We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber McCalden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“What have you got to lose?”. Thats normally the first thought I have when placed in front of risky business. I’m a very “go with your gut” type of person, so if it feels right to me, I trust that intuition and jump in feet first. If it belly’s up, I take those lessons learned and carry it with me to the next venture. I just opened up my first brick and mortor, Desert Dreamin’ Outpost, in 29 Palms, California at the beginning of June. Most would say it would be a risk to open a storefront in the midst of the summer heat, but I look at it as an opportunity to suss out the kinks and be ready to have a well oiled machine by the time tourist season hits in September.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In 2016 I visited Joshua Tree, CA for the first time with my little sister. To this day it is one of our most memorable experiences together. This is where my love for the desert began, and where Desert Dreamin’ Vintage was born. During this time I was following a gal on Instagram who was selling vintage Native American jewelry, and I myself had quite the collection and was wanting to make some extra cash, so I started posting jewelry and home decor for sale and it took off from there. A few months later I applied to sell at my very first market and was accepted to vend at The Topanga Vintage Market in Woodland Hills. I was so excited because at this point my studio apartment porch was over flowing with bins filled with antiques and treasures I had found since I moved to California. I purchased a 10×20 booth space, that I filled with vintage trinkets, home decor, furniture, kitchen wares, jewelry and ONE rack of clothing. When the day ended I had sold one lamp, and nearly the entire rack of clothing. Unassumingly a vision was born. From there I immersed myself in vintage clothing and sold at any market around LA that would have me. Fast forward to 2022, I quit my job and started slinging vintage full-time. I started focusing on vintage western wear because well, thats what I think is cool. I had always thought it would be a dream to travel around to music festivals and sell my vintage wares, so I started asking. I couldn’t believe it, I kept getting accepted. One after another. I’ve gotten to see a parts of the country I never imagined being able to see. I’ve met the raddest of folks, some I’m lucky enough to call my dearest friends. My favorite musicians have shopped my booth for their set fit. And here I am today, gearing up for another “summer tour”. Only this time, when I return home, I’ve got Desert Dreamin’ Outpost to tend to. A curated collection of vintage western wear that holds space for local desert artisans. My new desert dream.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
MUST MUST MUST catch a show at Pappy & Harriets in Pioneer Town. It doesn’t even matter if you know the band or not. GO! Schedule a sound bath at The Integratron. The Copper Room has the best cocktails in the desert, hands down. Grab and go food from The Dez for your trip into the park. As far as shopping goes, make sure to stop in the Joshua Tree Trading Post, El Duende, Sun of the Desert and of course Desert Dreamin’ Outpost.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes out to my Momma! She is a constant light in my life and has supported every decision I’ve ever made, even if she had her doubts, she has always been in my corner being my #1 fan. I get my drive from her, as she is one to never give up. She is also the one to thank for helping me realize my passion, treasure hunting. You’re the best Momma, I love you and don’t know where I would be without you!

Instagram: https://instagram.com/desertdreamin_outpost

Image Credits
Xenia Smith

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