AN OPTIMISTIC SPIRIT
By: Andrea Van Essen | Photos By: Shane Monahan Photography
Sheryl Nelson doesn’t consider herself to be a very structured person. In fact, she says she tends to “fly by the seat of her pants” most of the time.
It’s a tactic that doesn’t necessarily work out for everyone, but, for Sheryl, that easygoing attitude is paired with a spirit of optimism, joy, and hard work that has served her well in life and resulted in a successful family and business.
She spent the majority of her childhood living on a farm in the small town of Willow Lake, South Dakota. Though she has fond memories of growing up on the farm — she’s an animal lover through and through — Sheryl says she couldn’t wait to move away and do her own thing.
After graduating from high school, she started college classes right away but ended up transferring to a vocational school in Watertown, where she earned a degree in marketing management and sales.
She says she looks back on that decision to switch from college to vocational school with regret, as it was a choice she made based on a romantic relationship which didn’t ultimately work out. She married young at 19, and had her three children, but ended up separating and later getting divorced.
“I was just too young, and I wasn’t prepared to be making those decisions,” Sheryl reflects.
Those early years were challenging, from working night shifts at her first job at Citibank while managing a newborn, to deciding to quit and stay at home with her kids and eventually having to tackle parenthood on her own as a single mother.
Through it all, Sheryl managed to keep a sense of optimism and possibility about her. She found ways to manage staying at home with her kids and always kept her ear to the ground for possible entrepreneurial opportunities.
“I’m not the type of person that likes a 9-5 job. I’m not structured whatsoever, and I just couldn’t thrive in that environment. My family’s just that entrepreneurial type. I think that’s part of being farmers — you do what needs to be done day to day, and I’ve always had that attitude,” Sheryl adds.
Sheryl says she was always looking for the right outlet or opportunity to take an entrepreneurial leap, and she had several deals over the years that ended up falling through at the last minute.
“There were a few different opportunities — I came close to buying a coffee shop in Brandon, as one example — but I think things line up for a reason, so if it fell through, it was probably for a good reason,” Sheryl explains.
Sheryl has always loved kids and says that while it was challenging, those years she spent at home with them were some of the best times of her life. She enjoyed keeping them busy with activities, as well as chores and responsibilities, and says she’s incredibly proud of the people they’ve grown up
“They’re very accomplished, and I’m very proud. They’re all really great kids, so I think I did something right — they’ve
Sheryl’s oldest daughter, Morgan, is 32 now and lives in North Carolina, her middle son, Eric, is 29 and lives in Luverne, MN and her youngest daughter, Molly, is 24 and lives in
After her kids started school, Sheryl began substitute teaching in the Brandon School District, which she says she loved.
“I’m just fanatical about kids. I love youth, I love their honesty and everything about them,” Sheryl smiles.
After a while, however, the lastminute nature of substituting began to wear on her, and she found herself looking for a work opportunity that would be more reliable and easier to schedule around. That’s when she found herself at Kidtopia.
The toy store opened at The Bridges at 57th shopping center in September 2007 — a second location of the owners’ Okoboji store. Sheryl started working there shortly after it opened and fell in love.
“I was essentially managing the store and just loved it,” Sheryl adds.
After a while, she realized that the owners were having a hard time balancing the back-and-forth of two locations so far apart — the husband had a full-time job in addition to the store, and his wife was on bedrest with her third pregnancy.
“I approached them just after Christmas to see if they would be interested in selling, and they were willing. I took control in March 2008, and it’s been perfect for me,” Sheryl says.
In 2014, she opened up her second location — which is now her only location — at Dawley Farms. Though the Bridges location was performing well, she decided to close it and simplify down to the one shop in January 2022.
Kidtopia strictly sells toys (no clothing or other related products), and it holds the distinction of being the largest toy store in the state. However, though Sheryl prides herself on having an excellent selection of quality products, she says that creating a joyful customer experience is what sets her shop apart.
“It’s not about how much product you can pack into a store, it’s the experience, the fun, the atmosphere that’s what draws families in. I love when kids come in and run straight for the playhouse. That’s a highlight for me. I love it and I will never be annoyed or complain about that,” Sheryl explains.
She loves to infuse her joyful, optimistic nature into the customer experience, and that comes out most clearly through giving back.
