JT Trading Post: A Cultural Hub Built on Community, Creativity, and Desert Grit

The founding team—Andrew and Chelsea Evans, owners of the beloved local brand Roaming Travelers, and business partners James LaGrappe and Ara Babaian, who acquired and envisioned the property—united around a shared value: build something rooted in community and driven by passion.

Andrew and Chelsea’s journey started humbly in a small 120 sqft location in Joshua Tree. From there, they launched Hi-Desert Daydream in 29 Palms and grew Roaming Travelers into a locally-loved lifestyle brand. Their determination, authenticity, and deep love for the desert inspired James and Ara to team up—seeing in them not just business partners, but a family with values that mirrored their own.

Since opening its doors, JT Trading Post has grown into a vibrant community hub:

• Over 47 curated vendors fill the store with locally-made goods, handmade fashion, and high desert design.

• An outdoor marketplace brings in artists, healers, and makers every weekend.

• Through a powerful partnership with the Iocus Foundation, JTTP is now helping launch artistic projects and small business ideas, providing access to creative resources, space, and mentorship.

Chelsea, as Creative Director, is the heartbeat of the brand’s aesthetic. She also provides personal shopping and styling services—a luxe but accessible service that adds a personalized touch to the desert retail experience.

Andrew is the architect behind JTTP’s operations—having built a streamlined and efficient infrastructure that keeps the space flowing and scalable as the brand grows.

James focuses on growth, partnerships, and bringing entertainment and media projects to the desert. JTTP just supported its first feature film, “Find Your Friends” starring Bella Thorne, providing production services, basecamp, casting, and even locations—making JTTP a one-stop shop for the creative industry.

Together, this team is not just building a brand—they’re building a platform for locals, visitors, artists, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs alike. It’s not about what sells; it’s about what feels right. That’s the JTTP difference.