Hilary + Co. is a local women’s apparel and accessory boutique owned by Hilary Sire. Located in the historic Stone House at 4161 Main St. in Roca. The garments in the shop are verified by their personal color expert and the shop is merchandised by season.

Hilary is a graduate from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She has always had a love for fashion, design and the creative side of business! With over 20 years of industry experience Hilary has been able to build her brand and elevate your shopping experience by providing leading trends and exceptional customer service.

Hilary + Co. (formerly Whimsy & Ry) began 12 years ago with a $250 investment in a 1960’s Elna sewing machine purchased on EBay. Originally everything produced in her basement studio was handcrafted and custom infant & children’s apparel. In 2011 handcrafted women’s apparel was added to the product mix, boutique apparel and accessories were introduced to the business in 2013. After a rebrand in 2021 they opened up the doors in their current location in Roca.

This summer Hilary + Co. will present The Stone House Market on Main events. These events will run May 25, June 29, July 20, August 24 and September 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The market style events will feature Pork’s Done BBQ foodtruck, cocktails on their west patio and a Farmer’s Market on their east patio. They are currently seeking local business owners who would like to showcase their products and services. Please contact them via their Facebook (@shophilaryco) or Instagram (@hilaryandcompany) for more information and to reserve your booth.


Vanessa J. Gorden, a lawyer since 2005, founded GordenLaw in 2011 to provide service to clients seeking a high-touch, high-tech approach to the areas of law that govern their family relationships.

“It’s our goal to guide our clients through the legal system with the ‘4 C’s’, namely Compassion, Competence, Communication and Creativity,” explains Vanessa. “We recognize that each client’s family is unique and tailor legal services to the individuals involved, including offering different types of representation and recognizing client’s specific goals. We were among the first to leverage technology in family law matters to keep our clients are involved in every step of the process.”

While GordenLaw cautions that settlement is typically the healthiest approach for families facing legal issues, the Firm remains committed to litigating when settlement is not attainable given the parties’ opposing positions. Vanessa describes the firm’s litigation philosophy as: “Always seek peace but be prepared for war.”

Vanessa has been a Nebraska resident since 2006 and moved to the Lincoln area in 2008. When not in the courtroom, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, cooking and both taking and teaching dance fitness classes.
Visit www.gordenlaw.com, call (402) 817-1450, or email inquiry@gordenlaw.com to learn more.


Oak Electric, 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)? 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.

“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” – Richard Branson.

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 and finding the best solution by tackling every problem with creativity and experience. Electricity, done right, guaranteed! Learn more online at oakelectriccompany.com or call (402) 440-5969.


Daring Minds Therapy was founded in 2018 by Sarah Worley, LIMHP and Erica Schroeder, LIMHP, along
with Maureen DeRyke, PLMHP, PMSW. Their team of therapists consists of many other wonderful and talented women as well.

Sarah graduated from Doane University with her Master of Arts in Counseling. As the clinical director at Daring Minds Therapy, she is well-versed in major mental health, trauma and personality disorders. Sarah believes in individualizing treatment based on each person’s needs.

Erica also graduated from Doane University with her Master of Arts in Counseling. She enjoys working with children with a history of trauma and behavioral problems. Erica is proficient in a number of evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

Maureen graduated from the University of New England with a master’s degree in clinical social work with an emphasis on trauma-related studies and her undergraduate degree in social sciences/ social work with a minor in criminal justice from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Maureen draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. She believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and she cooperatively assist’s clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.

If you’re looking for effective mental health treatment, turn to Daring Minds Therapy in Lincoln. More information is available at daringmindstherapy.info.


Elena Settel is the proud owner of The Upside Bar & Lounge, 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.

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 customers 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.


Marci Hanshaw made her dream a reality in June of 2008 when the sign lit up for Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar 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 maledominated 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 14 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 $50! 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.