Whether she’s handing out toy samples that she’s gathered from markets and distributors, or finding meaningful ways to give back to the community, Sheryl is always looking for an opportunity to bring smiles to kids’ faces.
One special example is that from the very first month that she owned the store, she has been dedicated to providing birthday gifts for the kids who live at the Children’s Home Society (CHS). She says that she visited CHS when her oldest daughter was in kindergarten and was deeply moved by the organization’s mission. Since then, it’s been on her heart to find a way to
Sheryl’s kids Molly, Eric, and Morgan
Sheryl at a vineyard in Napa 2024
Kidtopia Christmas Party 2022
Butters, Barley and Basil in Christmas PJ’s in 2024
give back, and the birthday gifts have become a beautiful tradition through Kidtopia.
“We get names and ages and some gift ideas from CHS for the kids who are having birthdays that month, and then we post them in the store and encourage customers to consider buying a gift. If they do, we take 20% off and wrap it for free,” Sheryl explains.
Sheryl also regularly finds ways to contribute to other local charities, like The Teddy Bear Den or Almost Home Canine Rescue, through round-up campaigns or change jars or special events.
Whether it’s giving back locally, interacting with kids in her shop or spending time with her own kids — not to mention the four-legged ones — Sheryl keeps happiness and optimism at the forefront.
“I don’t like pessimists. I prefer a happy, can-do attitude, and that’s what I want to be around because it’s so life-giving. That’s why I love being in a toy store — no one comes to a toy store in a grumpy mood.”
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Sheryl is obsessed with animals and has three beloved Golden Retrievers: Butters, Barley and Basil. She also has a cat named Chowder.
Sheryl says November and December are Kidtopia’s busiest months of the year, and they bring in more revenue in those two months than the entire year.
When she was very young, Sheryl has a memory of going to a local store that had an indoor slide for kids. That fun memory has always stuck with her, and it inspired her to create the playhouse and slide inside Kidtopia.
Sheryl always has to have music or Netflix on while she’s working for background noise, and she especially loves current music and attending pop concerts. “I’m always listening to Apple Music or iHeartRadio to boost me up,” Sheryl adds.
Sheryl was born in Nebraska and also lived in Washington state for a few years before moving to South Dakota where her family farmed.
Sheryl at Hard Rock in Washington DC 2012
Morgan and Sheryl
Sheryl at the 1st Starbucks in Seattle 2012
By: Erica Wilcox
If there’s ever a time of year to add in some sparkle and turn up the shimmer on your wardrobe, it’s now! This truly is the season of sparkle and the perfect time to add some points of interest to your outfits and makeup.
For your wardrobe: Start small by thinking about ways to add in some accessories that give some sparkle to your look. Maybe you will find a pair of shoes, a handbag or a statement necklace that are bolder and brighter than your traditional pieces to give off that holiday vibe. Adding on a sequin bomber jacket or cardigan is a great way to take some of your basics you already own and add on one seasonal piece to make it elevated and holidayesque! This sequin jacket is from H&M, it’s under $50 and features a classic style that could be worn throughout the holidays and to dress up a little black dress for an event.
Here are a few tips and tricks to level up your style for the season without breaking the bank! A lot of retailers are already discounting holiday merchandise to try to clear inventory before the season is over. Businesses are also heavy on the discounts for December with promotions for “last minute gift giving” where you can score additional savings on top of discounted prices. All of this to say, don’t pay full price for these trendy items that could be on sale the next day.
Makeup and hair: The easiest way to elevate your makeup is to add in some shimmer eyeshadows. Because you don’t want to buy a new palette of only shimmer options that you may not use again until next year, I like to find palettes that have one or two shimmer options mixed in with some neutrals. This Enchanted Neutrals palette does exactly that! A bold lip color will also enhance the holiday outfit vibe. A different shade, or a bolder color than what you normally wear will give a dressier-glam vibe to whatever you put on. Think about ways you can change your hairstyle. If you’re like me, I tend to always have my hair down and curled somehow. While I still might want to wear my hair down for my holiday event, I’m going to grab a bow clip or some sparkly hair clips to add some shimmer and dimension to my style.
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.
My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.
After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did.
Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!
On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find me sharing daily deals and sales, makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.
Life is too short to eat boring food.
All of us at Empire know that food is the ingredient that brings us together! In the coming months, we will be featuring the best foodie spots in Sioux Falls!
Want to feature your foodie spot? We’d love to have you! Email ads@michelscom.com for more information!
By: Lauren Johnson
Teaching artists of the Black Hills Playhouse Education (BHP Education), located in Sioux Falls, are transforming lives through theatre programs inclusive of people of all ages and abilities with The Expanding Stage program. Since 2013, BHP Education has partnered with LifeScape Center for the Arts to develop programs that are accessible to children and adults with and without disabilities. Since 2015, twice a week, teaching artists from BHP Education head to DakotAbilities and work with adults with disabilities.
“It all began with an email from DakotAbilities that said, ‘We just moved into Longfellow Center and have room for programming,’” says Deb Workman, Education Director for BHP. “We were one of the respondents who answered ‘yes’ to an invite to tour the facilities at the Longfellow Center, which is a great facility with a cafetorium, a small stage with a lift so people who have mobility concerns can access it, and a gym in the basement.
“It’s always been our mission to provide programming to underserved populations and build community; at first, I thought underserved populations were people in super small towns or reservations. It didn’t dawn on me that the underserved community of people with disabilities was right next to me,” Deb says.
When the Education program started back in 1999, it was just for kids. “Years later, when I toured DakotAbilities, I ran into Trevor, one of the kids we had worked with in the past at LifeScape. Trevor was involved in our theatre programming, but all of a sudden, when he had aged out he no longer had theatre to help to express himself,” Deb says. “When I saw him there, I knew we had to create this program for adults.” Trevor is once again a performer in this year’s Snow Queen Pt. 2 show.
Snow Queen Pt. 2 is an entertaining adaptation suitable for all, perfectly aligned with the season, and embodies the production that the actors aspire to create. Since it’s a longer play, it’s been done in two parts. Part one was in October, and a second cast is working to do part two. The story picks up where the first left off, with the Queen running away and creating her castle, but you didn’t have to see part one to be able to enjoy part two.
DakotAbilities performances are always free. “Just show up, no reservations are needed,” Deb says. Performances are Thursday and Friday, December 12 and 13, at 1 pm at Longfellow Center, 1116 S. 4th Avenue in Sioux Falls.
“We have twelve actors in this show, ten of them use wheelchairs,” Deb says. “When you do theater for all abilities, you think of theater in a different way. Entrances and exits, the costumes fit differently on a body in a wheelchair. We never fully change their clothes, but instead figure out how to make the costumes go over their clothing. We have numerous kinds of wheelchairs, the power ones where we sometimes have to tell an actor to slow down, or wheelchairs that need a stage partner to move the actor in their chair. Performers are supported by six stage partners, including DakotAbilities and BHP staff, who assist the actors during rehearsals as well as during the live performance.”
Our All Ability performances also support various methods for actors to express themselves and deliver their roles. “Some speak with their voices, and some with other devices such as their phones,” Deb adds. “We find voice actors to come in and record the lines as needed, and then the stage actors determine when they’re going to say it. They will have the lines entered or downloaded into their device or we make arrangements where the stage actor will look out and nod their head or raise a prop to signal to the sound board operator when their line will be said. For example, Trevor will hit a button and then the sound board operator knows to hit the ‘go’ for Trevor’s line. Between actor lines and music cues, there are almost 400 sound cues for Snow Queen Pt. 2!
Props are another specialized feature for the performers, and BHP is committed to adapting everything needed for the characters. “We make the props work for the actors,” Deb says. “In Snow Queen Pt. 1 we had characters who were serving drinks at a party. One actor who played a server uses a wheelchair so we worked with the actor and found a way to mount a tray on their wheelchair. We used magnets under the tray and on the bottom of the drinks to hold the drinks in place as they moved. They could still hand off the drinks to the other actors, and when they got them back, they would stay in place.”
This specialty programming that allows for people of all abilities to experience and enjoy theatre depends on the support of generous patrons. Sponsorships and donations are always welcome and appreciated. You can help by visiting blackhillsplayhouse.com. “We have witnessed lifechanging moments on and off the stage and how these creative processes, performances, and connections affect the lives of the cast and crew long after the curtain has closed,” says Deb.
