Sioux Falls Bakery’s Community Service Honored With Statewide Award

The South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) has recognized Oh My Cupcakes! in Sioux Falls with its annual Community Service Award.

The award recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves.

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Melissa Johnson started the business in 2009 in the middle of an economic downturn with just $67 in her business checking account and, as she says, “A great big dream to create beautiful things that bring people joy. That’s what we strive to do each and every day.”

South Dakota Retailers Association executive director Nathan Sanderson says she definitely accomplishes that goal. “Her gourmet cupcakes brighten the days of her customers,” he said, “but Oh My Cupcakes! also brings happiness to the community through their dedicated support of local activities and causes.”

Johnson’s staff of “cupcake ninjas” enjoy doing team events such as serving The Banquet for families in need, coordinating a holiday toy drive for the Children’s Home Society, and holding a pet food drive for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

She also gives back to the community by donating cupcakes to the Bread Break organization and donating a percentage of sales in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She serves on boards for the Children’s Home Society and the Avera Regional Council and has also been involved with the Compass Center and Volunteers of America.

“Generosity is one of our core values,” Melissa explained. “We take care of our community because good neighbors help support good neighbors.”

She believes it’s important to give back not just in great ways, but in small ways as well, pointing out that something as simple as sharing an extra smile may make the difference in the day of a person who is facing a challenge in their personal life.

“Of all the things I get to do in a day, my favorite role is professional encourager,” she shared. “Helping others along with their journey is really my life’s passion.” To learn more about Johnson and the Retailers Association’s additional award recipients, visit sdra.org/awards.

Source:  South Dakota Retailers Association/SDRA