Our bi-annual Women-Owned Businesses feature gives us the wonderful opportunity to highlight female entrepreneurs, risk-takers, role models and leaders in the Omaha business community, as well as inspire other women with entrepreneurial ambitions. As a women-owned and run business ourselves, there is a certain pride we take in seeing so many other women leaders emerging in Lincoln. When women rally behind each other, amazing things happen.
So, please join us in celebrating the following woman powerhouses in Omaha. Read their story, support their work and do business with them. Who knows, one of them might even become your future mentor! If you are a women-owned business and want to be included in the next feature, please contact our Writer and Editor Shae at shae@strictlybusinessomaha.com / (402) 466-3330. We love to promote female entrepreneurs, and would love the opportunity to work with you!
After stepping away from full time ministry, I started my own development consulting firm for small businesses and nonprofits – one of which was All Hands Waterproofing. Since I started, we’ve won Best of Omaha for the last three years in a row. The owners were ready to retire and wanted to move to warmer climate and asked us to buy the company in the summer of 2021.
All Hands Waterproofing is a family owned business in Omaha. We provide indoor and outdoor drainage solutions for your greatest investment, which is your home! We’ve been serving the Omaha and surrounding areas since 2015. Quality, honesty and integrity are three of our core values. Our primary focus has been to acquire and utilize the very best waterproofing solutions and repair materials available in the industry. For more information about All Hands Waterproofing, visit www.allhandswaterproofing.com or call (402) 206-9815.
I am also a part of World System Builder, which is a community of financial professionals on a mission to deliver the best financial education and revolutionize the financial service industry through a reliable, buildable system. Licensed for the past five years, I finally launched my own agency office in March 2022! I love being able to provide FREE financial education to serve my community! For more information about World System Builder, visit www.worldsystembuilder.com or call (402) 740-5131.
Lastly, I teach financial education workshops through MCC. Registration is free and open to the community, I would love to see you there!
As October 1 approaches, Duryea Strategic Marketing proudly celebrates its remarkable journey, marking a decade of excellence in the marketing industry. Founded by Cheri Duryea McPherson, this agency was born out of a commitment to prioritize clients as partners rather than mere customers. A decade ago, when faced with the closure of the agency she worked for, Cheri embarked on a mission to preserve these valued relationships and continue to help her clients achieve their goals by establishing Duryea Strategic Marketing.
In 2019, the agency expanded its horizons by acquiring Canary and Coal, a complementary agency led by a close friend. This strategic merger brought together the best of both worlds, combining traditional advertising expertise, media buying and direct mail from Duryea with Canary and Coal’s prowess in social media, public relations and digital marketing. Today, while operating under both names, the agency’s commitment to delivering comprehensive marketing strategies remains unwavering.
Duryea Strategic Marketing continues to be defined by its dedication to its clients, ensuring their triumph in an ever-evolving marketing landscape. To learn more about their services, visit duryeastartegicmarketing.com or canaryandcoal.com. Join them in celebrating a decade of partnerships.
Imagine if you could do hundreds or even thousands of handwritten cards in a matter of days instead of weeks (or months). That’s exactly what GhostHandwriter can do and is the first to offer this in Nebraska.
Using a unique handwriting writing machine paired with dynamic software, GhostHandwriter writes letters and cards that are indistinguishable from human handwriting. Unlike the other “handwritten” mailers you’ve probably seen, these machines are holding actual ballpoint pens and have pressure settings that mimic human handwriting.
Plus, each letter and envelope can be personalized to each recipient with any variables you choose. For instance, you could accomplish your entire batch of wedding thank you cards by simply sending a spreadsheet with names, addresses and the gift given and the machine will automatically replace those fields in each thank you card.
There are endless ways businesses and nonprofits can use this service including lead generation, requesting online reviews, fundraising/gala campaigns, client happy birthday cards and infinitely more. We know that with a 99% open rate, too, that your letter will likely not be tossed away like flyers or ignored like emails.
