Elevate Magazine November 2023 Rapid City South Dakota

NOVEMBER 2023

Volume 4. Issue No. 11

House Plants

Flourish

on St. Joe ST.

dine & drink

around downtown

ELEMENTS of

south dakota

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ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

NOV inside

NOV. 23

Volume 4 // Issue No. 11

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DOWNTOWN DRINKS & DINING

3 new places to dine and drink in downtown.

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UPROOTED

Houseplants find a home downtown.

BY DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY

BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI

22

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St. Louis nurse find community downtown.

Craftsman creates haven for local makers & artisans.

HYDRATION STATION

BY JENNA CARDA

ELEMENTS OF SD

BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI

CONNECT

WITH US @ELEVATERAPIDCITY

Cover photo by Shiloh Francis

elevaterapidcity.com

L A D I E S TA K I N G O N D O W NTO W N

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Petula Clark said it best in her 1964 hit “Downtown:” “When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go… downtown.”

Downtowns transcend us. They are both the heart and soul of any community. Say the name of any major city in the country, and the first thing you think of isn’t that city’s suburban shopping and dining experience. And it’s not the tourist trap you read about in the brochure. It’s downtown, where the businesses are small, the shops are cool, and everyone’s waiting for you.

It’s true in Chicago. It’s true in Denver. And it’s most certainly true in Rapid City. You may have come for Mount Rushmore. But when you go back home and tell your friends, it’s going to be downtown Rapid City that you’ll remember.

Ever since Main Street Square opened downtown in 2011, Rapid City’s urban core has been in growth mode.

And recently, with the amount of construction cranes dotting the skyline, there’s no reason to believe it’s stopping anytime soon. We’ll likely see over $150 million in investments going downtown in the next 18 months.

That’s more people visiting downtown and more people supporting small, independent businesses.

Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we explore a few of the small businesses that make our downtown unique, weird, and the sort of place you want to be.

We’ve got the food. We’ve got the drinks. We’ve got the gifts and jewelry. And we’ve even got the plants (yes, plants). And if you’re not feeling quite yourself, check out our story on Hydration Station, the latest way to put some health right into your tired veins. Whether you’re in need of some Vitamin B12 or a cure for a hangover, they’ve got something for what ails you.

Even though each of these stories is just a small part of the tapestry that is downtown Rapid City, we think you’ll be inspired to use it as a springboard to dive into downtown and check out a few more of the cool, historic places and shops that call downtown Rapid City home.

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

And of course, don’t forget about Small Business Saturday, November 25.

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Stay safe and God-speed,

Tom Johnson, President & CEO

Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant.

PO Box 747, Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744 elevaterapidcity.com PRESIDENT & CEO Tom Johnson SENIOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR Taylor Davis SENIOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Shiloh Francis SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Lori Frederick SENIOR PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR Garth Wadsworth OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Liz Highland EVENTS & MARKETING DIRECTOR Rachel Nelson WORKFORCE & EQUITY DIRECTOR Reese Niu HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Laura Jones EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Alyssa Larkey INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP MANAGER Dillon Matuska ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT & PROPERTY MANAGER Loni Reichert BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Kallie Ruland INVESTOR RELATIONS MANAGER Jason Wittenberg EVENTS & MARKETING COORDINATOR Maddie Bazala DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR Sydney Riendeau EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ashley Simonson DESIGN AND LAYOUT Bailey Sadowsky Shadow Sky Creative Co. PUBLISHED BY THE RAPID CITY JOURNAL Ben Rogers, President ben.rogers@lee.net ADVERTISING Kelly Kanaan 605.394.8472 Jaimie Mohler 605.8302326 Tom Eltgroth 320-583-284 PRINTED BY SIMPSONS PRINTING

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25th Annual Festival of Lights Parade mainstreetsquare.org

STORYBOOK ISLAND

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7

n e w p l ac e s to dine

&

Drink

downtown ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

STORY BY DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY // PHOTOS BY SHILOH FRANCIS

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BB's Natural Wine Bar

Rapid City. There’s plenty of art and entertainment if you need something to do. There are shops galore if you’re looking for a gift or gear for your next adventure. And, of course, you don’t have to walk far to find your next great bite to eat or a place to meet up for a coffee or local brew.