Nicki Burnham with Integrity Merchant Solutions (IMS) is your local expert for credit card processing. Nicki takes
a different approach to the payments industry by focusing on local service that is secondto-none while taking the time
to really understand what your business is trying to accomplish. The payments industry can be complicated and there are many solutions – knowing what is best for your specific industry and environment is key. When working with Nicki, you will partner with a proudly women-owned business owner who has been in the industry for years and is invested in you and your community.

IMS has a mission is to reduce the cost of credit card fees for our clients through education, innovative technology and ongoing support.

Local businesses trust the straightforward approach that IMS provides. No contracts, no rate increases, locally owned and the ability to work directly with a business owner who will take great care of them.

If you have never worked with a payment processing company that feels like a true partner, it’s only because you haven’t found the right one yet.

For more information on Integrity Merchant Solutions, visit www.PaymentsNebraska.com or email Nicki at nburnham@IntegrityMerchantSolutions.com.


Megan Leikam took over ownership and the executive director role at Associates in Counseling & Treatment in January 2020. Megan has her alcohol and drug license, certified gambling license and is certified as a domestic violence counselor. Alongside her duties as executive director, she serves the Lincoln community by conducting substance abuse evaluations, facilitating group, individual and family counseling sessions, and strives to resolve the mental health, domestic violence, gambling and substance use issues that affect our community in a caring, compassionate and confidential manner. She believes that good mental health is essential for the well-being of individuals of all ages.

“Modern life can provide a variety of stresses that can have a negative impact on people. Problems can arise at any stage and our therapists can assist with helping you and your family with mental health, domestic violence, gambling, grief recovery and substance abuse,” said Megan.

Megan has worked hard to maintain much needed services in the Lincoln community and hopes that every individual that struggles with addiction, mental health, gambling, grief, or domestic violence issues has an opportunity to get the help they need for recovery. To learn more about Associates In Counseling & Treatment, go online to actnebraska.org or contact (402) 261-6667 / information@actnebraska.org.


Shannon Schultz-Hammerschmidt is the owner and founder of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy. 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.


Marcie Young leads Marcie Young & Associates as Series 6, 63, 65 and 26, Investment Adviser Representative for Primerica, the #1 Most Trusted Life Insurance Company and #3 Most Trusted Financial Company. Services available include Financial Planning, Managed Accounts, IRAs, 529 Plans, Mutual Funds, Variable Annuities, 401k, and Cash Balance Plans.

Marcie has over 35 years of investment experience working with clients in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest. Raised in a Nebraska farming family, Marcie infuses the values of honesty, integrity, and pragmatism into her relationships with clients. She finds great fulfillment in helping clients create workable solutions to their personal financial challenges.

Marcie works with individuals, families and business owners, educating them about their financial options for building and protecting wealth. Marcie is committed to delivering financial advice and solutions to clients with the highest integrity. Creating personalized investment plans for her clients gives them confidence as they navigate retirement planning and other important life events.

You can rely on Marcie to be accessible, to support you in your investment decisions, and to help you implement changes as they become necessary. Lincoln trusts Marcie, that’s why she has been nominated and one of the Top 3 winners for the Lincoln’s Choice Awards several times, and is in the running again this year. Marcie is a dedicated financial service professional committed to excellent service. Learn more at www.primerica.com/marcieyoung or contact marcieyoung@primerica.com / (402) 476-6778. Her office is located at 3701 O St., STE B-3 in Lincoln.


Shelly Williamson is the owner of Rain, Sun and Us Landscapes in Lincoln. Alongside being a business owner, Shelly is a wife and mother of six children and grandmother to two grandchildren.

Shelly is originally from Wisconsin but moved to Lincoln to attend Union College. She studied commercial art, but realized she did not want to spend her days inside. She absolutely loves being outside and getting her hands in the dirt!

“In the 25 years I have been doing this, I have learned and taken notes from customer feedback,” says Shelly. “This is so important. We definitely pride ourselves in being professional, reliable, respectful and having quality workmanship, but most of all, customer satisfaction.”

Shelly is so grateful and blessed to have a great team of gals helping her out as it’s not easy work, you definitely need to have a certain level of grit.

