Women-Owned Businesses – October 2025

Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing and most impactful segments of the economy, both nationally and right here in Nebraska. Women own 43.3% of the businesses in Nebraska, higher than the national percentage of 39.1%. And they own 34% of the Nebraskan small businesses. Beyond the numbers, these businesses bring innovation, leadership, and resilience to every industry they touch. From technology and finance to retail, health, and creative services, women entrepreneurs are driving trends, setting standards, and reshaping the way business gets done. Their ability to innovate while maintaining a people-first approach sets them apart in today’s competitive market. At the same time, women continue to face challenges such as limited access to capital, fewer networking opportunities, and barriers to scaling. Yet Nebraska women consistently rise above these obstacles, finding creative ways to fund, grow, and strengthen their companies.

What makes women-owned businesses especially noteworthy is their strong sense of community. Many of these leaders are dedicated mentors, guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs while also giving back through philanthropy, volunteerism, and civic involvement. They balance business with family and community life, building companies that reflect not only personal success but also shared values and pride of place. Nearly half of all new businesses started in 2024 were women-owned, underscoring the remarkable momentum of this movement. For Nebraska, that means more opportunity, more innovation, and more stories of perseverance worth celebrating.

 

Forsman’s Finest Decks 

Forsman’s Finest (ForsmansFinest.com) is a woman-owned construction company specializing in custom decks, patios, and outdoor living spaces. Their mission is simple but impactful: transform backyards into inviting, functional extensions of the home where families can relax, entertain, and make lasting memories.

At the heart of the company is co-owner Shelley Forsman, who leads the vision and marketing for the brand. Shelley is passionate about sharing the Forsman’s Finest story, building meaningful client relationships, and giving back to the community. She ensures the company stays true to its core values of quality, integrity, and care that shine through in every finished project.

What sets Forsman’s Finest apart is their fresh perspective on the industry. Every project blends creativity with precision, strong leadership, and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. From spacious decks perfect for hosting friends to cozy patios designed for quiet evenings, they believe outdoor living should feel like a natural extension of your lifestyle.

Forsman’s Finest isn’t just building outdoor spaces, they’re creating places where comfort and connection come together. For families ready to bring their dream backyard to life, this team delivers nothing less than the finest. Learn more at forsmansfinest.com.

LimeLight Expressions

Founded in 2007 by Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor, LimeLight Expressions (limelightexpressions.com) has become a standout name in the event planning industry, thanks to its unique blend of creativity, personal service, and meticulous attention to detail. With more than two decades of experience, Kimmylea built her company around one simple but powerful idea: every client deserves to feel confident, supported, and stress-free on the day of their event.

From multimillion-dollar international productions to heartfelt local celebrations, LimeLight Expressions delivers the same high-touch service to every project, ensuring each detail reflects the client’s vision. The team guides clients through every stage of planning, design, and production, transforming what can often be an overwhelming process into one filled with excitement and ease.
As a family-owned and operated business, LimeLight Expressions has earned over 25 awards and a reputation for excellence that extends far beyond Nebraska. The company’s work has been highlighted in prestigious national and international publications, including USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Inside Weddings Magazine, The Knot, Omaha Magazine, and many more.

Kimmylea’s approach rooted in trust, creativity, and open communication, has not only built lasting client relationships but also set LimeLight Expressions apart in a crowded industry. Whether designing an elegant wedding, a high-profile corporate gala, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, the team ensures every event shines in the spotlight.
To learn more, visit LimeLightExpressions.com or contact the team at (402) 915-3534 or info@LimeLightExpressions.com

The Lean Eye, LLC

After more than a decade in the transportation industry, Jenna Adams-Valadez is bringing corporate-level process improvement to local businesses and non-profits with The Lean Eye, LLC (TheLeanEye.com). Rooted in operational excellence and dedication to developing others, Jenna specializes in finding the right tools for individuals and teams to meet their goals. She uses a practical, people-first approach to save organizations money, reduce firefighting, and spend more time on what matters most to their customers.

“Small businesses and non-profits deserve the same tools big companies use to be efficient,” Jenna says. “I help make those tools simple and meaningful. Whether you’re a director trying to align operations with strategies, or another consultant who wants to diversify an approach to a project, I work side-by-side with you wherever you’re at.”

Jenna brings a fresh perspective through proven frameworks like Lean Six Sigma and Change Management—offering new ideas around repeat problems, then developing a plan so that clients are confident, empowered and reenergized to lead their teams with clarity. She also evaluates the use of AI to streamline workflows, collecting real-world examples so clients can keep up with advancing technology.

To learn more or start a conversation, email jenna@theleaneye.com or visit (TheLeanEye.com).

Chaos To Boss 

For over 30 years, Lynette Sorrentino has been helping business owners cut through chaos and build businesses that create freedom, balance, and profit.

She knows the struggle: trying to grow a business while juggling family, facing burnout, overwhelm, and the constant tug-of-war between work and home. That’s why she built Chaos to Boss (ChaostoBoss.com)—to give entrepreneurs the clarity, systems, and confidence to build a business that supports the life they want.

“Grinding is only for coffee beans—your business should give you freedom, not take it away.”

She also helps business owners keep more of what they earn. With over a decade in payments, Lynette uncovers hidden costs in credit card processing—often saving companies thousands of dollars without chasing a single new customer.

“I help business owners stop grinding and start aligning—because success should feel good.”

Lynette’s mission is simple: to help you create financial freedom and time freedom—so your business fuels the life you want, not the other way around. Learn more about Chaos To Boss at chaostoboss.com.

Custom Blinds & Design

Sherri Tafoya founded of Custom Blinds & Design (CustomBlindsDesign.com) 25 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 the team and 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 21 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 celebrated 25 years in business this year 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 Omaha showroom at 1105 South 180th.

Trusted Life Choices

Earlier this year, Trusted Life Choices (TrustedLifeChoicesLLC.com) proudly celebrated 10 years of serving the Omaha community. The agency began as Key Home Care, but as they grew, they found their name was often confused with a competitor. To better reflect the values and stand apart in the market, they rebranded as Trusted Life Choices. The new name captures the heart of their mission—helping clients and families live with dignity, independence, and confidence, knowing their care is in trusted hands.

Founded by a social worker and proudly woman-owned, Trusted Life Choices has built its reputation on compassion, reliability, and advocacy. They are especially proud to employ a team made up primarily of women, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds. Supporting and empowering the caregivers is as important to them as the care they provide to clients, because they believe strong, supported employees provide the best service.

As a locally owned agency, they remain deeply connected to Omaha and the surrounding community. Over the past decade, they’ve walked alongside countless families, providing not just care, but peace of mind. Looking ahead, Trusted Life Choices is committed to continuing that legacy with the same passion and integrity that have carried them through the first 10 years.

Your continued support for these women-owned businesses creates positive rippling effects for communities since those women are able to break gender barriers and inspire future generations. With that said, supporting these women is a key to social impact. According to the Harvard Kennedy School, “Female enterprises are more likely to create social impact through the businesses they create and operate.” Not only that, but women-owned businesses are able to enhance economic power, build stronger communities and promotes social responsibility.