There are many long-standing local favorites. But Downtown Rapid City also continues to grow and evolve. Bringing with it new places to dine or drink. Check out three of the newest additions to the downtown culinary scene.

elevaterapidcity.com

whatever you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it in downtown

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u g ly

graffiti

“One of the words they advise against using in culinary school when naming your restaurant is ‘ugly,’” says Nathan Dahl, owner of Ugly Graffiti restaurant. Dahl, one of only a handful of classically trained chefs in Rapid City, explained that the name Ugly Graffiti originated from a project during his studies at New England Culinary School, where students were tasked with creating a potential restaurant based on the theme of “controversy.” One thing that isn’t controversial?

Ugly Graffiti knows how to make good food.

Dahl initially planned to launch Ugly Graffiti as a downtown restaurant in 2019 but shifted to a food truck in 2020 due to the pandemic. In the three years since the launch, Ugly Graffiti has become a staple among food trucks in the community, offering savory and original takes on carnitas, flatbreads, nachos, and mac & cheese.

In March of this year, Dahl realized his dream of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Rapid City. When you walk into the downtown restaurant, you’ll feel welcomed right from the start. Dahl has created a comfortable atmosphere while also making you feel like you’re part of something special.

Ugly Graffiti offers various ways to enjoy the food and space. They provide catering services and can accommodate people's needs; as Dahl says, “If you want something off the wall for catering, give us a call.” The space is also available for holiday parties and can accommodate up to 125 people.

726 St. Joseph Street uglygraffitidowntown.com

fun facts

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

• Dahl is a military veteran and was inspired to enroll in culinary school through a VA program that helps veterans navigate new careers after their service.

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• Chef Dahl’s favorite menu item: Orange Beef Nachos.

• Ugly Graffiti has 6 rotating tap beers with 20 local crafts beers available as well as 22 different options for wine.

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juniper at vErtex • Juniper uses no seed oil in their cooking but rather extra virgin olive oil for cooking and avocado oil for dressings.

• Owner Alexis’ favorite dish is the petite filet but also recommends their French onion soup, made from scratch, and their charcuterie board which features Dimock cheese as well as imported cheeses.

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

fun facts

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Juniper has been offering elevated comfort food to Rapid City for nearly a decade.

Owners Alexis and Matthew Sullivan took over the menu in February 2016, and are known for its ever-evolving menu based on local and organically sourced ingredients. Most of their menu items are gluten-free and can accommodate a majority of dietary sensitivities.

So how does something that’s already great take it to another level?

In Juniper’s case, you take it to the top: The Vertex Sky Bar.

The Rapid City business community is known for its ability to collaborate and partner; this new partnership is a prime example. The Vertex Sky Bar recently built a kitchen and was on the hunt for a restaurant to fill the space that matched the ambiance they have worked hard to curate. As fate would have it, Juniper, was looking for their next home. Within the span of two weeks, Juniper moved out of its previous space and opened in the heart of downtown at the Vertex Sky Bar. Juniper was able to bring their infamous locallysourced menu, and the Vertex opened a new opportunity to expand with cocktails. “We’re excited to learn about cocktails and

food pairings,” Alexis said.

“I love the idea of building a menu with complimentary beverages. The staff at the Vertex has been helpful in teaching us.”

One adjustment with the transition of Juniper moving to the Vertex Sky Bar is that passes or being a hotel guest are necessary to access the space. If you’ve been looking to get a membership, which offers many more benefits in addition to access to the space bar, November is a great month to make the purchase - they offer a BOGO free pass on Black Friday. If you’re looking for a one-of-akind dining experience with an unforgettable atmosphere, Juniper at the Vertex Sky Bar is the answer.

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• BB’s also offers craft beer by the can and a non-alcoholic selection of wine.

• You can get wine to go in their ever-growing provisions section

• BB’s hosts a variety of events, • You'll find a rotating collection of including a monthly book club, local art adorning the walls, available an annual Halloween party, and for purchase; the current collection a variety of pop-up events. features work by a local art teacher.

fun facts

"Fun wines & chill vibes" is the motto at BB’s Natural Wine Bar, a phrase they effortlessly embody. BB’s, which opened in 2022, cultivates a modern charm with flourishing plants throughout the space, vinyl records playing, and staff who instantly make you feel at home. It’s as if the space is saying, “We’re so happy you’re here.”

BB’s was inspired by owner Brooke Sweeten’s quest to bring unique wines to South Dakota. "I had joined wine clubs, but there were issues getting the wine shipped to South Dakota."

With a vision in mind, BB’s emerged when an opportunity presented itself: the space it occupies in the same building as Sweeten and her husband Justin Warner’s other business,

Bokujo Ramen, became available.

