Hello everyone!

My name is Asher Johanna Edwards. I am a mama, a maker, an artist and a dealer in unique old things who is is ready to bring my dream physical shop space to life!

After much debate, I have come to the decision to ask for help on this platform because if I dont, I could lose an amazing opportunity. I would much rather ask for help from my community than from a bank or some loan company who doesn't know or care about what I am trying to do.

I am asking for funds to help me rent, upkeep and build out a beautiful old building on historic Main st. in downtown Trinidad. I could not ask for a better space and location but time and money are not on my side as she is trying to rent it asap. I have had a solid idea for this shop for about a decade now and I feel that this is the place has come to me at the right time.

Pack Mule Mercantile would be so much more than just my shop, it would be everything to me. It would mean that I have a way to actually make a living off my own work, on my own terms, for the first time in my life, and be able do it with my daughter by my side. Eventually, it would also be my legacy to her. It would give me the freedom and autonomy that I so desire and give me the ability to offer these things to as many other women as I can.

As of now, I would have about 20 other women from Colorado and New Mexico joining me as handmade vendors, offer affordable rented spaces, host classes and events including my Night Bazaars, host traveling vendors, be a part of First Fridays and generally be a creative community space that we all need and want. I would also love to host a Waldorf based home schooling group, classes and meet-ups so our children have the community they need as well. The building I am looking at has room for all of this and more, including a kitchen, and I have so many ideas that could bloom there.

If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, if you are one of the many people whose business I have helped start or supported through the years, if you have asked about classes, or if you just feel it is a worthy cause, I am asking for your help now. Any amount will help and not be forgotten!

Donations of $50 or more will receive a gift certificate in different amounts to use once we are up and running or a space in one of our classes! Also, if you like, your donation can be counted as payment toward a future class. These donations are also tax deductible and can be included in your 2023 taxes!

Asking for help has never been something that comes easy to me, especially around money. I have tried my best to come up with the funds on my own, but in order to insure I am not putting myself in a bad position, I need a little assistance. I know that many folks are struggling right now and there are so many other worthy causes to donate to but my hope is that this will grow into something that supports not just my family and community, but communities all over the world.

My goal is to eventually have 10% of sales donated to other causes.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

With much love an gratitude,

Asher and Vida