A single mother built a tiny house by herself after a divorce, and she says it changed her life
In the wake of a tumultuous divorce, Kelley Lewis found herself at a crossroads, tasked with single-handedly caring for her three children in Columbus, Ohio. Determined to reclaim her sense of purpose and chart a new course for herself and her family, she embarked on a journey of resilience and reinvention, finding solace and inspiration in an unexpected project – the creation of a tiny house for her family’s holiday retreat.
Lewis’s story unfolds against the backdrop of a challenging past, marked by unexpected twists and turns that shaped her journey. In 2008, amidst the strains of marriage and an unforeseen pregnancy, she found herself grappling with the weight of unfulfilled dreams and stifled aspirations. Trapped in a career she loathed, Lewis reached a breaking point, culminating in a harrowing battle with depression and a desperate suicide attempt when her son was just 10 months old.
Yet, even in the depths of despair, Lewis’s indomitable spirit shone through. Confined to a hospital bed, she seized upon her lifelong passion for childcare, sketching out the blueprint for a daycare business that would later become her beacon of hope and resilience. With unwavering determination, she turned adversity into opportunity, trading her soul-crushing job for the fulfillment of entrepreneurship and ultimately franchising her own daycare center.
However, life had more trials in store for Lewis, as she grappled with the aftermath of a painful divorce in 2012. Amidst the throes of grief and self-doubt, she found herself navigating familiar territory, confronting emotions reminiscent of her darkest days. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her life while raising her children, Lewis sought solace and renewal in a project that would become her lifeline – the creation of a tiny house nestled amidst the serene landscape of South Vienna, Ohio.
Amidst the serenity of the lake, Lewis found a glimmer of hope and opportunity. Recognizing a chance to breathe new life into the developer’s struggling plots of land, she seized the opportunity to purchase 1.5 acres, investing her hopes and dreams in a tangible vision for the future. With determination and resilience as her guiding forces, she embarked on the monumental task of building her family’s holiday retreat, pouring her heart and soul into every nail and beam.
Kelley Lewis’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. Through adversity and triumph, she has forged a path of courage and resilience, transforming hardship into opportunity and reclaiming her sense of purpose amidst life’s greatest challenges. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all that even in our darkest moments, there is always the promise of a new beginning, waiting to be embraced with courage and conviction.