BB’s offers a rotating selection of over 40 different wines, with 10 options available by the glass. They also boast an impressive selection of elevated snacks with seasonal features; Sweeten recommends the Truffy Pop.

724 St. Joseph Street bbsnaturalwinebar.com

bb's Natural elevaterapidcity.com

wine bar

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ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

plant love JUSTICE & STEELE FUEGEN CREATE COMMUNITY THROUGH DOWNTOWN PLANT HAVEN

elevaterapidcity.com

STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI // PHOTOS SUBMITTED

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For Justice Fuegen, plants are more than living things. They provide a connection to the community and create a sense of belonging.

“I just feel like plants connect people,” Justice said surrounded by more than 300 plants at her St. Joseph Street business UPROOTED. “So many people walk in, and I don’t know their background, and I don’t know their story, but they tell me their grandmother had this plant and that they love this plant or want to learn more about that plant. They

are just house plants but suddenly it is this conversation, and you have a friend.”

Justice and her husband Steele purchased UPROOTED, at the time a mobile-only business, in February 2022 from Callee Ackland. Justice, a Black Hills native, was a manager at Pure Bean Coffeehouse when the new opportunity came along.

“Managing Pure Bean for almost three years, I got a sense of business and managing people and I loved that, but I was ready for something on my own.”

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The purchase also brought the opportunity to have a storefront.

With Callee moving, she was also vacating her downtown Hippie Haven location.

“We were in this space with Callee for six months and then Aurora Grace moved in, and we renovated together,” Justice said. Aurora Grace is a clothing boutique owned by Kaylee Hubbard.

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Callee, also owner of Hippie Haven, planned to move and wanted to sell. “We got in under the wire and everything worked out perfectly.”

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elevaterapidcity.com

"they are just house plants but suddenly it is this conversation, and you have a friend ."

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

- Justice Fuegen

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elevaterapidcity.com

Originally operated as an online store, Kaylee now shares the retail space with UPROOTED. “This is really our pride and joy; our home away from home,” Justice said.

“We put a lot of effort into this.” The couple, along with their family and Kaylee’s family, completely renovated the store, adding a wall and plant-potting station and creating more usable space. “I was 25-weeks pregnant and painted every square inch of the space.”

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

Their daughter, 10-month-old Adeline, is now a highlight for

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customers walking into the shop, as is Kaylee’s baby. The two mothers and business owners help each other covering the store if one of their kids is sick or they need a break. The focus is on family along with community.

“I just love that I can take Adeline to work every day.”

The couple sold the mobile van a few months ago to focus on the brickand-mortar store. While Justice is the face of UPROOTED, her husband Steele works behind-thescenes ensuring things run smoothly.

He works full time as a Next Generation Ministry Coordinator at Fountain Springs.

“He comes in and helps whenever I need him. I could not do it without him.”

She also has five parttime employees who all have different roles, but share Justice’s passion for plants. Justice will turn to one of them when she has a question.

“We teach each other and have different strengths.”

Being a business owner has been an adventure and a learning experience for Justice.

1965 • ALWAYS ADVANCING • 2023

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"i just love the community we have built with the other business owners and customers. It's just a really beautiful thing to open a business downtown."

- justice fuegen

During her first wholesale trip, Justice was handed a 10-page list of plants, few she recognized. “I was like ‘What have I gotten myself into.’ But I slowly learned so much and now I can educate people when they come in and talk about our plants and products.”

UPROOTED has more than 60 different varieties of plants they help match with the

individual. “If they are an overbearing plant parent, we suggest something that can take a lot of water and if they are neglectful, we suggest a cactus.”

Justice said her favorites are philodendrons.

“They have such unique leaves and are great communicators. Their leaves get papery when they are thirsty. You water them and they forgive you and don’t die.” With a business, husband, dog, and baby, Justice said she is more of a neglectful plant parent.

But Justice said UPROOTED is a judgement-free zone.

“We have all killed plants. It’s part of owning them. Knowing where I started and the questions I would have

uprooted

806 St. Joseph Street uprootedblackhills.com

asked, I never judge. You have to learn somehow.”

UPROOTED offers many services from education and plant diagnosis to repotting and designing business and home greenery spaces. They have plant-sitting services and even make house calls. Justice said they have weekly events focused on creating an educated community of plant enthusiasts.

