Military Spouse Turns a Move to Rapid City Into a Business Opportunity 

Nick Hubbard

Originally from Houston, Texas, Sydney Riendeau relocated to Rapid City at the end of 2021 when her husband, Jesse Riendeau, received an assignment at nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base. 

“Overall, Rapid City is very welcoming and friendly,” Riendeau says. This welcoming spirit might explain how Riendeau quickly became a fixture in the local business community. 

She worked at Monument Health when she first moved to the area, before finding a job in the marketing field. She also worked part time at UPROOTED, a plant store and plant care company. 

Looking to start a family, the Riendeaus began the IVF process. Then, the stars aligned. After finding out she was pregnant, the previous owner of UPROOTED let her know she’d be selling the company. 

Courtesy of Sydney Riendeau

“It was really hard to maintain my position while putting my body through IVF,” Riendeau says. “So, it worked out really well that she needed someone to buy the business, and I was there willing to buy it. It’s given me a lot of flexibility, both through the pregnancy and now with having a 7-month-old.” 

In addition to corporate plant care and their plant shop, UPROOTED also offers community workshops, such as paint-and-pours and terrarium building. These fun-filled events take place at local wineries, breweries and coffee shops. 

Since taking over, Riendeau says other small-business owners in the region have offered her sound advice, congratulations and even welcome gifts. 

“I’ve had a very good experience as a small business owner in the community,” she says.