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!
This year marks a big milestone for Tori Nichole Photography (torinicholephotography.com). Tori is celebrating five years in business this May. Tori attributes her success in business to her immense passion for photography, but her good business practice is also a huge factor.
It’s been reported that 60% of photographers give up their business in their first year, and of the remaining 40%, another 25% fail by the second year. Tori has beat these odds. She is proud to be an award winning and international photographer that specializes in documentary and lifestyle-based photography. She prides herself on her brand and the unique experience she provides.
Tori shared she loves to follow her clients on their journey in not only engagement and wedding imagery, but photographing a new baby, annual family photos, anniversaries, headshots, branding sessions and more. Tori says, “One of the most special and rewarding parts of what I do is capture it all.”
Happy fifth anniversary to Tori Nichole Photography.
Mary Ann O’Brien is a nationally recognized branding and marketing thought leader. She has been entrusted by some of the most successful brands in the world to help steer their strategic marketing and communication direction.
Mary Ann’s business acumen, marketing expertise and ability to deliver results give clients the confidence they need to make the strategic decisions required to grow. Recognized as a pioneer in the world of marketing and technology, O’Brien and her team have worked with some of the most respected and admired brands in the retail, educational, real estate, financial, medical, digital convergence and wireless industries, helping them to craft everything from big picture strategy to tactical integration and world-class advertising campaigns.
Mary Ann enjoys customer journey mapping and using customer data to help businesses improve the customer journey and raise revenue. An entrepreneur at heart, O’Brien often says, “Working with OBI (www.obicreative.com) means growth for your company.”
Established in 2015 by Sandra Miller, CEO, Key Home Care has emerged as a beacon of compassionate non-medical home care services. Miller’s background in social work, coupled with years spent in local skilled nursing facilities as their Admissions and Social Work Director, gives her a unique insight into the needs of seniors seeking home-based care. She is proud to have built this company from the ground up and is not a part of a franchised organization.
Key Home Care operates with the mission of enabling individuals of all ages and abilities to maintain their residences comfortably. Catering to people at various life stages, Sandra emphasizes the dedication of their exceptional staff, providing compassionate care seven days a week within the community.
Key Home Care offers a range of services, including personal care, memory care support, hospice support, light housekeeping, meal preparation, pet care, grocery shopping, transportation and companionship. What sets Key Home Care apart is the way they treat their staff. “We fully believe if we treat our staff with compassion, they in turn will care for our clients with the same level of compassion.”
Looking ahead, Sandra Miller expresses pride in the services rendered over the past nine years and anticipates a promising future. Key Home Care is poised for expansion into Lincoln and beyond, showcasing a steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of care provided. For more details, visit keyhomecare.us or call us on our new number (402) KEY-HOME
In 2018, Pia and Gitzy took the leap into business ownership with the launch of Inspired Results Consulting. 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.
Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor established LimeLight Expressions (LimeLightExpressions.com) in 2007 intent on providing unparalleled service to corporate and private clients alike. With over 20 years of experience in the event planning industry, she has created a business model that is more unique than most. Kimmylea and the
LimeLight team prioritize building relationships with clients and establishing trust through consistent communication. From multimillion-dollar international events to local events, LimeLight Expressions’ staff takes pride in guiding their clients through the entire design and production process so they can be confident the day of the event.
“We truly enjoy the process of taking our clients’ vision and creating an atmosphere that surpasses their expectations and impresses all those in attendance. To us, it is about making the entire occasion an incredible experience that places our client in the LimeLight,” said Kimmylea.
LimeLight Expressions is family owned and operated with over 24 awards in the industry and recently recognized for their efforts in USA Today. To learn more, go online to LimeLightExpressions.com or contact (402) 915-3534 / info@LimeLightExpressions.com.
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.
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.
Confident. Clear. Committed. It’s not just a tagline – it’s what clients can expect when they choose Hightower Reff Law (hrlawomaha.com). Established in 2012 by Managing Partners Tracy Hightower-Henne and Susan Reff, Hightower Reff Law stands as a distinguished all-female law firm in Omaha.
Specializing in divorce and family law, estate planning and probate, criminal defense, contracts, business formation and planning and workers’ compensation, the firm is dedicated to delivering respectful legal representation.
The firm has organically grown into an all-female team, fostering an environment that nurtures the talents of women. Tracy and Susan prioritize collaboration, respect and mentorship, valuing every voice within the firm. Their leadership challenges stereotypes and underscores the delivery of exceptional legal services, advocating for equity in the legal arena. Together, they strive to dismantle barriers, showcasing the strength, resilience and competence of women in law.