“I just love the community we have built with the other business owners and customers. It’s just a really beautiful thing to open a business downtown. I never really feel alone in stuff because there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand or walk in super positive and it just fills me up for the day.”

elevaterapidcity.com

“I loved plants. That is what really got me started. I thought ‘this would be fun,’” she said adding that she initially overestimated her plant knowledge. “I honestly thought I knew a lot about plants, but after buying this business I realized I knew nothing.”

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infusing

community downtown Rapid City home to Hydration Station IV Lounge

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

BY JENNA CARDA // PHOTOS BY SHILOH FRANCIS

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elevaterapidcity.com

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

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"this whole sense of community is a new thing for me; it just doesn't exist in St. Louis."

- stacy kenitzer

Stacy Kenitzer

, RN, BSN, and her husband, Bruce, had been talking about the need for a change.

They were living in St. Louis, Missouri. Bruce’s family lived in the Rapid City area, and his aging mother was beginning to need more care. Stacy didn’t feel a strong tie to the city and was growing tired of the increased crime.

The more they thought about it, the more a move felt right. And as Bruce was back in the area visiting his mother, the right home caught his eye. Soon after, he made the move with Stacy following shortly after; waiting for her daughter to finish her senior year.

Stacy had grown up in and around the St. Louis area and began her nursing career nearly 30 years ago. Beginning her profession in a hospital setting, she had the opportunity to work with specialty pharmacies–a common business model in metropolitan areas. These boutique medical services cater to specific areas of medical practice and are often concierge services going directly to a patient’s home.

Stacy had never owned her own business before, let alone started one from the ground up. But when weighing the options available to her in the area, she wasn’t about to settle on going back to a traditional

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setting when her passion was in infusions.

“Before I moved, I had actually been thinking of starting an infusion lounge with my brother who is also a nurse.

But when we came to Rapid City, they just weren’t really a popular thing,” said Stacy.

The idea of starting the specialty service of an infusion lounge seemed to dwindle.

“Starting a business was terrifying,” said Stacy. “Nurses don’t own businesses where I come from; they just don’t.”

But Stacy decided to take a chance and offer something new to the community. In June

of 2022, Hydration Station IV Lounge opened its doors at 710 St. Joseph Street.

The Hydration Station IV Lounge is a vitamin therapy infusion lounge available for scheduled appointments and walk-ins. Through an IV drip, fluids, medications, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other supplements are delivered directly into your bloodstream. The health benefits are vast and include anti-aging, improved immune system, migraine relief, and more.

The menu at the lounge offers a variety of mixes for different “ailments” that you discuss with your nurse at the time of your

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"There have been so many people who have helped me in this entrepreneurial journey, being a support and always a source of encourgement."

- stacy kenitzer

“Everyone has something different that they come in for, and we can get them a mix that is right for them to either help them get over it quickly or help them feel better right away.

That’s what I’ve always loved about nursing: you’re still helping make somebody’s quality of life better.”

One year after opening its doors, Stacy can’t help but feel grateful she took a chance.

And has discovered that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a lonely journey.

“The nursing part of the business–that’s easy,” said Stacy. “It’s the

business side of things like the taxes and the financials that go along with it that has been a huge learning curve.”

But with that learning curve, Stacy credits her success to the other business owners downtown who have jumped in and guided her along the way.

Rapid City’s rural nature is a commonplace phenomenon for those who have grown up here. Connections are a dime a dozen in a small town, and when someone needs help– assistance is a phone call away. This sense of community may be taken for granted if you’ve been around the area long enough, but as a transplant arriving in Rapid City from St. Louis’s metro area–it was a pleasant surprise to Stacy.

“This whole sense of community is a new thing for me; it just doesn’t exist in St. Louis,” she said. “There have been so many people who have helped me in this entrepreneurial journey, being a support and always a source of encouragement. Being connected with other owners in downtown Rapid City has been awesome.”

Creating community, sharing knowledge, and offering support is what helps small businesses thrive in the Rapid City community.

And although it may be commonplace to be surrounded by a network of connections in our rural area, it’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Just ask Stacy.

Hydration Station IV Lounge 710 St. Joseph St. 605.791.3750 hydratestations.com

elevaterapidcity.com

initial consultation. After your vitals have been checked and you are okayed for treatment, the nurse will start your infusion and you get to relax in one of three lounge areas.

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south

made

d a k o ta Local jewelry maker creates space for local artists to tell their stories

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

STORY BY MICHELLE PAWELSKI // PHOTOS BY SHILOH FRANCIS

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elevaterapidcity.com

art should always tell a story, according to longtime jeweler Doug Napier.

