Tug Boat Captain Navigates Retirement in her She Shed

A Life of Courage and Creativity

Jan’s journey to becoming a tugboat captain was not an easy one. She broke into the maritime industry at a time when women were not commonly accepted in such roles. Her determination saw her through long days at the union hall, waiting for her chance, and through the grueling work that followed. This tenacity was a constant in her life, shaping not only her career on the water but also her passion for photography.

For Jan, photography was more than a hobby; it was a way to share her unique perspective of the world. “The great thing about photography is you share your world with people—you share your view of the world,” Jan once said. She always carried a camera on her boats, capturing the sun and clouds, the reflections on the water, and the powerful presence of the ships she guided. Her collection of abstract photographs, many of which feature weathered steel reminiscent of the ships she once navigated, has been displayed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. (see her photography) This love for capturing life’s rugged beauty found a new expression in her tiny home.

Finding Her Dream Home: The Mica

Jan’s connection with Tumbleweed began through her niece, who introduced her to the Mica model—a sleek, modern tiny house on wheels. The Mica’s design, with its weathered steel siding, resonated deeply with Jan. “Purchasing the Mica meant reaching my dream. It’s snug and warm and better than anything I could build,” she shared. The aesthetic reminded her of the ships she used to pull at sea, and it felt like a natural extension of her life on the water.

The Mica, a 20-foot-long modern tiny house, is characterized by its contemporary design and compact yet functional interior. Its rust-colored exterior, achieved through silver oxidizing with water, evokes a sense of history and endurance—qualities that mirror Jan’s own life.

After seeing photos of the Mica online, Jan was immediately drawn to it. She visited the Tumbleweed office to tour a model and soon after became the proud owner of a tiny house she affectionately named “The Barge.” Located on Bad Dog Farm in Moss Beach, California, The Barge overlooks a beautiful meadow, offering a serene setting that allows Jan to feel at home while still connected to the nature she loves to photograph.

Embracing Tiny

For Jan Tiura, the shift to tiny living was about more than just downsizing; it was about embracing a new chapter that allowed her to merge her love for photography, nature, and the sea in a unique way. Her tiny home, with its modern amenities and thoughtful design, serves as both a creative studio and a cozy refuge. It’s a testament to her adventurous spirit and her ability to find beauty and inspiration in every corner of her life.

Whether she’s capturing the morning fog rolling over the meadow from her tiny home’s porch or reminiscing about her days at sea, Jan continues to inspire others with her story. Her journey from tugboat captain to tiny home dweller demonstrates that life can be an ongoing adventure, no matter the size of your home.