There are so many unsung female heroes in the world of business. Everyday there are women fighting, working, and pushing to achieve success for their business. Starting a business is such a personal endeavor. Businesses become like family members. You nurture them, care for them a day in and day out and hopefully watch them grow. All of these women have done just that and done it well. They are each proud of their accomplishments and rightfully so. According to the U.S. Census, “The number of Women-Owned Employer Firms Increased 0.6% from 2017 to 2018.” That number is continuing to trend up! Seeing more and more women enter into business ownership is something Strictly Business wholeheartedly wants to continue to foster!
Shannon Schultz-Hammerschmidt is the owner and founder of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy (www.neltcpharmacy.com). Shannon has spent her entire life in Nebraska and has worked in many different pharmacy settings before settling into her passion here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.
“Here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy, everything is about YOU,” said Shannon. “We are a locally owned ‘concierge’ pharmacy that specializes in compliance and adherence as well as simplifying the medication process from start to finish. Our attention to every little detail decreases hospitalizations while prolonging our patients’ independence by keeping them at home. We offer a free in-home consultation, free blister packaging of medications, and free delivery. We accept all insurance plans, so what is not to love about our program!” There is no better time to join the Nebraska LTC Pharmacy family than now. Learn more online at www.neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231.R. U.
Ahromah
Heartprints Personal Growth Academy (heartprints4you.com), a division of Life Resources, LLC (liferesources.llc) is focused on your success! Building better habits, achieving greater clarity, and leaving a beautiful legacy comprise the backbone of their program. Breaking down tools and resources into bite-sized implementable strategies is the essence of Heartprints Personal Growth Academy.
Dr. Susan Meyerle
Heartprints Personal Growth Academy
Receive monthly content designed to help you become the best version of yourself. Learn at your own pace and be supported by a community of like-minded, positive, encouraging people.
You define your dreams.
Heartprints helps you develop a plan to bring your dreams to fruition.
You define your legacy.
Heartprints brings accountability to your passion.
Heartprints asks the questions. You bring the answers… and action.
Together, Heartprints and their clients can create a space where growth is not only encouraged but celebrated. So, embrace the opportunities that come your way, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and remember that every experience is a chance to learn and grow.
Dr. Susan Meyerle’s mentors have impacted her in incredible ways and she is eager to share the culmination of that work with you!
Join them in leaving your Heartprint in the lives of others! To learn more, visit: heartprints4you.com.
What sets McGill Law (mcgilllawyers.com) apart is not just its specialization as being the female focused firm but also its leadership. The firm is female founded, owned and run. With two accomplished female attorneys, Bethany A. Allen and Taylor Matthias leading the Lincoln office of McGill Law, there comes a fresh perspective to the practice of family law. In a field historically dominated by men, McGill Law is breaking barriers, demonstrating that women not only belong but can also thrive as leaders in the legal profession.
Family law is deeply personal, touching upon the most intimate aspects of individuals’ lives. From navigating divorce and child custody disputes to matters of adoption, estate planning and juvenile law, the stakes are high, emotions run deep, emphasizing the need for empathetic, understanding legal representation. McGill Law understands the significance of these issues and is committed to providing compassionate support to women and individuals striving for independence, diversity, and empowerment.
With offices in Omaha and Lincoln, serving Nebraska and eastern Iowa, McGill Law offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Specializing in collaborative divorce, collaborative law, collaborative mediation™, mediation and litigation, the firm employs a multifaceted approach to resolving family law matters. By prioritizing open communication, cooperation and mutual respect, McGill Law facilitates amicable solutions that prioritize the well-being of all parties involved.
Natasha Lundy, owner of Willow Key Interiors (IHDNE.com), is a Lincoln-based interior designer whose focus has always been to create spaces that clients will love for years to come. The business was established in 2014 and they specialize in residential new construction & remodel design projects.
Natasha Lundy
Willow Key Interiors
“My passion is creating a comfortable, functional living space that is tailored to my client’s personal taste and needs,” said Natasha. “I offer approachable, flexible design services that will cater to just about any design project or style. The focus is on educating our clients on their options so that they can make decisions that they feel confident about; all while being budget conscious.”
Natasha is a Lincoln native and graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Her background includes interior design, project design management, lighting design and property management. Natasha’s small and personalized approach to interior design services is focused on creating a living space that will be both functional and beautiful.
To learn more about Willow Key Interiors and connect with Natasha and the other talented ladies on her team, email Manager@ihdne.com and they will answer your questions and provide you with their pricing structure. You can also visit IHDNE.com or Follow along on Instagram @DesignWithGrace to see beautiful project photos (including some great before and after project pictures)!
Elena Settel is the proud owner of The Upside Bar & Lounge (upsidebarlnk.com), home of some incredible daily specials and an environment that welcomes all. Since it’s opening in 2020, Elena and her team have seen great success serving Lincoln.
Elena Settel
The Upside Bar & Lounge
In mid-2020, the bar that was previously in Upside’s space shut down, giving Elena and two other employees that worked together at the last location a rare opportunity to make something amazing out of a bad situation. They took their combined 50+ years of bar experience and decided to “give” themselves their jobs back with a mission to provide the best customer service in a relaxed environment. In the years after their grand opening, Elena has become the sole owner.
Elena has created a unique atmosphere people will pick up on as soon as they walk in. She’s fully staffed and understands how lucky she is to be in that position. She prides herself making sure her employees are happy and feel heard, and customer notice! She loves giving back to the community that supports her, making sure to be involved in different charitable drives and any fundraisers they can give time and energy to.
Swing by The Upside Bar & Lounge at 2801 Pine Lake Rd., STE H for Happy Hour or dinner with friends! If you’d like more information, visit their website at upsidebarlnk.com, or follow their Facebook, @theupsidebarlnk.
Wax Buffalo Pure Soy Candle Co. (WaxBuffalo.com) is a beloved woman-owned home goods brand nestled in the heart of the Midwest. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create beautifully imperfect small batch, handmade products for the modern home.
Scent, emotion and memory are beautifully intertwined, creating an intimate connection that can transport you back to another time. This is why our tagline proudly declares: We believe scent is a powerful thing. And trust us, we really do. It’s what sets us apart. We’re dedicated to creating products that are clean, safe and sustainable. Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free and petroleum-free. If we wouldn’t burn it in our own homes, we wouldn’t want you to either.
Be the maker in our two locations! At our onsite Candle Lab, you can create your own gorgeous candles and even sip on a beautiful glass of wine or a fun and flirty cocktail. We promise it’s some of the best shopping in town! From bubble bath and candles to unique bottles of wine and spirits, it’s a darling place to find new brands you’ll adore. Come visit us anytime at the Haymarket location on 727 O St. or the Prescott location at 4723 Prescott Ave. Learn more online at WaxBuffalo.com.
Francie & Finch (F&F) Bookshop (francieandfinch.com) opened in 2016 and owner Leslie Huerta still pinches herself. “I’m surrounded by good books, beautiful art, and interesting people!” F&F sells new books of all kinds, original local art, and has an expansive events program.
F&F Bookshop is located in the heart of downtown at 130 S. 13th St. in the iconic Telephone Building. They’ve hosted rock-n-rollers, movie shoots, C-Span Book TV, a paranormal investigation, a Lincoln Symphony Orchestra performance, and authors from across the country. A day doesn’t pass that an out-of-town visitor doesn’t stop in to pick up a good read, or a gift to take home. Check out one of their hashtags, #youmeetthecoolestpeopleinbookstores for a wonderful collection of store visitors and events.
New books are ordered daily and F&F is always happy to include any special requests. Books can also be purchased online at francieandfinch.indielite.org for pick up in the store, or ship to your home.
F&F routinely posts #LNKBookAlerts to promote book tie-ins that are happening in and around Lincoln. They are available to support those events with book sales and report their sales numbers to the New York Times and USA Today, which is a plus for authors.
Leslie is active in Rotary 14, sits on the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council and is President of the Nebraska Literary Heritage Association at Bennett Martin Library. Leslie hails from Western New York, but, with husband, Mike, has called Lincoln home for 30+ years. She can be reached at leslie@francieandfinch.com and (402) 781-0459.
GordenLaw (www.gordenlaw.com) is a family law focused law firm that was founded to provide service to clients in the areas of law which affect their most important relationships – with their families.
Founder Vanessa J. Gorden explained, “We recognize that each client’s situation is unique and tailor our legal services to the individuals involved, including offering different levels of representation and recognizing clients’ specific goals, not just their legal rights and responsibilities.
Our clients can trust they will be kept informed at every step of the process.”
GordenLaw has continued to grow by adding staff and technology over the past few years, allowing the firm to increase both quality and range of services. GordenLaw handles all family matters including custody, support, divorce, paternity, guardianships, contempt and modifications.
GordenLaw currently has an all-female staff from intake specialist to attorneys and provides an excellent working environment. “The team truly cares deeply about our clients and helping them feel empowered to make choices in difficult situations. We also care deeply about each other as coworkers and helping each other be the best we can be, both professionally and personally. It makes me proud to be the owner here,” stated Attorney Gorden.
Visit www.gordenlaw.com, call (402) 817-1450 or email inquiry@gordenlaw.com to learn more about GordenLaw.
Marci Hanshaw made her dream a reality in June of 2008 when the sign lit up for Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar (www.carmelasbistroandwinebar.com) in the quiet little area of Pioneers Woods Shopping Center, located on 70th and Pioneers.
“I was a very young entrepreneur back then at the age of 28,” said Marci. “In a sense, Carmela’s and I grew up together.”
Marci’s vision was to bring an elegant bistro with extraordinary food and wine to Lincoln. She was excited and nervous to join the ranks of all the other amazing restaurants in town, which were predominately led by men at the time.
“I was aware that restaurant industry was a strongly male-dominated space,” said Marci. “I was prepared to roll up my sleeves and do what I needed to do in order to be successful. Carmela’s was well received by Lincolnites, and we are still going strong after 16 years!”
Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar features date nights on Monday and Tuesday evenings, which includes a three-course meal for two and a bottle of wine for only $60! There are also Wine Down Wednesdays and First Thursday Wine Tasting events. Another highlight is the Chef Created
Brunch Menu every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. To view the full menu and hours, visit www.carmelasbistroandwinebar.com or call (402) 489-0005.
Ashley Freese spent eight years working as an office manager for an American Family Agent before deciding to strike out on her own in May 2023. Ashley is thrilled to start her career as an agency owner in Lincoln. She looks forward to connecting with new clients and helping to provide them with the best coverage for their needs. She is ready to help with home, auto, life and business insurance needs! She serves Lincoln and all surrounding areas.
Ashley Freese
American Family Insurance
In her spare time, Ashely nurtures her passion to help children and animals. She sponsors nonprofits such as the Capital Humane Society & CEDARS here in Lincoln.
American Family Insurance’s (AmFam) (amfam.com) mission is to inspire, protect and restore your dreams. They believe a dream is the most valuable thing you’ll ever own. They also take corporate responsibility seriously by conducting initiatives to invest in their communities, sustain the environment, and empower their people. Ashley is proud to be partnered with such a proactive company.
AmFam supports various nonprofits specific to each state that they serve. In Nebraska specifically, AmFam agents support DREAM, an organization that puts kids on a path towards success by providing team mentoring, athletic camps and after-school programs.
