Women-owned businesses are making their mark across Nebraska, bringing fresh ideas, strong leadership and a commitment to the communities they serve. Across nearly every industry, women entrepreneurs are building businesses that respond to changing needs while creating lasting relationships with their customers, employees and communities.
From professional services and healthcare to retail, hospitality and creative industries, women business owners bring a wide range of experience and perspectives to Nebraska’s business community. While every business has its own story, many share a common focus on providing quality service, building meaningful connections and finding new ways to grow.
Owning and operating a business comes with its share of challenges. Building a customer base, managing day-to-day operations, finding the right employees and planning for future growth all require time, flexibility and persistence. Women business owners continue to meet those challenges while adapting to an ever-changing business environment.
Their impact also extends beyond the businesses they lead. Many women entrepreneurs are active throughout their communities, supporting local organizations, mentoring others, creating jobs and building professional relationships that help other businesses succeed. When local businesses support one another, the entire community benefits.
This month, Strictly Business is proud to highlight women-owned businesses throughout our community and the women behind them. Whether they are leading an established company or building something new, these business owners are creating opportunities, serving their customers and helping shape the future of Nebraska business.
Commercial Realty Group, LLC (crgnebraska.net) is a women-owned business and a prominent contributor to Nebraska’s economy, known for its reliable leadership in commercial real estate. With the guidance of Laura M. Bell, the company specializes in sales and leasing of office, retail, industrial, investment, and land properties across Nebraska and provides personalized consulting services.
With more than 35 years of experience, Laura brings a leadership style defined by a client-first mindset, fairness, and diligence. She is known as a skilled negotiator, analytical thinker, a go-getter, and an advocate who serves clients’ best interests first. Commercial Realty Group is not a developer and does not own property, so clients receive unbiased guidance and personalized attention at every step.
From comprehensive market searches to property tours, proposals, and contract reviews, Commercial Realty Group continues to demonstrate the impact women entrepreneurs make in Nebraska by providing clarity, strategy, and exceptional service businesses can rely on. For all your commercial property needs, visit us at crgnebraska.net or call (402) 484-5333.
Natasha Lundy started Willow Key Interiors (IHDNE.com) 12 years ago because she is passionate about helping clients create their dream homes. Your home is where life happens and it can be a transformative process when your space reflects your personal style as well as the functionality you need to live the best version of your life every day.
Willow Key Interiors offers multiple design services catered to your personal needs, including Design of new construction homes, remodeling projects and furnishings.
The Willow Key Interiors team includes Interior Designer, Courtney Joe, who is incredibly talented and detail oriented as well their amazing office manager extraordinaire, Ginger Harriman.
Natasha also co-owns a sister company called the Modern Window – Smart Blind Design where beauty and smart motorization are combined to create the perfect finishing touch for your space.
Follow along for inspiration and amazing before and after pictures at Willow Key Interiors on Facebook or Instagram or check out their website at IHDNE.com.
Since stepping into ownership and leadership of Associates in Counseling & Treatment (ACT)(ACTNebraska.org) in January 2020, Megan Leikam has focused on building an organization where quality care, accessibility, and compassion remain at the center of every service provided.
As owner and executive director, Megan has helped guide ACT’s continued growth while remaining actively involved in the work that first drew her to the behavioral health field. With professional credentials in alcohol and drug counseling, disordered gambling counseling, and domestic violence intervention, she understands the importance of leading not only from an administrative perspective, but also through direct connection with clients, staff, and community partners.
Under Megan’s leadership, ACT has continued to expand its services to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families throughout the community. The agency provides substance use, mental health, gambling, and co-occurring evaluations; intensive outpatient treatment with morning and evening options; outpatient counseling; anger management; domestic violence intervention programming; and alcohol/DUI education.
Accessibility has also remained an important part of ACT’s mission. The agency accepts a variety of insurance plans, offers both in-person and virtual services, provides flexible scheduling, and maintains sliding-scale options for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
For Megan, however, ACT’s growth is about more than expanding programs. It is about creating a place where people can seek help without judgment and where counselors have the support and resources they need to make a meaningful difference.
