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!
Since its founding by Abby McLeay in 2017, Zen Coffee Company (zencoffeecompany.com) has been a beloved Omaha coffee shop. Abby has always loved coffee and the fast-paced atmosphere of working in the industry. She started her undergrad journey in counseling but quickly fell in love with the idea of owning her own business, so she changed her path to an MBA. Luckily for her employees, her initial education has contributed to her relationships with teammates and customers, bringing compassion to her work.
After discovering an amazing roaster in Cannon Beach, Oregon, Abby knew she had to bring the “zen” back to Omaha. “We had a goal to create an inclusive and positive work environment while also merging the traditional specialty type shop with what Omaha has grown to love–all the flavorful concoctions and fancy beverages,” said Abby.
The motivation behind Zen is the people as Zen supports nonprofits continuously within their business model. It prioritizes giving back to the community by working with several local nonprofits monthly. By switching up who it work with, its reach goes far, and more people get exposure to different organizations.
Visit Zen Coffee Company to try its nationally-viral Coffee and Toast flights, over 40 drink options and its full pastry and toast menus. It has two walk-in locations in Omaha, one at 133rd and Center and one at 25th and Farnam, and a drive through is located next to Trader Joes. Zen Coffee Company just recently opened a huge walk-in location in Lincoln on 13th and O! Be sure to check out the new location for good vibes and great coffee! Visit zencoffeecompany.com for more information.
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.
Jackie Svoboda, the owner of Luxury Landscape (luxurylandscape-llc.com), is here to make sure your outdoor living space is right for you! Her previous career of 28 years was in Physical Therapy, with the last 10 of those years as a Rehab Director. Her and her husband Ken always dreamed of owning their own business together and launched Luxury Landscape six years ago!
“We have grown to approximately 15 employees with one of them being a full-time office manager. In the last six years I have obtained my Landscape Design Degree & my Interior Decorating Certification,” says Co-Owner Jackie. “I have a passion for designing and creating beautiful landscapes customized to each client’s wants and needs.”
Their business includes retaining walls, paver patios, water and fire features, pergolas, edging, rock, mulch and planting all the amazing flowers, shrubs and trees! This last year, Jackie launched DECK-orations by Luxury Landscape. Jackie designs and decorates living spaces for her clients. This includes all the fun things like patio furniture, tables, outdoor rugs and all the great décor that enhances an outdoor space specific to the customer’s style.
Jackie loves being able to offer a client a full space that they can relax in or entertain that’s all their own!
Marci Hanshaw made her dream a reality in June of 2008 when the sign lit up for Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar (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 1:30 p.m. To view the full menu and hours, visit carmelasbistroandwinebar.com or call (402) 489-0005.
Sherri Tafoya founded of Custom Blinds & Design (customblindsdesign.com) 24 years ago, in 2000. Sherri was on a quest for something that truly fueled her passion while supporting her family, and voila—a creation from scratch. Blinds have consistently been the pathway, but the ultimate aim has always been to honor and glorify God. Shining their light with their team and their clients is always front and center. Sherri empowers the Custom Blinds & Design team to make someone’s day joyful. What started as a part-time business from home has morphed into two showrooms (Lincoln and Omaha), and 19 team members in place to make your day. Sherri treats her team like a family! They’re all in this together and are united by a shared goal: to make sure you get custom treatments, made simple. Selecting the right window treatments is exciting, and they’re here to guide you through your options so you have window treatments you love—while having fun in the process. Custom Blinds & Design will be celebrating 25 years in business in 2025 and they can’t wait to spend many more years giving you the custom treatment you deserve! To learn more visit customblindsdesign.com or stop by their Lincoln showroom at 6101 S. 56th St.
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.
Natasha Lundy, owner of Willow Key Interiors (Willowkeyinteriors.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 specializes in residential new construction, remodel and furnishing design projects.
“My passion is creating a comfortable, functional living space that is tailored to my client’s personal taste and needs,” said Natasha.
At Willow Key Interiors, it’s not just about creating beautiful spaces—it’s about designing homes where life truly happens. We believe everyone deserves a space they love. Life can be overwhelming & to have one place that feels safe and cozy is the best feeling in the world. Seeing our clients’ reactions when they walk into their new space for the first time is a reward beyond words. For us, this is more than design; it’s about crafting homes that reflect who you are & a home where you can feel at peace no matter what life throws your way!
To learn more about Willow Key Interiors and get in touch with Natasha and the other talented team members visit Willowkeyinteriors.com and fill out a contact form! Follow their design journey on Instagram (@Designwithgrace) to see fun projects and inspiration!
You may have heard of the mind-body exercise called Pilates. It is one of the fastest growing exercise modalities in the US, but did you know that Pilates is rapidly rising as a method of rehabilitation from injury?
Many injuries are caused by muscular imbalances within our bodies. Many things cause these imbalances — our posture, the way we walk, bend over, sit, lie down or work out — basically the way we move. Most of us move incorrectly in some way or another, which puts too much pressure on some muscles and weakens others, causing an imbalance.
Pilates exercises promote an even musculature throughout the body by strengthening the core. The core is considered the “center” of the body and consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Pilates also stresses spinal and pelvic alignment, which is critical in getting us to move the way we’re supposed to move to avoid injury.
“At Club Pilates (clubpilates.com), our instructors have 500 hours of education prior to them being certified. This gives them the ability to modify certain exercises to benefit your body, even after injury or surgery after being released by your doctor,” says Owner, Christine Krueger. “This allows you to become responsible for your own injury recovery.”
