Roaming Travelers: From Pandemic Pivot to Hi-Desert Powerhouse
Jun 25, 2025
What began as a leap of faith during a time of uncertainty has since blossomed into one of the High Desert’s most inspiring retail stories. Meet Chelsea and Andrew Evans, behind Roaming Travelers, Hi-Desert Daydream, and the newly expanded JT Trading Post in Joshua Tree, California.
Over the last four years, this creative, community-minded couple has transformed personal challenges into a vibrant platform for makers, dreamers, and small business owners. What started in a modest 100-square-foot retail space has now grown into more than 3,000 square feet of curated retail experiences and continues to expand with heart and intention.
How It All Began
In May 2020, like many others, Chelsea found herself facing job loss during the early days of the pandemic. Instead of retreating, she and Andrew chose to build something new from scratch pairing her love for fashion with his entrepreneurial spirit. The result? Roaming Travelers, a cozy shop tucked into the middle of Joshua Tree that quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
But that was just the beginning.
Creating Space for Dreamers
Inspired by their community, local artisans, and the desire to lower barriers for other small businesses, Chelsea and Andrew launched their second venture: Hi-Desert Daydream. Opening in April 2021, it’s a co-op-style boutique in downtown Twentynine Palms that brings together 14+ vendors under one dreamy desert roof. A true collective in every sense, it gave small makers the space (and support) to thrive in a retail environment.
Then came the airstream.
By fall 2022, the couple had expanded into a mobile retail experience: a restored 1978 Airstream trailer turned pop-up boutique. Roaming across local events, it offered shoppers a one-of-a-kind experience, on wheels. The brand (and the dream) was officially on the move.
Introducing: JT Trading Post
In their most ambitious move yet, Chelsea and Andrew are founding partners of the JT Trading Post in December 2023. Is it a 3,000+ sq ft curated retail destination in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree. Much like Hi-Desert Daydream, the Trading Post brings together 30+ vendors under one roof, offering visitors an elevated shopping experience while supporting a diverse mix of small businesses.
JTTP isn’t just a store, it’s a collaborative platform that amplifies the work of emerging and established brands alike.
“We really wanted to create something that was accessible, that gave makers and creatives a real chance,” Chelsea shares. “These are people with amazing products and stories. Our goal is to bring all of that together in one place.”
Why Locals & Tourists Love It
✔️ Community-Driven – With local events, rotating vendors, and creative showcases, each space is designed to celebrate and support the High Desert community.
✔️ Barrier-Free Retail – Their cooperative model lowers the cost and commitment needed to join a brick-and-mortar space especially helpful for small brands or passion projects.
✔️ Affordable & Unique – Every shop in their network is carefully curated, offering handmade goods, fashion, art, vintage finds, and desert essentials you won’t see anywhere else.
✔️ Authentic Joshua Tree Vibe – Whether it’s the energy inside the Airstream or the vibrant mix at the Trading Post, everything they touch reflects the soulful, creative spirit of the desert.
Who It’s For
✨ Makers looking for a retail presence without the full cost of a storefront
✨ Small brands seeking more visibility in a high-traffic location
✨ Visitors who want to shop unique, local, desert-made goods
✨ Locals craving authentic events, handmade pieces, and creative community
From Dream to Desert Reality
From a 100 sq ft shop in 2020 to managing multiple locations and 30+ vendors today, Chelsea and Andrew have proven what’s possible when you blend vision, community, and purpose.
They didn’t just build a business. They created a movement.
Explore the collective:
