The Bus

The Bus! I’m a research girl, and after much research, I settled on the need for a mini/shuttle bus for what I wanted the space to be. I found a Ford E450. And on October 27, 2023, I bought it! After having it checked out, of course, and talking to a few people about the conversion possibilities. She, Karma – yes, she has a name – was an old church bus. She came with an “I heart Jesus” keychain, which I have kept with her. The previous owner had bought her a few months before I did, and they wanted to turn her into a food truck, but she was meant to do better things - heal. The previous owners had already started a little bit of conversions, not much – but the seats were all taken out, flooring put in, and they had wood slat the ceiling.

I kept her stored at my parent’s farm for a few months while I sorted the conversion team. Then, in December, she went to conversions! I sent them a PowerPoint presentation on what I wanted, but I asked them to make suggestions because they knew what they were doing. They were great. We discussed the budget, and they showed me a 3D Cab drawing. Then, they went to work. There were process points, changing layouts – and, I am sure, frustration sometimes. But I owe that team everything; they helped make a dream a reality.

She has built-in electrical outlets. Cabinets with a sink and running hot and cold water were installed. Recessed lighting was placed on the ceiling. A generator closet was created. A new air unit was installed. An awning was built on the outside of the bus for chair massage events.

She was recently painted a very light blue. I’m still waiting for the logo work and a few minor details to be completed.

As much as I wanted to open in May and in June, patience is a virtue. This whole process has been a massive lesson in patience. I believe in the timing of things, and The Spa Lot will open Soon—when it’s the right time. Until then, I will work on the website and the admin side of this business and get everything ready for when that time comes. Slow and Steady wins the race, right?.