She looks at what Steve Jobs has said about working to motivate herself and her team, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Rain, Sun and Us Landscapes is a female-owned and run landscaping company. They have worked extremely hard for their 5-Star reviews on Google and Facebook, a true reflection of their determination to make every client’s dream landscape a reality. For more information, visit their Facebook, @Rain, Sun, and Us.


Laura Bell founded Commercial Realty Group, LLC, a woman owned commercial real estate company, in 2000. She is a topnotch commercial real estate agent and broker with over 30 years of experience providing exceptional service and results.

Laura is passionate about customer service and professionalism. Her vast skill set and industry knowledge make her your best choice for all your commercial real estate needs. Laura ensures fairness and delivers excellence in every interaction through her creative solutions to complex problems and tailoring her services to meet the needs of her clients.

Laura’s approach can quickly identify potential issues and develop solutions that work in the best interest of everyone involved while establishing her as a trustworthy and reliable partner. Trust Commercial Realty Group, LLC to put you first in every interaction resulting in successful transactions. Laura’s industry expertise has earned her the 2022 CoStar Power Broker Award honoring the top brokers and firms in commercial real estate, further solidifying Laura’s reputation in the industry.

Contact Laura Bell today when seeking a commercial real estate expert in Nebraska for selling, buying or leasing. Call (402) 432-9914 or visit her website at www.crgnebraska.net.


Francie & Finch (F&F) Bookshop 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 Lincoln. They are available to support those events with book sales and report their sales numbers to the New York Times, which is a plus for authors.

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.


The APRNs at Health at Home Consultants provide care for patients in their home, not a clinic. Founded by Jamie Peters MSN, APRN in 2009, Health at Home Consultants was the first nursepractitioner owned house-call practice in the state of Nebraska. Patients all have a different definition of home: private homes, independent and assisted living, hospice, skilled and long-term care. The Health at Home team works with the patient wherever they call home! They work with the patients’ primary care physician to provide a more comprehensive plan of care for the patient. The practice has a wide scope of care, including performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays, flu shots, pneumonia vaccines and all other injections; diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries; prescribe medications and other treatments; as well as mental health needs. Individuals best served by house calls are the elderly, chronically ill, people with disabilities and psychiatric conditions. Jamie and her team at Health at Home Consultants provide compassionate, coordinated, and cost-effective care. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance are all accepted.

Jamie is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Academy of Home Care Physicians and the Nebraska Nurse Practitioners.

The goal of Health at Home Consultants, LLC is to provide home care medicine in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of healthcare. To learn more, visit healthathomeconsultants.com or contact Jamie at (402) 440-5268 / admin@healthathomeconsultants.com.


Shannon Filing coaches, trains and leads business owners through ActionCOACH Lincoln. A business coach is often compared to a sports coach, and every successful athlete has an outstanding coach, right? It’s the same for businesses!

There are many resources out there like books, articles, blogs, newsletters, etc. that tell you how to run a business profitably, what to change and what to do to improve your business. While many are good, they don’t account for the fact that every business is unique and that everyone has their own strengths and areas in which to grow. Generic advice isn’t near as effective as the guidance and support of a personal and dedicated business coach. A coach is able to provide the customized resources and insights needed to clear the woods from the trees, co-create a game plan, identify the pressure points within the business, understand what’s stopping you from moving forward and how to overcome obstacles and take your next steps.

ActionCOACH Lincoln supports you to accomplish greater focus and success in identifying the areas you want to work on as well as other areas discovered throughout the process. It’s all about achieving business milestones, one step at a time, to ensure your business succeeds using a variety of proven tools and techniques.

Shannon is a certified business and leadership coach who works with business owners, executives, board of directors and organizations.

Smart and resourceful business owners enlist the best professional allies for their team. What are you waiting for? Schedule a no-obligation discovery meeting with Shannon at (402) 314-2181 / shannonfiling@actioncoach.com or visit www.actioncoachlincoln.com to learn more.