R. U. Nuts Company (runutsco.com) started as a home based business in the 1980’s, as a way for Charlotte Ralston to make some extra income as a stay at home mom. Blessed with opportunities during a bulk food “trend”, her company grew into a regional bulk food distributor of nuts, candy, gourmet chocolate, dried fruit, trail mixes and coffee.
Charlotte Ralston
R U Nuts
With the help of her husband and growing family of five sons, the business that started in Charlotte’s dining room moved to a garage, then a mini storage and finally to the warehouse they built in 2000. Since then, they’ve built two more additions, making room for coffee roasters, packaging equipment and added inventory so they can do custom packing and service more grocery stores.
Charlotte has been told and has also observed that it’s not common to find women owners in this industry, but her tenacity and willingness to learn has helped her succeed. As a mom, a wife, a mother and now a grandmother, Charlotte is grateful to her family and those who have helped them over the years. It wasn’t a journey that she planned for, but God had a plan, and she continue to follow and learn something new every day.
Peace Studio Architects (peacestudioarch.com) has been owned by Sam Peace and her husband Gil for the past 10 years. In fact, they are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. Serving together as CEOs, Sam and Gill Peace make the perfect team.
Sam Peace
Peace Studio Architects
In addition to being CEO, Sam also holds the titles of CFO, Project Manager and Architectural Photographer, while Gill is the Architect.
Peace Studio Architects, Inc. is a group of dedicated professionals, passionate about design and committed to client service. They are licensed and practicing in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. They have worked on a variety of projects both commercial and residential, some being The Kindler Hotel, many restaurants, medical use buildings, veterinary clinics and a large majority of the homes in the Fallbrook neighborhood of Lincoln.
“We work on a diverse range of projects with a common focus to improve the built environment and exceed our clients’ expectations. Our motto is “BECAUSE DESIGN MATTERS”. Our brand signifies not just the important process of designing a building or space, but an EXCELLENT product built around an amazing “design” team.”
Making the leap into entrepreneurship is never east, but Sam and Gil are proof that hard work and dedication pay off.
Creative Collabs of Nebraska (www.creativecollabsne.com) was formed with a mission to bring local women entrepreneurs together to grow their business through collaboration over competition. The main outlet to achieve this started out with hosting local vendor shopping markets in the Lincoln community.
Melanie Rezac
Creative Collabs
Creative Collabs Owner, Melanie Rezac, also owns 555 Boutique, a women’s clothing boutique located in the Fallbrook Town Square. She originally started the boutique with an online only presence in the summer of 2020, but quickly delved into the vendor market, aka pop-up world, as a way to reach new customers and supplement sales. It quickly became apparent that these markets were a game changer for small businesses, especially businesses without a storefront. Not only did it tap into a whole new realm of customers, but it brought opportunities to meet and network with other like-minded women.
Many of these women that she met early on in her boutique journey, have turned into lifelong friends. These friendships and connections have allowed her to host successful vendor markets throughout the year and have ultimately led to the opening of the Creative Collabs Collective Storefront, located on 16th & Old Cheney.
Creative Collabs Collective is the first and only collaborative storefront that is open 24/7 and offers a self-service shopping experience, meaning there are no employees. Each day, there is a daily code that can be obtained through texting your name to the phone number (531) 500-9020. This code is then input into the keypad and voila, you’re in! Enjoy a quiet shopping experience that allows you to browse and purchase an array of items from clothing, candles and jewelry to skincare, home decor and even delicious treats! With 19 women-owned businesses under one roof, you’ll be sure to leave with several goodies in tow.
For details on Creative Collabs next vendor market event at Glacial Till in Palmyra or for a full vendor listing in the Creative Collabs Collective, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website at www.creativecollabsne.com.
Lincoln has been the home of Olga V. Caicedo since she immigrated with her family from Ecuador in 1994. She’s raised her kids here and sent them both to UNL. In her career, she has dedicated over 15 years to serving the Latino community through local nonprofit organizations, with specific focus in health-related advocacy. Lincoln has been a tremendous place of growth for Olga and her family as well as the Latino community.
