Update on bus expansion, sponsors, media & reality
- Flo Eckhoff
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Today I want to give you an honest update – about our bus, collaborations, dates and also about what this path really means.
Hammer as a sponsor – more than just flooring:
I'm delighted to have Hammer as a sponsor. Hammer is not only supplying the product, but also providing the complete service: An interior designer will measure the required floor area, bring samples, and later install the flooring. I'll deliberately wait until after the appointment to share more details, as it will be filmed by a video crew. Then you'll get a more detailed look.
C driving licence & priorities:
I had actually planned to start my C driving license at the beginning of January. Marcel already passed his in November 2025. My current situation is quite different.
My days consist of phone calls, emails, planning, calculations, team meetings, and important conversations. The reason: The bus needs two new axles. There's still no final diagnosis because no body shop has yet inspected the bus on-site – everything so far has been done via photos and email attachments. But one thing is clear: This is going to cost five figures.
We've been working for six years without a vacation. We saved up, took out a loan – and this bus means everything to us. And yes: We're not giving up. I never have. And I won't now. The bus will be finished. Completely. Period. I'm focusing my attention on the people who inspire us, motivate us, support us, and accept us as we are. There's no helping the chronic complainers anymore.
Media, trade fair & stage:
The next few days will be intense.
Saturday: Article on swr.de
Sunday: Article in the BLV weekly newspaper
Monday: Feature on radio21 + full podcast episode with Annette Radüg
Also: Report in VanlifeMag.de in preparation
On Tuesday, January 20th, I will be at the CMT trade fair in Stuttgart:
3:00 PM – Living Room Stage, Hall 5. I'm looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible there in person. And yes: there will be more trade fairs in 2026.
Further cooperation is in sight:
Additionally, I had a very productive call with another company that might be interested in supporting me with future expansion. As soon as I receive a final commitment, I'll of course keep you updated.
Thank you, Mona:
I would also like to thank Mona Martens . She supported me during one of my photoshoots with her beautiful horse, Sanogo. Mona has already filmed with NDR (North German Broadcasting) and, together with her mother, is pursuing an impressive vision for her horse farm in Großensee.
Their focus:
Equine osteopathy, human physiology, movement therapy for riders, seat training, ground and cavesson work, lessons – and much more.
What is being created there is essentially a training and therapy center for horses and humans.
With the finished bus, I'll keep coming back there. And who knows – maybe something will eventually come of it together. A space for people and horses.
To be clear in conclusion:
This "project" is not for the faint of heart. I receive unsolicited opinions, messages, emails, and calls daily. Yes, focus makes a big difference. And yes, the positives outweigh the negatives.
But the reality is: I work a lot. Hard. Long hours. At all hours of the day and night. Our bus conversion is highly complex. It involves hours of phone calls, writing, planning, researching, and preparing – all unpaid. On top of that, I'm a full-time mother of two daughters, a homemaker, and self-employed as a doula and lactation consultant.
A message from my friend Franziska touched me deeply this week. She lives a nomadic life with her husband, daughter, and dog in a self-converted American bus. She wrote on Instagram:
"My husband and I are deeply impressed by your perseverance and what you've accomplished. It's fantastic that you're speaking at the CMT – you're a real rock star."
Receiving recognition from people who live exactly what we're building means a lot to me. Because love always wins. Love vibrates at a higher frequency than hate.
Conclusion:
I'm proud of myself. And I'll make sure I start with my C driving license at the beginning of February.
Currently, there simply isn't enough time – not the will.
All love
Flo
Donation account: From eviction to new beginning – family builds a new life in a bus