Club Pilates also works with Medicare Plan B to allow you four sessions that will be paid for by insurance. Call us today to find out more at (531) 500-1456 for our North Studio or (531) 249-1912 for our South Studio.
Jilly’s Socks ‘N Such (jillyssocks.com) is a vibrant, woman-owned business led by the incredible Lori Goff! Known for its fabulous selection of fun, funky and fashionable socks, Jilly’s offers so much more than just socks. From kitchen accessories, jewelry, a kid’s section, pet goodies, purses and bags, Husker gear, cards and stationery and even a men’s section, there’s something for everyone at this unique shop!
Lori’s passion for all things colorful and creative is what sets Jilly’s Socks ‘N Such apart. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your wardrobe with bold patterns or find the perfect gift for any occasion, this store has got you covered. Need something practical but still playful? Jilly’s even offers stylish compression socks that mix comfort and fashion!
Lori’s mission is to make everyday essentials fun, while offering a welcoming space where everyone can find something that speaks to their personality. So, if you’re ready to support an inspiring, woman-owned local business and discover a variety of unique finds, stop by Jilly’s Socks ‘N Such today. You’re sure to leave with a smile — and maybe a few new treasures in your bag!
Independent Business Consulting (independentbusinessconsulting.com), started in 2018 by Belinda Hagen, MCRP, B.S. Her local company is committed to providing top-tier business consulting services and deliverables to help you achieve your business goals and grow your business to the next level!
As an example, she has helped a recent client manage over $1M in portfolio assets, standardize onboarding, created systems management and supporting training materials that amounted to hiring a new employee and achieving greater than $530K in pass-through equity for this organization in 6-months.
Belinda was born and raised in Lincoln and comes from humble beginnings enabling her to meet her clients where they are in business. She moved out at the age of 15 and did not finish high school. She defied odds as a teenage mother, and again as a non-traditional student, completing her Bachelor of Science and later her Master’s Degree in Community and Regional planning with limited outside support.
“I am built to set goals and work hard,” says Owner Belinda Hagen. “I love serving other people and have leveraged my experience to work with clients- no matter where they are in business, get started in a way that avoids pitfalls or costly mistakes, streamlines operations or achieves compliance.”
Belinda has extensive experience in environmental, safety and transportation regulations, chemical and product manufacturing, permitting, reporting, training, education and consulting. In the past, she worked for the State of Nebraska NDOT and NDEE and has taught at University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the last five years in Community & Regional Planning Program, College of Architecture including a course on the pandemic when numbers of COVID were at their highest.
Belinda has skills to connect with others when a need arises outside of her company’s expertise and a passion to make other people’s lives better by creating lasting business legacies. She is professional, kind and open to supporting all business types! She is setting goals for hiring employees and building partnerships locally and abroad. With Independent Business Consulting’s extensive market experience, resources and client-centric focus, you can’t go wrong by working with them today!
Shannon Schultz-Hammerschmidt is the owner and founder of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy (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 neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231.
Nursing is a critical field, and it’s important to find the right person for the job. Nurses are in high demand, and finding the right nurse for a facility can be difficult. Capital Care Staffing (capitalcarestaffing.com) can help, specializing in placing healthcare personnel in hospitals, assisted living facilities and long-term care facilities.
Capital Care Staffing was founded by Samantha McAtee and is the top choice for nursing staffing agencies in Nebraska. Capital Care Staffing has a rigorous screening process that ensures it only places qualified nurses in facilities.
Capital Care Staffing is the solution for any healthcare staffing need because it values the following:
- A thorough employment process. Capital Care Staffing has a thorough recruitment and employment process to ensure that it provides only the best healthcare professionals and workers for its partners and their customers. The hiring process includes an extensive background check, license/certification quality check, education and skills assessment and overall professionalism.
- Competitive rates, keeping the community in mind. Capital Care Staffing provides a partnership at a competitive rate, utilizing local Nebraska healthcare professionals and workers at its forefront. Those who partner with Capital Care Staffing will be provided with highly-skilled healthcare professionals and workers at most importantly, a comfortable, affordable rate.
- Personal customer service and support. Capital Care Staffing provides unmatched customer service and support, ensuring its partners find the nurses and aides they need–when they need them.
- A quick and easy fulfillment process. Capital Care Staffing’s simple, three-step fulfillment process ensures that clients can quickly assemble the best healthcare team. Capital Care Staffing’s team is dedicated to making its clients’ jobs easier, so they can focus on what’s important–providing top-notch patient care.
Setting Capital Care Staffing apart from its competitors, it trains in areas for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, COVID testing, acute nursing, skilled care and more! Whether one needs fulfillment assistance daily, weekly or monthly, Capital Care Staffing can provide a solution for anyone’s staffing needs.
Women business owners exhibit unparalleled bravery as they navigate a landscape often marred by gender biases and systemic challenges. In the face of societal expectations and institutional barriers, these entrepreneurs courageously carve their paths, challenging stereotypes and reshaping industries. Their bravery extends into all facets of their business ownership, as they juggle multifaceted roles, balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. In the pursuit of their dreams, they defy odds, championing innovation and fostering inclusive workplaces. Through resilience and determination, women entrepreneurs not only build thriving businesses but also inspire future generations to embrace their own potential, leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape.