Aieken, SC (July 23, 2014) - What we now know as Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe started out like most dreams do- a hobby. While leading fast-paced lives in the food and healthcare industries in New York, current Woodside residents Dick and Cindy Rudisill reserved one room of their home for their vintage ad collection, serving as a reminder of sweet childhood memories and days gone by.
As they visited estate sales, flea markets, and antique stores, their collection grew, and before they knew it, their basement had transformed into an old-fashioned general store. Now, several years later, their lives have transformed just as much- they’ve left the hectic New York lifestyle behind to seize the opportunity for a new beginning in retirement, and what was once a basement general store has now become an old-fashioned candy store that perfectly compliments Aiken’s rich historical charm.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Cindy to understand what it was about Woodside and Aiken that inspired she and her husband to move across the country to follow a dream:
What was it about Aiken that convinced you this was your new hometown?
“It’s always sunny- even when it’s cold, the sun shines! Everyone here is so friendly, and we just loved the downtown community instantly. People here accepted us wonderfully.”
And why Woodside?
“Everyone was always wonderful to us. In Woodside, a lot of people are from out of town, and everyone comes here looking to establish new relationships as part of building a home- we’ve made so many great friends here. And when we did make the decision to open the shop, our Woodside community was there with us- the Woodside staff got our story out and spread the word. They’ve helped us so much.”
How has life changed since moving to Aiken?
“We’ve made so many friends here- in Woodside and outside of it- and the shop allows us to meet Aiken residents and visitors alike. It’s a huge difference coming here from up north, and we’ve loved it!”
Do you have advice for others that still have dreams they’d like to follow after retirement?
“Have the guts to do it! This actually started with vintage ads, and we converted our basement into a country store. Dick always loved general stores, and always associated that with candy. It was his idea really. I finally gave in to it and took the risk with him- he was right all along.”
Be sure to stop by Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe at 146 Laurens Street in downtown Aiken to satisfy your sweet tooth, or visit www.cyndissweetshoppe.com for more information.
About Woodside Plantation:
Located in the historic city of Aiken, South Carolina, Woodside Plantation covers more than 2,800 acres of rolling countryside and offers classic country club amenities combined with a diverse group of neighborhoods. This active community offers four championship golf courses, a pool, tennis, croquet, community gardening, two clubhouses, a wellness center and lakes for fishing and canoeing. Lots with wooded, golf, and lake views are priced from $39,900 to $140,000; Homes and Villas with low-maintenance living options from the mid $200,000s to over $700,000.
