Mitchell resident Melissa Roeder turns passion for decorating into a new business: Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — Melissa Roeder fondly remembers crafting with her mother as a child, an experience that inspired her new small business, Yearly Traditions. Roeder offers decorating services that add festive cheer to homes and businesses.

Roeder’s journey into the world of decorating began in her childhood home, where her mother’s enthusiasm for holiday decorating fueled Roeder’s passion.

One of her fondest memories that laid the foundation for her creative pursuits is the annual Halloween tradition they shared.

“Every Halloween, my mother would get a big sheet of construction paper, and together we would cut out a wooden fence and place it on our big picture window,” Roeder recalls. “We cut out jack-o-lanterns and taped them around the fence, creating a whole pumpkin patch scene.”

Fast forward to four years ago, when Roeder ended up at Bonnie’s DeKor, a local store in Mitchell known for its festive displays and holiday decor. A chance meeting with store owner Bonnie Kor really set Roeder on her current path.

While casually shopping, she heard Kor talking to herself while debating the placement of ribbons on a Christmas tree. Roeder seized the moment and offered her own suggestions. Little did she know that that impromptu conversation would lead to a new chapter in her life.

“I was choosing a theme for one of my many Christmas trees when Melissa came over and started picking things out with me. She had such an eye for it and I knew I wanted her to help me and look after me.” work,” Kor said. .

Kor hired Roeder on the spot and she quickly became a valuable member of Bonnie’s DeKor team. The tree they decorated together that day won first place in Kor’s annual Tour of Trees.

Under Kor’s mentorship, Roeder honed her skills and took on more responsibilities.

“She was reliable and hard-working. She was very teachable,” Kor said.

Roeder recalls eventually gaining more creative freedom in the store, relying on designing entire sections and updating displays.

“Bonnie really believed in me,” Roeder says. “She gave me space to grow and try new things. That confidence was a big part of why I was able to develop my skills.”

When Kor decided to close her store earlier this year due to health reasons, Roeder found herself at a crossroads. The closure led to a realization in Roeder: she didn’t want to stop creating and decorating.

“I just feel like this is kind of my calling, and I knew I couldn’t stop doing this,” she explained.

Then Yearly Traditions was born. Roeder launched her own small business with the mission to help individuals and businesses decorate for every season and special event.

“It’s about creating experiences and memories,” Roeder said. “I don’t just hang decorations; I help people transform their spaces into something beautiful that reflects who they are and what they love.”

Roeder’s new venture offers a variety of services ranging from complete home furnishings to targeted improvements for specific areas. She can help decorate a Christmas tree, style a mantel or create an inviting arrangement in the entryway or along a stair railing.

Some of her first projects included working with Plains Commerce Bank, where she helped select and arrange both seasonal and everyday decorations for the lobby, and Dakota Wesleyan University, where she helped with floral arrangements for a women’s conference. A few weekends ago, Roeder coordinated her first wedding, handling both decorations and logistics.

An important project Roeder will be undertaking in the coming weeks is with the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. Following her mentor Kor, Roeder is tasked with decorating the hospital lobby during the Christmas season. This annual tradition, previously provided by Kor, has now been entrusted to Roeder and her new company.

One of the unique aspects of Yearly Traditions is Roeder’s flexibility and attention to individual needs. According to Roeder, her services are customizable and she can work with clients’ existing decorations or purchase new items within a given budget.

“When people have time constraints or creative barriers to making their home look beautiful for the seasons, I go in and help make their home an eye-catching place that celebrates whatever season is happening at that moment” , she explained.

With Christmas just around the corner, Roeder sees a surge in demand for seasonal decorations.

“Many companies don’t have time to stop work and decorate the office for the holidays. Many companies are starting to outsource that process,” says Roeder.

While Roeder is excited about her growing business, she prioritizes maintaining a balance between her career and family life. Although she was offered the opportunity to take over Bonnie’s DeKor, she chose not to, in part because she has a daughter in college and a young son at home. Roeder values ​​family time.

“I love what I do, but there’s no way I could marry retail,” Roeder said. “I’m so grateful that I can build this business around my life and not the other way around.”

As Yearly Traditions gets off the ground, Roeder credits Kor with instilling the confidence and skills that have propelled her forward.

“Bonnie taught me so much, not only about decorating, but about business. She showed me that I could do this on my own, and I am so grateful for that,” Roeder said.

Kor, watching her protégé embark on this new journey, expressed confidence in Roeder’s future success.

“Melissa will do a great job on this new journey,” Kor said.

Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University, graduating in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her studies, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newspaper The Collegian. She also interned at Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD in the summer of 2000. After graduation, Leither continued to live in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for several years.
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