Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Evans
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I took the risk 4 years ago when we decided to create opportunity from defeat and dive into retail with next to no knowledge of what we were doing. I had lost my job due to the COVID pandemic, and there was a lot of uncertainty about what to do next.
Then, we took a leap of faith. A leap of faith that has since become our biggest blessing. My passion for fashion coupled with Andrew’s desire to own his own business created the perfect platform. In May of 2020, we opened our first brick and mortar in the middle of Joshua Tree, California – Roaming Travelers.
Our shop in Joshua Tree only brought us more inspiration. We dreamt of amplifying our reach and expanding our desert community. We quickly made great connections with our community and local makers; carrying many of their handmade products in our store and online. We were inspired by these individuals to create a place for those like us with small businesses and big dreams.
our vision came to life; a co-op styled space that would remove the barriers to entry for makers and vendors, allowing them to flourish in a store-front. In April of 2021, we were able to open the doors of Hi-Desert Daydream! Our second shop! Hi-Desert homes fourteen different vendors inside a common space, So it truly is everyone’s daydream dream alive in one place.
In the fall of 2022, we launched our mobile airstream shop! This unique store was built in a restored 1978 airstream, providing customers with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. We felt like taking our shop on the road, was the next big thing to do! It’s been a great way to expand our brand, being able to attend different local events throughout the hi-desert and beyond.
Most recently, during December 2023 we launched our largest space that over 3,000 sq ft at the “JT Trading Post,” in the heart downtown Joshua Tree, CA. It’s the same concept as Hi-Desert Daydream, but much larger footprint. JTTP offers a unique multi-platform seller experience in the heart of Joshua Tree. By removing barriers to entry for many up-coming and established brands JTTP is able to maximize your brands potential through our managed retail services. We currently have over 30+ vendors and continue to grow. We will continue to create a space for community and tourists all over the world. Offering an authentic Joshua Tree desert experience like no other.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Running a business certainly has its challenges, and my experience has been no exception. While there have been many rewarding moments, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. During the summer the desert begins to dwindle down with foot traffic. The slower times, retaining existing customers becomes even more critical. Building strong relationships through excellent customer service and personalized experiences can help mitigate the impact of reduced foot traffic or sales. Planning for the future becomes more challenging when immediate cash flow is a concern. Developing contingency plans, exploring new markets or revenue streams, and staying adaptable are key strategies for navigating uncertain times. Managing inventory becomes crucial. Purchasing wisely and continuing to order our core items has been a life saver. Learning to pivot during these hard times has been keeping us alive. Despite these challenges, each obstacle presented an opportunity to learn and grow. Overcoming them has been instrumental in shaping our business and making us more resilient.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Roaming Travelers is a collection of items that have been inspired by our travels. We offer a mix of local art on various mediums, exclusive and boutique style clothing along with designer hats, t-shirts, and locally made candles. Located in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree, CA. Our shop in Joshua Tree only brought us more inspiration. We dreamt of amplifying our reach and expanding our desert community. We quickly made great connections with our community and local makers; carrying many of their handmade products in our store and online. We were inspired by these individuals to create a place for those like us with small businesses and big dreams. We recently opened up The JT Trading post. We went from operating 5oo-800 sq ft location with 30-40 transactions per day, to opening 3,000 sq ft and processing over 400 transactions per day. We love growing our community and offering authentic desert experience.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, we envision our business expanding beyond our current expectations. One of our dreams is to open another location on the East Coast, where we have deep roots from being born and raised there. This expansion represents not just a geographical move, but a step towards broader opportunities and reaching new markets. As we continue to grow, we also aspire to maintain our passion for travel, integrating it into our business journey. This vision reflects our commitment to evolving and embracing new challenges as we strive to make our business thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roamingtravelers.com
- Instagram: RoamingTravelers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopRoamingTravelers/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@roamingtravelers4685
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/roaming-travelers-joshua-tree
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@roamingtravelers
