Meet Chelsea Evans | Retail Business Owner

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

Hi Chelsea, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Opening a business is always an exciting yet challenging endeavor. However, expanding a business brings a whole new set of risks and considerations. This was certainly true for JT Trading Post (JTTP), which, in December 2023, opened a 3,000 sq. ft. store in the heart of Joshua Tree, California. Expanding JTTP in April 2024 has required us to carefully navigate a range of opportunities and challenges.

From scaling operations and managing a diverse vendor base to mitigating financial risks associated with growth and overhead, the complexities of expansion have been significant. Balancing operational efficiency with the quality that defines JTTP has been a primary focus, as has ensuring that our core values remain intact as we grow.

Through this process, we’ve come to realize that managing risk is about finding the right balance between ambition and caution. Thoughtful planning, continuous assessment, and the flexibility to adapt have proven essential in navigating the uncertainties that come with business growth.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
JT Trading Post (JTTP) is a modern reimagining of the traditional trading post, drawing inspiration from its rich historical roots as a community hub for commerce, connection, and cultural exchange. Located in the heart of Joshua Tree, California, JTTP offers a vibrant space where locals and visitors alike can discover thoughtfully curated goods, celebrate the area’s unique culture, and foster meaningful connections. We feature a diverse selection of handmade goods, artisanal products, and one-of-a-kind treasures, all while supporting local makers, artisans, and small businesses.

Our space is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia while embracing the future, blending the timeless beauty of the desert with modern creativity and innovation. Beyond being a retail space, JTTP is a community destination—hosting pop-up markets, seasonal events, wellness experiences, and creative workshops designed to inspire, educate, and connect people from all walks of life. We believe in creating a dynamic environment where both tourists and locals feel welcomed, inspired, and part of something special.

At JTTP, we don’t just sell products—we offer experiences. From intimate art exhibitions to hands-on crafting workshops, we aim to engage visitors with the unique spirit of Joshua Tree, while providing a platform for artists, creators, and entrepreneurs to showcase their work. Our commitment to fostering a sense of community extends to our collaborations with local organizations and initiatives, making JTTP a place where cultural exchange thrives.

Whether you’re here to shop, learn, or simply connect, JT Trading Post invites you to experience the timeless spirit of exchange, all while honoring the desert’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As a modern gathering place, we continue the legacy of trading posts by bringing people together and fostering community in a way that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Through our curated offerings and events, JTTP is more than just a store—it’s a destination where creativity, commerce, and connection meet.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Hi-Desert area, including Joshua Tree, is full of unique spots that showcase the region’s natural beauty and artistic culture. A must-see is Joshua Tree National Park, with its iconic Joshua trees, boulder formations, and stunning vistas perfect for hiking, climbing, and stargazing. Pioneertown, originally a Western movie set, is now a quirky destination with a legendary live music venue, Pappy & Harriet’s or check out the Red Dog Saloon. Keys View provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, and for astronomy lovers, Sky’s The Limit Observatory offers star parties under some of the clearest skies in the country. La Copine in Flamingo Heights offers delicious meals in a relaxed atmosphere, and for a truly unique experience, the Integratron in Landers offers sound baths said to have rejuvenating effects. You can also check out Grnd Sqrl, a cool gastropub spot in Twentynine palms offering great burgers and craft beer and a laid-back vibe, or Maso Menos, a charming cafe and bar located in the middle of the desert known for its speciality cocktails and welcoming atmosphere. For craft beer lovers, 29 Palms Beer Co. is a local favorite with great brews and a relaxed vibe, while Kitchen in the Desert serves up delicious, locally inspired dishes in an intimate setting. The Joshua Tree Certified Farmers Market is a great way to experience local culture and buy fresh produce, while the Joshua Tree Saloon is a perfect place to unwind with food, drinks, and live music. Whether you’re exploring the desert’s natural wonders, enjoying local art, or relaxing in the vibrant community, the Hi-Desert has something for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout to the incredible Joshua Tree and Hi-Desert community for your unwavering support and warm welcome as we embark on this exciting journey with JT Trading Post. We are beyond grateful to be a part of such a vibrant, creative, and resilient community. A special thank you to James LaGrappe for believing in our vision and giving us the opportunity to open JT Trading Post in the heart of Joshua Tree. Your collaboration, insight, and dedication have been instrumental in helping us grow and evolve this business. We are excited to continue working together, building connections, and creating a space where locals and visitors alike can discover, engage, and thrive. Here’s to many more milestones, partnerships, and shared success in this amazing desert we call home! Thank you all for making this possible.

Website: https://jttradingpost.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jttradingpost/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jttradingpost/