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By: Teresa Mentzer
Sound the alarm! Ring the bell. Sioux Falls needs an organized fire department. That was in 1900 when a massive fire destroyed the Cataract Hotel. City officials acted quickly to establish the state’s first trained and paid fire department. Makeshift bucket brigades and volunteer hook and ladder companies could no longer answer the calls of a burgeoning population. The frontier city had grown rapidly from 600 residents in 1876 to more than 10,000 by the end of the century. Houses, hotels, stables, and dozens of businesses rose up in every direction from 9th and Philips where the hotel stood.
Within a month of the Cataract’s demise, eight firemen were hired to create a full-time crew. A portion of the city auditorium was consigned to the men, seven horses and a buggy, a steam-driven water pump and a hook and ladder truck. A bell was added to the adjacent auditorium tower to serve as the city’s lone call for help when a fire broke out.
A decade later the department had outgrown their north-side quarters of the auditorium, and local architect, Joseph Schwarz, was hired to design a modern fire station to be located at 100 South Minnesota Avenue.
In 1913 the Sioux Falls Central Fire Station was built to last, and it has. Like many of the extant buildings in the downtown historic district, the firehouse is built with Sioux Quartzite from local quarries. The building’s construction showcases the decorative stonework technique known as rustication which was popular in the early 1900’s.
Photos Courtesy of City of Sioux Falls and SAH Archipedia
Chamfered blocks form the large two-story structure designed in an Italianate style. In this style, angled edges are cut to emphasize the shape and strength of each stone. Like the Italian palazzos it models, the Central Fire Station symbolizes the prosperity and progress of the Queen City on the Prairie. Signature elements of this architectural style are incorporated into the station’s rock facade. White concrete quoins, cornices, lintels, window trims and parapet rails create a striking contrast to the rose-hued quartzite. Atop the front parapet sit two concrete urns, and etched into a concrete inset, Central Fire Station.
A sixty-five-foot bell tower flanks the north side of the main fire house. The original bell used by early volunteers rests near the entrance paying tribute to the firefighters who have served the community over the years.
The classic lines and features of this iconic landmark earned it a place on the list of National Record of Historic Places in 1980. After more than one hundred years, Station No.1 is one of the oldest working fire stations built on the western frontier. Its historic significance was again affirmed in 2015 when the station was fully updated to better serve the heart of town that grew from infancy on the prairie.
The station’s original blueprint included stables, wagon bays, hay lofts and accommodations for the men. To keep pace with progress, facility changes were ongoing and several renovations were made. As motorized fire trucks and pumpers were introduced, the apparatus floor was reinforced and eventually replaced to withstand the weight of vehicles and equipment.
Wiring was upgraded to improve the buildings electrical systems. The stables area now serves as a large kitchen where fire crews prepare daily meals. The offices and quarters for the fire chief and battalion chief have been reconfigured, but a common sleeping area still exists on the second level, and one of the three long brass poles remains active.
The hayloft became a large gymnasium for games of volleyball and basketball. The bell tower still is used to hang and dry the fire hoses after a call. Those who scale the tower wall ladder will find the names of their predecessors etched in the mortar between the stones.
Modern firefighting still requires training and meeting standards of fitness. A workout room on sight helps the crew maintain high levels of strength, cardio and flexibility to carry out the job tasks central to their profession.
Central Fire Station stands firm and strong amidst the modern progress that surrounds it. Even stronger is the city’s commitment to preserving this bold monument and its history for another 100 years or more.
CATARACT HOTEL FIRE
For more information, contact Mike Broderick, Community Outreach Officer, at Ronald McDonald House Charities of SoDak at 605.929.8870 or 605.336.6398 Ext 6.
825 S. Lake Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 www.rmhcsodak.org
There's something special and incredibly significant about a family tree. Its roots are firmly planted, and its branches vary in age. Some branches are young, and new, while others have been there a while and serve as the tree’s strength and foundation.
At the Ronald McDonald House, we too have a family tree. Its branches hold the leaves of the people that make it possible to keep families close. Each leaf indicates a donation given for a family to stay near their hospitalized child. Every year, we work to add new leaves, to strengthen what we do each day.
Each $365 gift sponsors a one-week family stay at our South Dakota Ronald McDonald Houses. A family won't have to worry about paying for a hotel, or where their next meal is coming from. We give families a place to rest, a place to rejuvenate, to collect their thoughts, and to recharge for the next day. Many of our families tell us they don’t know what they would have done without the Ronald McDonald House.