Emphasizing respectful representation and realistic goal-setting, the team at Hightower Reff Law is committed to providing effective legal solutions while cultivating a culture of empowerment. Their approach encourages clients to move forward in life, reflecting a dedication to both professional excellence and societal progress.
Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center (ybrecdc.org) is led by Jessica Johnsen, CEO and Kylie Schrader, COO. Both leaders have experience as teachers, directors and regional directors. Through their experience, they have a clear understanding around the significance of forming personal connections in the schools and they prioritize the emotional and academic success of their students through a play-based curriculum.
Yellow Brick Road’s core values center around creating a classroom environment that fosters student and teacher support on all levels. Jessica and Kylie have a passion for providing various training opportunities, allowing teachers to develop their skills and to execute the vision of Yellow Brick Road.
These ladies work tirelessly each day in all of their schools to “put good humans into the world and leave it better than they found it,” just as the mission states!
With winter coming to a close and the change of seasons nearing it might be time to take a look at changing coverage. If you are looking for quotes, Shelly Hood’s State Farm (www.statefarm.com) team would love to help by customizing a Personal Price plan just for you!
Shelly has two daughters, graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln-BA in Communication and University of Bellevue with a Masters of Science in Organizational Performance. In addition to Property/Casualty and Life/Health Licenses, Shelly is licensed to help with financial service needs. She is a board member of Women With Voices and supports local business owners. For many years she has been a Yoga Instructor and is currently a Fitness Instructor at Power Life. Shelly is a lifetime resident of Omaha, NE, with 21 years of experience in Business Development and building High Performing Teams. Her passion is helping customers find the right protection for what matters most, at prices that work in any budget while maintaining proper coverage, while coaching and developing her team to achieve their goals and dream.
As a lifetime resident of Omaha, Shelly is a proud female entrepreneur, dedicated to serving her community through her business, Shelly Hood State Farm. Her team is your one-stop shop for insurance and financial services.
Long-time See The Trainer® (seethetrainer.com) employee Kristie Egan purchased the See the Trainer in Omaha in 2020. Kristie had worked for nearly 13 years. She rose through the ranks as an associate to billing manager to office manager to COO. This was the first time that an employee became an owner, making it very special to Franchisor Maurie Maher.
Located at 13106 W Dodge Rd., the woman-owned See The Trainer Midwest® is an orthopedic, sports-medicine facility dedicated to keeping a diverse population functioning through a variety of bracing and support products. They offer a full line of in-stock bracing, home health, and rehabilitation products. Whether your pain results from a chronic condition or an acute injury, they are dedicated to improving your quality of life. Their knowledgeable staff will do their best assisting you in selecting the appropriate product to best fit your needs.
Purchasing the franchise was a dream come true for Kirstie. She lost her father at a very young age. In 2008, when she joined the See the Trainer family, See the Trainer became hers. She knows that her father is looking down on her with great pride on this huge accomplishment and all of the ones she hopes to make.
As owner and president of the location, she is excited to bring her experience related to the medical field and love for helping others in the community. Born and raised in Omaha, Kristie graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in psychology. While at UNO, she concentrated mostly on academics, became involved in the Pre-Med Club, and became a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, as well. Kristie also worked at a family-practice office for a number of years, gaining experience working for and interacting with patients and medical professionals, and she has always been interested in a career in helping others improve their quality of life.
Indigo Cottage Crafts (indigocottagecrafts.com), founded by Army veteran Brandy Prettyman, is a charming arts and crafts studio nestled in Papillion. It reflects her passion for artistry, dedication to service and commitment to uplifting others. With its cozy atmosphere and welcoming ambiance, stepping into Indigo Cottage Crafts feels like entering a realm of endless possibilities and inspiration.
Brandy’s journey from serving her country to pursuing her artistic dreams exemplifies perseverance and courage. Her vision for the studio is not only to provide a space for artistic expression but also to foster a supportive environment for the community to thrive.
From DIY painting and crafts to the renowned Spatter Zone, the studio allows artists of all types to shine. A diverse array of locally sourced artwork adorns the walls and they host various workshops and events, from painting classes to poetry open mics.
Indigo Cottage Crafts isn’t just a business—it’s a labor of love, a testament to the power of art to transform lives. As Brandy continues to chart her path as an entrepreneur, Indigo Cottage Crafts will remain a beacon of inspiration and creativity in the Papillion community and beyond.