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My last stop is at the Inscription Rock Trading & Coffee Co. where I sit at the cozy bar and chat with its owners, Jonathan and Pam Pickens.  As I had learned that the Old School Gallery across the street is so much more than a gallery, I learned that this gift shop is so much more than a gift shop.  Inside the shop they have a small café that serves everything from cappuccinos to pastries, but then outside they have a stage and patio for outdoor performances.  I was blown away that a community of this size had a music venue!  Jonathan, a musician himself, moved from Nashville Tennessee back in 2001 to the El Morro Valley with his family.

While in Tennessee, Pam ran a similar shop and sold native gifts.  As her and Jonathan traveled back and forth across the country to get more supplies for their shop they fell in love with New Mexico and decided to relocate.  Today, many of the gifts and crafts come from the local Zuni and Navajo tribes, the Cherokees in North Carolina, and from indigenous nonprofits from around the world.

Jonathan, who is also an elementary special education teacher, tells me that they’ve had 6 shows so far at their new venue and attract people from as far as Albuquerque, Gallup, Grants, Zuni and Santa Fe.  The stage has the most beautiful backdrop with a mesa and rock cliffs, which has become the inspiration of the title of their performances “Music Beneath the Mesa.”

When I asked them about what challenges they feel entrepreneurs have in the area, several things came to mind.  Jonathan comments, “Getting supplies, even groceries, is in excess on 65 miles away, so that takes precious time out of the week.  Additionally, financing is difficult for small businesses and finding start up money.”  Pam adds, “There is the responsibility that you feel towards the community.  When you’re buying from one another it’s so much more than just a transaction, as you know that the people you’re buying from truly depend on you.”

As I wrap up my visits in El Morro, I can’t help to think how welcoming everyone has been.  This is a community that truly understands relationships and the importance of cooperation and collaboration, and they all have a vision to build the community in a sustainable and entrepreneurial way.

And, listen to a sample of Jonathan’s music by clicking on Drop In The Bucket.