Olga V. Caicedo
Biomagnetism for Life
Since opening her practice in 2006, Biomagnetism for Life (biomagnetismforlife.com) has allowed her to serve countless individuals and families here in Lincoln. She started practicing biomagnetic pairs therapy after experiencing its impactful transformation in her own health. After suffering a serious car accident in 2003 and a fibromyalgia diagnosis, she returned to Ecuador seeking recovery for her health. There, she was introduced to Dr. Isaac Goiz Duran and his groundbreaking treatment. The therapy was pivotal in her recovery and complemented her medical care in the US. It was a noninvasive and cost-effective pathway toward health and vitality. Olga had to share its positive impacts with her community. She received my certification in 2006 with Dr. Goiz in Quito and brought her practice to Lincoln. She is so thankful to continue serving her community.
A pioneer in Senior referral companies, Mary Ann Stallings, became an entrepreneur over 14 years ago when she founded Bridge to Better Living (bridgetobetterliving.com). Her vision was to help Seniors and their families find the most appropriate retirement community meeting their criteria and needs at no cost to the client.
Mary Ann Stallings
Bridge to Better Living
Bridge to Better Living offers Seniors and families a different approach, a high touch, a very individualized experience. The goal is to connect clients with all levels of Senior Living Communities where social, physical, medical and financial needs are met. Guidance begins from the first contact throughout the transition and beyond.
Bridge to Better Living launched in Lincoln and expanded to Omaha and Council Bluffs within a few years. It covers a 75 mile radius and will meet with clients in their home, rehabilitation centers, hospitals or their offices.
The staff consists of multiple generations, works as a team and makes decisions together. The secret is the culture of the organization which is driven by one vision: to help Seniors and their families while providing unbiased expertise. Each employee plays an integral part in the strategic plans of Bridge to Better Living.
Bridge to Better Living was founded with the philosophy of Placement with Passion while providing services for seniors to improve and provide quality of life.
Laurie Fraser is the CEO and managing partner of Doorstep Diner Catering (doorstepdiner.com) and Country Sliced Ham and Café
Laurie Fraser
Doorstep Diner Catering
Formed in 2015, Laurie set out to create something to shake up the industry. From her humble beginnings as a home based meal service to senior citizens, to a full-fledged catering company, Laurie has led the team to become the largest woman owned catering company in Lincoln.
The recipient of the People’s Choice Awards since 2018, Laurie has also received a Certificate of Recognition from US Congressman Michael Flood congratulating Laurie for being awarded the Great Companies Global Business Award for 2023, which recognizes a top Women Entrepreneur in Travel, Food, Event and Entertainment.
Laurie realizes she is nothing without her amazing team of chef’s, administrative staff, banquet servers and all the other women she is surrounded with in her industry.
“In my wildest dreams I never thought we’d grow to be the largest woman owned catering company in Lincoln,” said Laurie. “Some days when I wake up I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s true.
At Doorstep Diner Catering and Country Sliced Ham and Café, we are humble. We are approachable. We are responsive to your needs. We want to make the you the host with the most and let us take away the stress of planning an event.”
In 2018, Pia and Gitzy took the leap into business ownership with the launch of Inspired Results Consulting (inspiredresultsconsulting.com). Motivated by their deep commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change, they began with local leadership mindset workshops, which quickly evolved into comprehensive virtual coaching and speaking engagements across the Midwest.
By 2020, their expertise was sought after for corporate team development among business owners seeking to enhance their results through dynamic team building. This marked a pivotal moment as they realized their passion for revolutionizing businesses through effective team and leadership development.
Inspired Results Consulting stands as a trailblazer in the industry—an innovative, first-generation Latina-owned enterprise dedicated to reshaping teams and nurturing leaders. Led by Pia and Gitzy, seasoned Team and Leadership Mindset Coaches, the company infuses over four decades of collective experience into their tailored workshops and coaching programs.
