In a world dominated by glitz and social media stardom, Laura La Rue, a former Los Angeles-based model, has chosen a simpler, self-reliant lifestyle—and she’s encouraging others to do the same. The 32-year-old, once a fixture of the Hollywood scene and known for gracing shoots by high-profile photographers like David LaChappelle, has ditched the city lights for a converted school bus and a life lived off the land.
For La Rue, this drastic shift from fast-paced city life wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was an awakening. Tired of a life that placed wealth and glamour above peace and health, La Rue found herself craving what most of Hollywood’s elite might overlook: a return to basics. “Most people get married, buy a house, and have a kid. This is what I wanted—a safe haven where I can have people over and enjoy the bare necessities,” La Rue explained to the *LA Times*, noting that her lifestyle allows her to remain grounded without the stress that defined her modeling years.
La Rue’s story is one of resilience and reinvention, a far cry from the materialistic narratives that often capture headlines. Raised in Thousand Oaks, she quit school at 16 to pursue her dreams. Years later, however, the bright lights of Los Angeles had dimmed, and city life was taking its toll. “I was over the city life. I thought, ‘I don’t like this at all,’” she shared. Citing health issues and stress from her demanding modeling career, she described her move as a necessity rather than a choice. Therapy and time alone became her sanctuary as she embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
In 2016, after enduring her share of toxic relationships and demanding workplaces, La Rue took refuge in a tiny one-by-12-foot cabin on her mother’s 72-acre ranch in Santa Paula, California. Unfortunately, her tranquil new life was shattered when wildfires swept through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in 2017, destroying her humble home. Yet, La Rue’s resilience carried her forward. After meeting a ranch hand who shared her love for nature, the two decided to hit the road, embracing a nomadic life out of a 1981 Silver Streak trailer. But as her life on the move continued, La Rue found herself pregnant and ultimately realized that off-grid living wasn’t practical for raising a child.
So, she settled on a piece of land in Ojai and transformed a rundown school bus into a makeshift mobile home. Equipped with essentials like a composting toilet, a stovetop, and even a cozy nook for her baby girl, Lasca, La Rue’s DIY bus serves as both a sanctuary and a symbol of her adaptability. “It was already built out,” she explained. “It’s perfect for a baby to grow up in.”
La Rue’s return to simplicity didn’t stop with a mobile home. She launched “Ride or Dye Ojai,” a tie-dye brand that she created in her Ojai community during the pandemic. Her brand has grown, and today her YouTube channel boasts over 26,000 subscribers. Through tutorials and workshops, she encourages others to find their own creative spark, just as she has. “My goal is to inspire people to make changes to better their lives and not be afraid to take risks,” she said, emphasizing that change and simplicity can go hand in hand.
Despite the off-grid setup, La Rue makes sure her 16-month-old daughter experiences life beyond four walls. “We do everything outside,” she says proudly. “That’s the best way for a kid to grow up.”
As society becomes increasingly reliant on material comforts and tech distractions, La Rue’s story serves as a bold reminder of what we could gain by stepping back. Her life shows that living minimally isn’t just possible—it’s deeply fulfilling. While some may see her journey as unconventional, others will find inspiration in her message of resilience, purpose, and, ultimately, the pursuit of a life that goes beyond mere survival to focus on what truly matters.
