• Partial RV Renovation: $10-30K
• Facelift: $30-45K
• “In-between”: $45-75K
• Full Gut and Rebuild: $75K+
• Consulting, Interior Design and Staging: Hourly Rate

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rain2shineventures.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rain2shineventures/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rain2shineventures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rain2shinervs
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rain2shineventures