I’m Sydnie—owner, operator, and right now the only face you'll see at Rushmore. I’ve always believed in following my gut, and that’s exactly how Rushmore came to be. It wasn’t a lifelong dream or something I had mapped out from the start. In fact, when I first opened the store, I didn’t even know what I’d be selling. Rushmore was actually almost a vintage store! My journey has been simple, a little cheesy, and shaped by life-changing moments, a love for personal style, and an undeniable drive to create something special.
It all started back in 2018 after a trip to Colorado with my boyfriend (now husband), Steve. We spent the trip dreaming about our future, and something inside me just clicked. I had this feeling that I was supposed to do something new—open a clothing store. But here’s the kicker; I wasn’t even a boutique shopper at the time. I’d worked in women’s retail, yes, but never in a small business. Yet, with my passion-for-fashion and my career background, it started to feel like a natural next step.
Unlike some entrepreneurs, I didn’t have a clear dream from the start. I began college pursuing a business degree with a focus on Entrepreneurship. I was 18, figuring things out like most people at that age. I thought I wanted to own a coffee shop, even though I didn’t drink coffee at the time! After failing Macroeconomics and barely passing Business Accounting, I realized it was time for a shift. So I ended up graduating with a degree in Apparel, Textiles, & Merchandising and a minor in Studio Arts— which ultimately lead me toward a career in retail. After nearly a decade in women’s specialty retail, that entrepreneurial spark still hadn’t faded.
In 2019, I took the leap. I had my eye on a building in Alton. One day, driving home from work, I saw a "FOR SALE" sign in the window. I called Steve, practically vibrating with excitement. This was it! My sign from the universe! He bought the building, and we built a loft upstairs. Six months later, I gave my two weeks’ notice and gave myself just one month to bring the boutique to life. With help from friends, family, and my amazing (then-boyfriend, now-husband) Steve, we opened Rushmore on August 10th, 2019.
Those early years in Alton were filled with obstacle like covid and street closures, Steve and I got married, and through all the learning and growth Rushmore thrived for nearly five years. But some twists really change things. My mom had been battling cancer for several years, and after her passing in 2023, I was left with grief and a lot of responsibilities. We inherited her home, three pets, and a very messy estate. We moved out of our beautiful loft and into my childhood home (lucky for me, I love it there). But this experience changed me. It gave me a new outlook on life and made me look at what I wanted for my life and for Rushmore.
During my time of reflection, I realized it was time to take a big leap again. I was ready to embrace the city life Steve and I had always dreamed of, and it was time for Rushmore to move to a more vibrant, bustling community. So I followed my gut once more.
Rushmore isn’t just a boutique—it’s a space built around connection, confidence, and helping women feel their best, no matter the occasion. Every piece here is handpicked to offer not just style, but versatility, comfort, and a little bit of that unique flair that makes each of us feel special. My goal has always been to create a place where you can find pieces that reflect your personal style and lifestyle, all while supporting a local business. I’m so proud to be able to continue this journey and share it with all of you. I’m so excited to continue growing this little boutique in St. Louis and to have you along for the ride.