From Corporate Zombie to Van Life Queen: One Woman's Epic Escape (and Why You Should Ditch the Cubicle Too!)

RIP Cubicle Hello Baja!

Okay dolls let's talk about Ashley Kaye. This isn't your typical 'Baywatch' moment – though trust me I've had a few of those! – this is about a real woman who said 'enough is enough' to the corporate grind. Post her father's passing she inherited her childhood home in Wisconsin. Now I know what you're thinking: Wisconsin? But honey this story is about to get spicy! She was working those crazy hours you know the kind that make you feel like you're auditioning for 'The Walking Dead.' I've been there juggling Bollywood Hollywood and now motherhood! But Ashley? She went full 'Don't Call Me Desi' and decided to rewrite her own script.

Scuba Diving and Existential Epiphanies

So Ashley's on a scuba diving trip in Honduras – because why not? – and meets someone who basically drops a truth bomb on her. This mystery guru whispers sweet nothings about quitting her job and traveling full time. Financially it is easier than you think they said! Apparently it's cheaper and easier than she thought. That's when the 'Quantico' level strategy kicked in. She went home worked harder and plotted her escape. Sounds like a Bollywood plot twist right? I swear life imitates art... or is it the other way around?

South Africa SOS and a 'Home' Truth

Fast forward a few years and Ashley's globetrotting during a pandemic! Cut to: South Africa. Cue drama! She gets the call about her aunt being ill and has to fly back to Wisconsin. But somewhere over the Atlantic she has an epiphany. The islands were calling and she knew selling the house was the right choice. She realized that home wasn't a place it was a feeling. It's like when I left India to pursue my career in America. Scary? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely! It's all about trusting your gut darlings.

Van Life Dreams and Instagram Inspiration

Back in Wisconsin Ashley starts prepping the house for sale and suddenly van life becomes a thing. No more terrible plane rides with her dog! Plus this girl's a photographer so she needed something rugged. The universe then throws her an Instagram lifeline. A couple who'd been overlanding in South Africa reached out. Overlanding for those not in the know is basically off road glamping in a vehicle. She dived into research and bought a Toyota Tacoma truck for $42,934. I mean I've spent more on a handbag (don't tell Nick!).

From Zero to Pan American Hero

Ashley picks up her new baby in South Dakota drives it back to Wisconsin and bam! House sold in March 2023. Her motto? 'The plan is there is no plan.' Which honestly is how I approach most red carpets. She heads straight to Baja California Mexico for some serious truck makeover planning. She finds a company to trick out her truck bed adds solar power new tires all the bells and whistles. Estimated cost? Over $50,000. But hey you can't put a price on freedom right? Then she hits the Pan American Highway because why not go big or go home? (Except home is now a truck.)

Life Lessons from the Road (and Why You Should Book That Flight!)

So far Ashley's conquered over 20 countries. She says it's not all sunshine and rainbows – it's work logistics border crossings but so worth it. But her biggest takeaway? 'Life is too short so just live.' I couldn't agree more darling. My dad always told me I could do anything and he's right. So whether it's quitting your job learning a new language or finally trying that questionable street food just do it! As I always say 'You can't spell Priyanka without 'can'!