“People come to us during some of the most difficult and uncertain periods of their lives. I want ACT to be a place where they feel respected, supported, and capable of making meaningful changes. I’m incredibly proud of the team we have built and the work they do every day for our clients and our community,” Megan said.
As a woman business owner in the behavioral health field, Megan continues to balance the responsibilities of leadership with her commitment to counseling, advocacy, and community service. Her vision for ACT remains centered on continued growth while preserving the personal, compassionate approach that has shaped the organization.
To learn more about Associates in Counseling & Treatment, visit ACTNebraska.org, call (402) 261-6667, or email information@actnebraska.org.
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 chef inspired American cuisine that includes hand-cuts steaks, pastas, and seafood dishes. They believe that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections, setting the table for a life well lived.
Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar features date nights on Monday and Tuesday evenings, with rotating monthly menus, which includes a three-course meal for two and a bottle of wine for only $68! There are 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. They also have Sinatra Sundays, featuring a three course dinner plus a bottle of wine while listening to the sounds of the rat pack and Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.
To view the full menu and hours, visit CarmelasBistroandWineBar.com or call (402) 489-0005.
At Copper & Wax Co. (CopperWaxCo.com), vintage finds meet clean fragrance in a collection designed to slow the pace of modern life. What began as a spark during the pandemic quickly blossomed into a full-time, woman-powered business rooted in intention. They hand-pour candles and other products using locally harvested beeswax blended with clean-burning, phthalate-free ingredients for home and body. The alchemy symbol for Copper used throughout their branding represents nature, creativity, love, and balance—values that guide everything they create.
Their aesthetic leans into Old-World charm: simple, beautiful pieces that feel inviting. In addition to their recycle & refill programs they also love to collaborate with other businesses to create signature scents – crafting fragrances that reflect their story and identity.
Mindy Horn is the owner and maker at Copper & Wax Co. – with a background as a massage therapist and beekeeper, she approaches fragrance as ritual – an invitation to pause & breathe. From raw, natural materials to nostalgic branding, every detail is thoughtfully curated to bring warmth and calm into your space.
Stop into one of their storefronts located in the heart of University Place – Lincoln’s only Creative Arts District, inside Creative Collabs Collective & online at CopperWaxCo.com!
GordenLaw (GordenLaw.com) in Lincoln was founded in 2011 by Attorney Vanessa J. Gorden with the mission to helping families move forward through some of life’s most challenging transitions.
Focusing exclusively on family law, GordenLaw represents clients in matters involving divorce, custody, support, paternity and grandparent rights. Through flat fees, proactive strategy, and personalized guidance, the firm’s team helps make the legal process more understandable and manageable.
As a first-generation lawyer and woman business owner, Gorden is also committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of attorneys, particularly women and first-generation lawyers who may enter the profession without established networks or a traditional roadmap. She is proud to be a finalist for the 2026 Inspire Lincoln awards for excellence in small/medium business.
“Family law cases are pivotal moments,” Gorden says. “It is an honor to help our clients move forward with strength and confidence.”
To learn more about GordenLaw, visit GordenLaw.com, call (402) 817-1450, or email inquiry@gordenlaw.com.
For many individuals and families, financial planning can feel over-whelming. For more than four decades, Marcie Young has helped people turn uncertainty into clarity.
Marcie is a fiduciary Investment Adviser Representative and owner of Marcia Young & Associates, LLC.(Primerica.com/MarcieYoung) Over the years, she has built a reputation for thoughtful guidance, practical strategies, and long-term client relationships.
Her approach begins with something simple but powerful—listening.
“I believe people make their best financial decisions when they truly understand their options,” Marcie says. “Education always comes first.” Many clients find Marcie through a referral from a friend, family member, or colleague who has worked with her for years. In fact, her practice has grown almost entirely through word-of-mouth recommendations. Her dedication to clients has also earned consistent recognition. Since 2020, Marcie has been recognized as a Top 3 favorite in the Lincoln’s Choice Awards for Favorite Financial Advisor.
