RV Entrepreneurs: How One Woman Turned Her Passion into a Thriving Business
Q: Can you share how your journey with RVing began?
Chantal: My RV story began with family trips when I was young. We’d pack up and spend weekends at the lake with family and friends, creating unforgettable memories. This early exposure to RVing really ignited a lifelong passion for travel and adventure.
Q: What inspired you to purchase your first RV of your own?
Chantal: Rewind to 15 years ago, I had a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of my left leg. It was a challenging period in my life, but I found solace in nature. I spent several weeks camping in my SUV across Eastern Canada, hiking and kayaking, which was incredibly liberating and healing for me. After spending time camping in my SUV, I realized that while it was an adventure, it just wasn’t cutting it for me anymore especially for longer trips. It felt like a natural fit to go back to RVing—it was almost like coming home. With an RV, I could enjoy the convenience of having my home on wheels, making travel easier for me.Q: Which type of RV did you choose and why?
In 2012, I bought a 19-foot Cruiser Fun Finder travel trailer. I was looking for something small and versatile that could make my camping experience more comfortable and convenient, but still allowed me to access remote places that I loved to explore. I’ve had so many incredible adventures in that RV – I lovingly named it The Nook. I even met my husband in this RV, and we’ve made wonderful memories together camping with our two dogs.
photo credit: Marie Sur La Route
Q: How did your RV journey lead you to start your business?
Chantal: The idea for my business, Tiny Stays, came during an interesting time. After retiring from Canada’s Paralympic volleyball team, where I had the privilege of competing at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, I found myself looking for a new direction. I fell in love with hosting while renting out part of my home on Airbnb. When COVID hit, I wanted a project to occupy my time, so I called my father to help me renovate The Nook. That’s when my business Tiny Stays was born—a way to combine my love for camping with my passion for hosting. And one day I began renting out The Nook to guests on Airbnb.Q: Can you tell us more about Tiny Stays and what makes it unique?
Chantal: Tiny Stays is all about offering a unique camping experience. I focus on providing an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable retreat with luxury amenities – my goal is to help introduce guests to RVing and camping, escape the ordinary, and create lasting memories. Our RVs are also located just outside of Prince Edward County. ‘The County’ is renowned for its wineries, breweries, beaches, artsy culture, food scene and much more. But what’s special is that we’re located on First Nation Land, on the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Territory. The reserve is rich in history and culture, and we work closely with the Indigenous park owners, who have become like family to us. Our location offers guests not only beautiful views and access to local attractions but also the opportunity to engage with and appreciate Indigenous art and culture. We encourage our guests to visit local gift stores and experience the unique array of indigenous artwork available.
photo credit: Christine Reid
Q: We understand you recently added another RV to your collection?
Chantal: Yes, The Nomad is a 1971 Landyacht Airstream, which I purchased in the fall of 2023. I was drawn to its classic charm and history. Having The Nomad alongside The Nook allows us to offer even more unique experiences and introduce more people to the world of RVing.Q: What challenges have you faced in running Tiny Stays, and how have you navigated them?
Chantal: Building a business from scratch has its challenges, from managing bookings, cleaning and maintenance, to handling guest interactions – I do it all. Balancing all aspects of the business can be demanding, but it’s incredibly fulfilling.Q: Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey, what has been the most rewarding aspect of building and running your RV business?
Chantal: My experience has been extremely rewarding. Being an entrepreneur isn’t for the faint of heart, I tell you, but I’ve been very fortunate to have had a lot of help along the way. Now that my business is more established, I can enjoy it a lot more. What resonates most are the personal stories from our guests. We’ve had guests get engaged, celebrate anniversaries, and even baby moons. My favourite part is the friendships we’ve developed with returning guests who stay with us year after year. Visit the Tiny Stays website to learn more about Chantal’s RV’s and book your stay today. You can also follow Tiny Stays on Instagram.
photo credit: Kassandra Melnyk