His own story began decades ago.

As a child, he watched as his grandfather Samuel DeCory and his uncle Jack DeCory shared their craftsmanship with those around them.

“Growing up the two most significant people in my life were my grandfather and my uncle.”

When Napier’s father left, his grandfather became his father figure. “He raised me.

He was my mentor, but he was also a crafted woodworker. He would make furniture and turn it around and give it away to family and friends. It really meant something.”

Napier’s uncle was a gifted musician and painter who could have spent his life traveling the world playing music. Instead, he stayed in Rapid City giving guitar and painting lessons out of his home. “People who played guitar in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s knew him.”

The two Lakota men passed their legacy down to Napier who found his own craft in making powerful jewelry. In honor of his heritage, Napier created a jewelry line, Jewelry by DeCory, and opened Elements of South Dakota, a downtown business of South Dakota-made products from local artists.

“The front part of the store is all South Dakota-made products from pottery and bison sticks to paintings. The back half is an art gallery of local artists,” Napier said.

More than 20 artists are represented, all telling a different story. “We don’t pick things that are just made here. The people that showcase their stuff are passionate about what they do. The stuff they do has meaning not only to them but to the area.”

That is exactly the inspiration behind Napier’s own line of jewelry launched last spring. The first line, Lakota Legacy, has a video story for each piece that ties the subject to the Lakota culture. “You are not only buying the jewelry, but you

"SOUTH DAKOTA HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY PACE OF LIFE. THERE IS SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THIS AREA. IT FEELS LIKE HOME"

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

- DOUG NAPIER

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"the people that showcase their stuff are passionate about what they do. the stuff they do has meaning not only to them but the area."

-DOUG NAPIER are buying the story.” Napier’s hope is that people will buy the jewelry and continue to pass on the stories.

The Nature line was released this past spring featuring pieces with mushrooms, sunflowers, pinecones, and the pasque flower.

“Each year we want to come up with a new standalone line that has a story tied to it.”

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

Napier has been making jewelry for 40 years, ever since a job out of high school turned into a career. He started working with the Black Hills Gold Company. A manager saw talent in the young teen. “He took me under his wing and showed me every aspect of jewelry making. I got really good at it and was offered jobs all over the place.”

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The jewelry business has taken Doug Napier worldwide from Seattle and New York City to China and the Dominican Republic. “I am also a consultant, so I travel all over the world to different factories and help them troubleshoot their problems.”

He recently traveled to the United Kingdom to help the Royal Mint with a new line of jewelry. “I was

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helping them set up the factory and do some training.”

While his career has taken him to some amazing places, his heart always remained in his home state.

“South Dakota has always been my pace of life. There is something significant about this area. It feels like home. It has always been home even though I traveled. It is still a piece of me.”

After moving home, Napier returned to where his jewelry journey started and got a job with the Black Hills Gold Company. He also began creating YouTube videos out of his home educating others on the process.

ELEVATE • NOV. 2023

With more training space needed, Napier opened a shop downtown next to Who’s Hobby House and started a center where people from all over world would spend time learning how to cast jewelry, set stones, and solder.

He also added custom jewelry making and repairs. When the pandemic hit, however, people stopped coming and Napier needed to change directions.

That is when he came up with the Jewelry by DeCory line.

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“I like the fact that I can sit at the bench and create something out of nothing.

I don’t just make jewelry for jewelry’s sake. If it is not important and doesn’t have a story attached to it, then I am not interested.”

Napier said his favorite piece is the one he is has most recently completed.

“When I am working on something I am all in. It’s neat when you can find a job and hobby that are the same thing."

When Napier first started, he would work eight hours a day with jewelry and then come home and spend time working on his own creations. “Many of the pieces we have now are ones that I made back then.”

His dream is to open a two-year accredited trade school to inspire and educate a new generation of jewelers, one that will highlight the beauty of the Lakota people and the Black Hills.

Napier already has his nonprofit status but is working toward raising funds, finding a building, and developing a curriculum. He hopes to have scholarships for local Native American youth and offer community night classes for locals who just want to make one piece.

“My goal is to build up my company to a point where I can hand it off or sell it so I can put my full attention to the trade school and teach all these things I picked up over the years.”

He wants to share his story and give back to his community – a trait passed down to Napier from his ancestors.

elements of South Dakota 611 Main Street elementsofsd.net

Meet Richard.

He wakes up each day with purpose and passion.

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