The tiny house movement has gone beyond just the realm of housing preferences; and become a cultural phenomenon. Beyond the allure of downsizing and simplifying, it represents a profound shift in lifestyle, inspiring individuals like Michelle “MJ” Boyle to not only envision but create a life uniquely their own. Embracing the tiny home lifestyle isn’t just about reducing square footage; it’s about embracing freedom, financial independence, and sustainability.
Michelle’s story resonates as a testament to individual empowerment and creative ingenuity. Her decision to embark on the path of building her own small house meant not only a shift in her living space but also a transformation of her perspective on autonomy and financial stability. Through her journey, Michelle embodies the spirit of turning dreams into reality and shows how determination and ingenuity can reshape one’s life trajectory.
The tiny house movement has swept the world, especially the United States, as we have all seen! From homes with lots of gadgets to those with more modest, minimalist styles! Many of us have the desire to uproot our lives and create our own little homes, and some of us are actually making that dream come true!
Construction of a compact residence
Michelle “MJ” Boyle, a single mother of two school-aged children, decided to move in 2014 and build her own tiny home. Michelle had had enough of being dependent on people and working for other people. And so it was relocated. She started as soon as her oldest left. aptly name her new tiny home “My Tiny Empty Nest.”
“I built my first house, this house, basically using cash and sponsorships to make sure I had a nice, comfortable house paid for when I retired.”
Michelle Boyle
Michelle spent fifteen months building the house, which measures eight and a half feet wide by twenty-four feet long. It has all the amenities of a large modern house. What is the difference? Michelle doesn’t have a mortgage or much extra room to clean! Modern yet stylish with upcycled antiques from the 1940s and 1950s, the tiny house is located on an old Christmas tree farm in Sherwood, Oregon.
We believe Michelle made the right decision. MJ is thrilled with the change she’s made—from paying $1,600 a month to living in a charming home with just $75 in expenses.
Initial company
Michelle started a business, building a village of tiny houses for people and even renting them out on Airbnb after she built her own. Check out the video for a tour at the end!
I’ve been drawing floor plans since I was 12 years old when I was fascinated by a small abandoned farm near my parents’ house. That’s when my interest in all things small and old began. My lifelong dream of having my own small, reclaimed space is realized in my tiny houses.
“The purpose of the small house I live in is to reduce my overall cost of living. The idea behind the village is that I will start making more money.”
To be honest, one of the best things about this idea overall is that I feel better about my financial future than ever.”
Michelle Boyle
More Tiny House Projects by Michelle
Since building her own tiny house, Michelle has built a number of others. It’s hard to pick a favorite! Every tiny house is different and special. Michelle goes on to say that every home build has a different set of difficulties and that many end up costing more than planned. However, no matter how difficult or complex the project may be, designing and building tiny houses is her passion. Some of her other buildings are shown here.
The tiny house upstairs is called My Tiny Hideout and is available for vacation rentals. It is earthy and modern. All you can see when you’re lying on the loft bed upstairs is the peaceful forest. Michelle spent two years collecting items in this beautiful house, making it even more special and unique.
Every time I saw something I thought was related to the theme while shopping, I would buy it.
Vintage tools, oil cans, medicine and alcohol bottles, a grenade, a lantern, a darkroom timer, and a zinc-plated salt and pepper shaker with a loose lid are part of this collection. (Too loose for kitchen use; turned into accents!)
Never give up on your creativity
My Tiny Wine Wagon is the name of this tiny house. Michelle spent $1000 on a car and turned it into something incredible! Check out the before photo to see the before and after!
According to Michelle, this build was more difficult than most. However, what used to be a pancake stand is now a beautiful home to escape to for some much-needed time. With 165 feet of paint and a thoughtful layout, this home has all the amenities you could want.
Michelle “MJ” Boyle’s journey into the tiny house movement exemplifies not only a lifestyle choice but also a transformative philosophy. Her decision to break away from conventional, spacious homes and embrace a minimalist and financially liberating lifestyle not only reshaped her own living conditions but also fueled a thriving business.
Her initial plunge into building her own tiny house, “My Tiny Empty Nest,” became the catalyst for drastically reducing her monthly expenses, giving her both comfort and financial security. The move didn’t just change her living space; it changed her whole outlook on financial stability and independence.
In addition to her personal residence, Michelle’s entrepreneurship shows her entrepreneurial spirit when she builds a village of tiny houses for others and rents them out through platforms like Airbnb. Her creativity knows no bounds as seen in her diverse small home projects such as “My Tiny Hideout” and the creatively transformed “My Tiny Wine Wagon”.
Michelle’s journey resonates as a testament to individual empowerment and creativity and shows how a passion for reclaiming spaces and vintage elements can translate into a thriving business model. Her dedication to each project, despite the challenges she encountered, underscores her unwavering commitment to her craft and vision of a community focused on sustainable, minimalist living.
Through her efforts, Michelle not only provides unique living spaces but also offers individuals the opportunity to escape into thoughtfully designed, cozy retreats. Her story inspires others to rethink living arrangements, redefine financial stability, and embrace the freedom that comes with a simplified yet fulfilling lifestyle. Michelle Boyle stands as a beacon of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the art of turning small spaces into big retreats.