Raised with the values of Nebraska farm life—hard work, practicality, and caring for others—Marcie brings those principles into every client relationship. She serves clients throughout Nebraska and across the United States. While retirement planning is a specialty, Marcie and her team work with individuals at every stage of life, from young professionals building their financial foundation to those preparing for retirement or navigating major life transitions.
Marcie provides access to a broad range of top-notch financial solutions, including managed investments, IRAs, mutual funds, annuities, college savings plans, and individual 401(k) plans. Additional services include term life insurance, identity theft protection, and prepaid legal services
Many people who reach out to Marcie say they simply want a place to start or a second opinion on their current financial strategy. An initial conversation is designed to be relaxed and educational, giving individuals the opportunity to ask questions and explore options before deciding on next steps. To learn more or schedule a conversation, visit: Primerica.com/MarcieYoung.
Gatlin Psychiatric Services (gatlinpsych.com) is a woman-owned mental health practice in Lincoln, Nebraska, founded by Kristine Gatlin, APRN. Our mission is to provide compassionate, innovative psychiatric care that looks beyond symptoms and treats the whole person.
We offer traditional psychiatric evaluation and medication management alongside integrative psychiatry, exploring factors such as nutrition, laboratory findings, lifestyle, and overall wellness that may influence mental health. We also provide NeuroStar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment option for individuals with certain mental health conditions who may not have experienced adequate relief with traditional treatments.
As a locally owned small business, we are committed to expanding access to high-quality mental health care, supporting our community, and creating an environment where patients feel heard and valued. At Gatlin Psychiatric Services, we believe mental health treatment should be personalized, collaborative, and focused on helping each individual achieve meaningful, lasting improvement.
Learn more at gatlinpsych.com.
This year, Peace Studio Architects, Inc. (peacestudioarch.com) proudly celebrates 13 years in business, a milestone co-owner Sam Peace is especially proud to recognize as a woman entrepreneur.
Sam and her husband, Principal Architect Gill Peace, AIA, founded Peace Studio Architects in 2013, combining their individual strengths to create a firm built on thoughtful design, strong relationships, and entrepreneurial spirit.
As Co-CEO and CFO, Sam oversees financial management, project management, client relationships, marketing, and architectural photography. Her role has evolved alongside the firm, requiring creativity, adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks.
Sam is also a proud member of Rotary 14, where service, community involvement, and meaningful relationships reflect values she brings to her business and leadership every day.
Today, Peace Studio Architects works throughout the Midwest on commercial and residential projects, including hospitality, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, master planning, custom homes, and high-end renovations.
For Sam, celebrating 13 years represents the determination required to build and sustain a business while recognizing the growing impact of women entrepreneurs. Supporting and celebrating other women in business remains especially important as she looks toward the future with continued passion, purpose, creativity, and growth.
Because Design Matters.
For more information, please visit peacestudioarch.com.
Ashley Tobias has called Lincoln home for over a decade and is the owner of T Square Movers (TSquareMovers.com), an award-winning, family-owned moving company that hit its 10-year anniversary in 2026. She also co-owns Save Nebraska Local (SaveNebraskaLocal.io), a growing business community dedicated to helping small businesses collaborate, scale, and thrive together.
At T Square Movers, Ashley has created far more than a moving company. The business operates as a sober workplace that actively supports recovery, mental clarity, and personal growth. While not every team member comes from an addiction background, the company culture emphasizes discipline, accountability, and clear-minded service. Many employees credit this environment with helping them stabilize their lives, develop leadership skills, and pursue long-term goals.
Central to this culture is the T2 Leadership Academy, a structured internal program Ashley designed to develop movers into leaders. The academy focuses on servant leadership, emotional regulation, professionalism under pressure, communication, and personal responsibility — skills that extend far beyond the job site. Ashley’s leadership philosophy is rooted in service first. She believes strong leaders exist to elevate others, not control them. This mindset has shaped a team culture known for reliability, mutual respect, and a “no-complaining, solutions-focused” approach to challenges.