As a member of our Annual 365 Giving Tree program, you make a HUGE impact on our mission of “Keeping Families Close”. We have added the option to also sponsor a two-week or three-week family stay. Know that at whatever level you choose to sponsor, it is appreciated by the families who stay with us.
Our Giving Tree community is made up of individuals, businesses, corporations, and civic organizations.
Your $1 per day donation keeps families close while their child is receiving care at one of the medical facilities in the Sioux Falls area. Each $365 gift provides a oneweek family stay.
As an Annual 365 Giving Tree donor you will receive:
• A cherry wood plaque and a gold leaf indicating the year of your gift for every year you donate.
• A large leaf on our Giving Tree walls at each house with your business or family name on it.
• Recognition on our 365 Giving Tree web page
Ronald McDonald House, 808 E. 24th St., Near Avera
Ronald McDonald House, 824 S. Lake Ave., Near Sanford
HOLIDAY
Get Holiday-Ready with the Ultimate Glow Package!
As the season sparkles, so should your skin! This year, we’re excited to bring you the Holiday Halo promotion featuring Sciton Halo, the revolutionary laser treatment designed to reveal radiant, youthful skin—just in time for the festivities. Make this holiday season your most luminous yet with exclusive, limited-time offers crafted to brighten and rejuvenate.
CHOOSE YOUR HOLIDAY HALO PACKAGE:
A FREE DiamondGlow Facial with any Halo Face treatment – perfect for that dewy, party-ready glow!
A FREE Sciton BBL Face Treatment with your Halo Face treatment –for clear, brilliant skin that’s as radiant as the holiday lights!
A FREE Neck & Chest Treatment when you purchase a Halo Face treatment – because glowing skin is a head-to-toe affair!
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF SCITON HALO
With dual-wavelength technology, Halo combines deep dermal rejuvenation and gentle resurfacing to address fine lines, sun damage, uneven texture, and more. Paired with your choice of our exclusive packages, Halo helps you look refreshed and vibrant for every holiday occasion.
WHY CHOOSE HOLIDAY HALO?
At Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota, we believe in celebrating your unique beauty. The Holiday Halo promotion offers a custom approach to radiance, making it easy to achieve glowing skin that lasts through the holidays and beyond.
Holiday-Ready Glow: Say goodbye to dullness and welcome in skin that beams with health and vitality.
Smoother, Softer Skin: Halo’s powerful yet gentle laser is paired with your choice of gifts to refine and rejuvenate.
Customized Treatment Packages: Select the option that best complements your skin goals and adds a little extra sparkle to your holiday look.
JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars, The Bar, or JJ’s Axes & Ales are perfect available venues for a unique event experience Did You Say You Need a Place to Throw a Party? Private Event Room
Variety of Beverage Service Packages
Limited Amount of In-House Catering
Sun-Mon: 10:00-8:00pm Tues-Sat: 10:00-10:00pm
JJ’s Bar Hours Sun-Mon: 12:00-8:00pm Tues-Sat: 11:30-10:00pm
JJ’s Axe Throwing Venue Sun: 12-8PM (happy hour all day) Mon: Closed Tues-Thurs 3-10PM Fri-Sat 12-10PM
JJ’s Bar Kitchen Sun-Mon: Closed Tue-Sat: 11:30-9:00pm
The Boozy Bakery Mon-Tues: Closed Wed-Sat: 10:00am-9:00pm Sun: Buy One Get One Free! SCAN
At Mitchell Technical College, in Mitchell, South Dakota, we offer a number of pathways into the healthcare industry. Whether you are interested in getting your foot in the door through a medical assistant diploma, becoming a nurse or focusing on medical technology, Mitchell Tech can help you get to where you want to be with a career in healthcare.
Mitchell Tech Health Sciences Program Options:
• Human Services Technician
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Medical Assistant
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Medical Office Professional
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiologic Technology
• Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
The bottom line . . . if you want to be the best, you have to work hard, learn by doing and put your skills to work in the real world.
Our mission is to prepare you for a successful, skilled healthcare career. Come and visit or check us out online and you will find out how you can Be The Best at Mitchell Technical College
#1 College in South Dakota According to Niche!