They are on a mission to propel ambitious business owners, leaders and teams to unprecedented heights, promoting a culture of excellence every step of the way. With their infectious energy and unique perspective, Pia and Gitzy embark on a transformative journey with each client.
As one satisfied client attests, “Gitzy and Pia are incredible coaches. This is a way to change your thought process and attitude towards everything and it builds skills that you can use for the rest of your life. I highly recommend this course.”
Ready to elevate your team and leadership potential? Contact Inspired Results Consulting today at hello@inspiredresultsconsulting.com or visit inspiredresultsconsulting.com to explore more.
Experience the positive power of Inspired Results Consulting—where development meets inspiration.
Oak Electric (oakelectriccompany.com), your local premium contractor, is 100% owned and operated by Crystal Collins. Did you know that less than 10% of electrical contractors nationally are owned by women (according to NECA)? Oak Electric is proud to be the most reviewed contractor in the city of Lincoln.
As the leader of Oak Electric, Crystal has intentional focus on her team to ensure everyone has what they need to be successful. This includes anything from a new tool in the field to skills and safety training to administrative support.
What sets Oak Electric apart from other contractors is not only the belief, but the initiative, that if you take care of your employees, the employees will take care of your business.
As Richard Branson said, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
Oak’s team of experienced electricians not only care about precision and craftsmanship, but value the real relationships that come with working with their customers. Oak Electric prides itself on delivering quality customer service on every single job. Electricity, done right, guaranteed! Learn more online at oakelectriccompany.com or call (402) 440-5969.
In 1996, Ahroma Specialty Coffee Owner (runutsco.com/about-ahroma-coffee), Charlotte Ralston’s husband took a sabbatical from his job to see if they could manage living on the business (R.U. Nuts Co) they were building. With five children in the home, it felt like a big risk, but they were working overtime day and night to keep up. Little did they know that God had a plan and they were shortly after introduced to the idea of roasting their own brand of coffee.
Charlotte Ralston
Ahroma Specialty Coffee
Within a few months of his departure, Charlotte recruited him to be their roast master, and Ahroma Specialty Coffee was born. Small batch roasters were rare, and Charlotte didn’t even drink coffee! Being willing to learn and with a lot of research and testing friends and family with all kinds of flavors, they launched into grocery stores with the desire to “bring the coffeehouse to your house.”
From menu development, and barista training, to all the syrups, sauces, chai, and smoothie products a café may need, Ahroma now supplies independent coffee shops across the Midwest, with freshly roasted coffee and all their menu needs as a “one stop shop”. Still roasting “specialty grade” which is the top 5% of all coffee grown. Now, Charlotte drinks coffee!
Luv It Gift and Flower Shop (luvitgiftandflowershop.com), owned by Thu Goeckeritz and her husband Tony, is celebrating its third year serving Lincoln. Luv It is a full-service local florist that is family-owned and operated. Their knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with placing orders for local delivery or anywhere in the world. Not sure what to send? They will gladly help you with creative suggestions! They offer daily floral delivery to local funeral homes and hospitals.
Thu Goeckeritz
Luv It Gift & Flower Shop
In their shop, you will find a variety of unique gifts, including stuffed animals, balloons, candy, fruit and gift baskets, scented candles, silk flower arrangements, home décor and more! Browse their assortment of dish gardens or green and blooming plants for a gift that adds life to any room, office or outdoor space.
Thu takes pride in every single arrangement, and her customers agree. Her website is full of rave reviews. “My order was placed after 5 o’clock for delivery on the next day and it all happened perfectly! The arrangement was beautiful! It means so much to have somebody I can trust can trust to deliver my special gifts to my loved ones in Lincoln!” said Satisfied Customer, Kandy K.
Thu at Luv It Gift and Flower Shop is truly dedicated to her work and it shows in every petal.