Beyond T Square Movers, Ashley plays a major role in strengthening the local business ecosystem. Through Save Nebraska Local, she hosts recurring masterminds and networking events designed to be practical, collaborative, and non-sales-driven. These gatherings bring together entrepreneurs from diverse industries to troubleshoot real problems, share strategies, and build authentic relationships — not just exchange business cards.
Known for her high energy, direct communication style, and commitment to community growth, Ashley continues to build organizations that prioritize people, leadership, and long-term impact.
To learn more about T Square Movers, visit TSquareMovers.com or call (402) 645-4067. To learn more about Save Nebraska Local and the SaveLocal App, visit SaveNebraskaLocal.io or text (402) 780-8813.
Katniss Clinic (katnissclinic.com), operated by Dr. Keli Kolegraff, MD, PhD, is a plastic and reconstructive surgery practice in Lincoln that offers patients highly personalized care for both aesthetic and reconstructive needs. Some of the procedures she offers include, but are not limited to, breast reduction, lift or augmentation; scar revision; Botox; liposuction; and face and neck lifts.
Dr. Kolegraff is mindful of how she builds relationships and communicates with her patients. She approaches each patient with the philosophy, “I will give you care and listen to your needs and concerns in the same way that I would want to be listened to and taken care of.” Her principles of trust, compassion and genuine listening propel the clinic forward and help ensure patients’ needs and wants are met in a professional and caring way.
Whether a patient is seeking reconstructive surgery, a cosmetic change or a skin care routine or treatment, Dr. Kolegraff works with them throughout the process, listening at every step and striving to provide results that meet their individual needs.
For more information on Katniss Clinic, please visit katnissclinic.com, call (402) 405-4942 or email drkeli@katnissclinic.com.
Kylie Ensrud formally founded Humanized HR (humanizedhr.org) in 2024 with a straightforward belief: workplaces work better when the people in them are actually understood. A fractional HR and leadership consulting firm based in Lincoln, Humanized HR partners with organizations across Nebraska to build HR systems, develop leaders and strengthen culture in ways that hold up under real-world pressure.
What sets the firm apart is its foundation in neuroscience. Rather than treating brain science as a talking point, Humanized HR builds it into the structure of its work, from proprietary frameworks like SIGNAL+ and the REVEAL Culture Audit to leadership programs like Manager 101. The firm is also a certified administrator of the EQ-i 2.0 emotional intelligence assessment, pairing results with customized team training.
Before founding the firm, Kylie built her career in executive HR leadership, serving as a Chief People and Compliance Officer for both white-collar and blue-collar industries. She is an author, keynote speaker, and executive coach and serves on the HR.com Advisory Board.
Service runs through the business as well. Humanized HR supports multiple nonprofits, and Kylie regularly volunteers her time as a speaker, grounded in her belief that human connection and candor help people thrive at work and in the community. More information can be found at humanizedhr.org.
In a world of fast furniture and disposable design, Larkspur Upholstery Studio (larkspurupholsterystudio.com) stands out as a proudly woman-owned business known for quality furniture, soft goods and expert craft. From expert reupholstery, restoration, and repair to custom soft furnishings and goods, Larkspur also carries two lines of furniture built with integrity by generational makers in the southeastern US: Temple Furniture and Parker Southern. With true hardwood frames, hand-tied springs, top-tier padding, and exceptional fabric and leather selections, every piece is built to outlast viral trends.
At the heart of Larkspur Upholstery Studio is an all-women team driven by skillful expertise and community. We are deeply committed to elevating women in the trade, actively training female upholstery and sewing apprentices to pass down traditional, high-quality furniture-making skills. No matter your aesthetic, our team delivers your vision.
You’re invited to visit Larkspur Upholstery Studio’s gallery to experience our craftsmanship, see our team in action, and feel the difference for yourself. Drop by during studio hours (Monday–Thursday, 9 to 5; Friday, 9 to 4) or send us an email at LarkspurUpholsteryStudio@gmail.com to schedule a quieter, personalized consultation.