Terra Shepherd founder wins Vision Sioux Falls Award

Sara Jamison was casually scrolling social media when an intriguing post crossed her feed.

Main Street America, an organization dedicated to strengthening downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country, was accepting applications for its 2025 Backing Small Businesses grant program.

“There were only a few days left before the deadline,” Sara said, “so I got to work!”

She applied for one of 400 available grants to support her downtown Sioux Falls business, Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary.

In October 2025, Sara learned that she would receive $10,000 to support the expansion of her zero-waste “refillery” — a bring-your-own-container shopping experience where customers can purchase refills of their favorite household and personal care products.

“The grant enabled us to expand our refillery to include almost 50 refill options,” Sara said.

“We added more options to our bestselling laundry assortment, significantly expanded our skincare options, and brought in some totally new products like essential oil room sprays and tablets to make foaming hand soap.”

Terra Shepherd was one of five grant recipients in South Dakota and one of two in Sioux Falls.

‘I’m also human’

While Terra Shepherd is known as a place to buy sustainable clothing or gifts, the refillery helps drive traffic during slower seasons and serves as an entry point for customers looking to build a more sustainable lifestyle.

“Undoubtedly, customers regularly need laundry supplies, cleaning products, and toiletries,” Sara said. “The expansion has made it easy for our customers to support us even when they aren’t shopping for clothing or gifts.”

Refilling is also affordable and reduces plastic waste, so customers can feel good about their shopping choices.

To Sara, the Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant is more than just $10,000; it’s recognition of the value her refillery creates for the community.

“This grant provided acknowledgement that isn’t always easy to come by when you’re self-employed,” Sara said.

It acknowledges the success she’s had over the past seven and a half years, as well as where she can take this small business in the future.

“You have to become really great at motivating yourself and celebrating successes along the way,” Sara said, “but I’m also human, and it feels wonderful to be acknowledged for building something worthy of receiving a grant.”

A vision for a sustainable Sioux Falls

After learning of Sara’s small business grant and refill bar expansion, we nominated her for this year’s Vision Sioux Falls awards from the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Our team helped Sara bring her small business to life in 2019 with a 7(a) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Located just up the street from Terra Shepherd, we watched with admiration as Sara grew her business over the past seven and a half years.

“Sara is raising awareness of what sustainable living is while encouraging small, deliberate steps toward a positive impact,” said Market President of Business Banking Jeremy Keckler. “Everything she’s accomplished during the relatively short period her store has been open is remarkable.”

Jeremy presented the award to Sara at a small gathering in her store, which was attended by Sara’s family, representatives from the Chamber, and several members of the First National Bank team.

Jeremy Keckler presents Sara Jamison with her Vision Sioux Falls Award.

Sara Jamison with her family.

“It’s so easy to get stuck in the day-to-day chaos of running a small business that it can be difficult to tell if you’re making a difference beyond your own four walls,” Sara said of receiving the award.

“The team at First National has been so incredibly supportive on my entrepreneurial journey, and I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” she added. “It’s fuel for the journey ahead and encouragement to keep making an impact.”

Visit the Terra Shepherd website to learn more about Sara Jamison’s mission and expanded refillery.

And if you’re looking for a partner to support your small business through every stage of growth, connect with a Business Banker. Our team cares about your success!