Ep 19: From Interior Design to RV Life: Mary Elizabeth Denmon’s Bold Pivot
From Interior Design to RV Life: Mary Elisabeth Denmon's Bold Pivot and Brave Story
By Sherry Sutton | Heart of the Hustle Show
On Heart of the Hustle, Sherry Sutton interviews interior designer and debut author Mary Elisabeth Denmon about her journey through full-time RV living, rebuilding her marriage, and writing her first book, The Princess and The RV. Learn what reinvention really looks like—and why your story matters.
Introduction: What If the Next Chapter Isn’t in Your Plan?
As a content strategist and the founder of Heart of the Hustle, I’ve sat across from a lot of brilliant entrepreneurs—but few have a story quite like Mary Elisabeth Denmon’s. A seasoned interior designer, Mary Elisabeth has spent nearly 30 years helping families turn houses into homes. But a few years ago, she and her husband Brandon sold their home, packed up a luxury fifth-wheel RV, and hit the road full-time with no permanent address.
What started as a temporary pivot turned into a 17-month journey across the country. It was messy, beautiful, disorienting, healing—and, ultimately, the inspiration behind her first book, The Princess and The RV, coming September 2025.
This conversation was one of the most honest we’ve ever had on the podcast. And if you’re navigating a season of transition, I know it will resonate with you too.
From Dollhouses to Dream Homes
Mary Elisabeth has been designing spaces since she was old enough to ask her dad for electrical wiring in her dollhouse. That curiosity became a calling, leading her to Texas Tech and eventually to launch her own studio, ME Designs LLC. For nearly three decades, she’s helped clients find beauty, comfort, and meaning in their homes.
But even experts in design can find themselves without a blueprint. When a job relocation for Brandon fell through, the couple found themselves in limbo—and decided to do something bold: sell their home and live full-time on the road.
RV Life Isn’t Always the Highlight Reel
Let’s be honest—RV life looks romantic on Instagram. But as Mary Elisabeth shares, the reality is a lot more raw. From tight living quarters to zero privacy to logistical challenges that test your patience (and your marriage), full-time RVing is not for the faint of heart.
They traveled through Colorado, New York, Kentucky, and beyond. She packed for three months—no winter coats, no backup plan. There was no “home” to go back to. And that alone changed everything.
But it also gave them space to ask some really big questions about what matters, what “home” truly means, and how to rebuild when the original plan falls apart.
Real Talk on Marriage in a Tiny Space
I asked Mary Elisabeth point-blank: How did RV life impact your marriage?
Her answer was real and refreshing. She and Brandon weren’t mad at each other—they were mad at the situation. But when you’re in 400 square feet, there’s no hiding. The closeness revealed cracks, yes, but it also showed them how to come back to each other.
They chose counseling. They chose communication. And they chose each other—again and again. If you’re married and walking through your own transition, this part of our conversation is pure gold.
The Book She Said She’d Never Write
Brandon kept telling people she was writing a book. Mary Elisabeth kept laughing it off.
But after attending Creative Con and feeling that creative nudge she couldn’t ignore, she started journaling—and then writing. Her upcoming book, The Princess and The RV, went through 15 revisions, countless edits, and all the vulnerable moments in between.
It’s not just a book about RV life. It’s a story about identity, faith, disappointment, resilience, and rediscovering who you are when everything comfortable is stripped away.
What She Learned From the Road
Carrie’s not afraid to be a little cheeky. Her merchandise includes slogans like “Sorry About My Husband” and “Camping Without Beer Is Just Sitting In The Woods.” It’s not just about getting a laugh. It’s about connection.
Humor has been a huge part of Lone Star Roots’ appeal. These pieces of merch create moments. A shared laugh. A conversation starter. A social media post that tags the brand and brings in new followers.
And those moments compound. They create visibility, relatability, and loyalty.
Writing Advice from a First-Time Author
If you’re thinking about writing your own book, Mary Elisabeth’s advice is gold:
Give yourself a clear deadline (and smaller milestones within it).
Don’t wait until the end to hire an editor. The right one will shape your story from the start.
Let the messiness live on the page. That’s where readers connect.
Keep going—even when you don’t feel “qualified.”
Writing Advice from a First-Time Author
If you’re thinking about writing your own book, Mary Elisabeth’s advice is gold:
Give yourself a clear deadline (and smaller milestones within it).
Don’t wait until the end to hire an editor. The right one will shape your story from the start.
Let the messiness live on the page. That’s where readers connect.
Keep going—even when you don’t feel “qualified.”
Redefining Home, Inside and Out
After 17 months on the road, Mary Elisabeth and Brandon found a new home base. But she came out of that experience with a different lens on what “home” means.
Home is where you feel safe enough to be yourself. It’s the place you return to, not just physically—but emotionally, spiritually, creatively.
And that’s what she brings to every client now: not just beauty, but belonging.
Final Thoughts: This Episode Is for You If…
…you’re in the messy middle of your own pivot.
…you’re craving a new chapter, but unsure where to start.
…you want to feel less alone in the in-between.
This conversation with Mary Elisabeth reminded me that reinvention doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to show up for it.
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📩 Apply at heartofthehustle.com or shoot me a DM.
Connect With Mary Elisabeth
📲 @maryelisabethdenmon
🌐 maryelisabethdenmon.com
🎨 medesignsllc.org
📚 The Princess and The RV coming September 2025 – sign up on her site for updates!
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