GhostHandwriter is an effective way to reach your audience and accomplish your business goals. Learn more at GhostHandwriter.com.
In 2015, Sandra Miller, CEO, opened Key Home Care. She believes her degree in social work and years working in local skilled nursing facilities gives her unique insight into caring for seniors in their homes. Her training as a Death Doula also brings special understanding to the hospice clients they care for. Key Home Care’s goal is to provide services that will allow people of all ages and abilities to continue living at home. We care for people at all stages of life. “We have great staff that offers compassionate care to people in the community every day, seven days a week,” stated Sandra.
Key Home Care is a non-medical home care agency that provides services to clients in Nebraska and Iowa. Their services include personal care, memory care support, hospice support, light housekeeping, meal prep, pet care, grocery shopping, transportation and companionship. Key Home Care does not offer a cookie cutter approach to care. Because every client is unique, each care plan is one of a kind.
What does the future hold? Sandra says she is proud of the services they have provided over the last nine years and is excited and looking forward to expanding into Lincoln and beyond. For more information, visit keyhomecare.us.
Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor established LimeLight Expressions in 2007 for one reason: to help people! With over 20 years of experience in the event planning industry, she has created a business model that is more unique than most because she prioritizes building relationships with her clients and establishing trust through consistent communication. From multimillion-dollar international events to local events, LimeLight Expressions’ approach to serving the needs of their clients by building a relationship that feels more like family.
LimeLight staff takes pride in guiding their clients through the entire process so they can be confident the event will exceed their own expectations.
“We love helping people!” said Kimmylea, “We truly enjoy the process of taking our clients’ vision and creating an atmosphere that not only wows our client but impresses all those in attendance. To us, it is about making the entire event an incredible experience that places our client in the LimeLight.”
LimeLight Expressions is family owned and operated with over 22 awards in the industry. To learn more, go online to LimeLightExpressions.com or contact (402) 915-3534 / info@LimeLightExpressions.com.
Mary Hiatt, President of Mary the Medicare Lady, was recently laughing over lunch with a colleague about how women used to have to wear dresses, pantyhose and high heels to work or risk getting sent home. On her first phone call in her first outside sales job, the prospect said that he wouldn’t meet with her because he “didn’t believe in women working outside of the home.” She made a mental note to not do business with that company and went on to become a nationwide award-winning sales manager.
Mary had a lifetime of experiences leading up to founding Mary the Medicare Lady. She has met challenges beyond work attire requirements and enjoyed success in a variety of careers and business ownership. She feels that is because she is authentic, and her clients know that she truly cares about them.
She is an independent agent licensed in Life & Health and is certified in Medicare AHIP and Annuities. She has a BSBA in Finance and earned her SIE, 6 & 63.
In addition to helping people with Medicare options, she helps those under-65 as well as small businesses with health, life, dental, vision and disability, with options for both company-paid and employee-paid.
For more information about Mary the Medicare Lady, please visit www.hiattagency.com or contact Mary Hiatt at (402) 672-9449 / Mary@hiattagency.com.
Michele Strom has been a professional Makeup Artist since 1997. She added Permanent Cosmetics to her list of talents in 2016. Michele specializes in Micropigmentation Artistry, Scalp Micropigmentation and Eyebrow Microblading, with the best training the Micropigmentation industry offers. Michele has been voted Best of Omaha for Microblading in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. She has created stunning makeup looks on set, through national pageantry, TV and professionals of all types in addition to permanent cosmetics in Omaha. Her attention to detail, drive and commitment to making others feel beautiful is second to none. Her mission is to offer clients everything they need to feel and look their best through cutting edge technology and customer service. As a qualified professional, Michele guarantees to be attentive to all of your needs by using the best equipment, techniques and technology through thousands of hours of training to ensure that everything she does for clients is administered with the utmost care and safety. For more information, visit www.michelestrom.com.
In 1996 when Moore’s Concrete Construction, Inc. was co-founded by Barbara Moore, the construction industry was viewed as a man’s career. Women represented just 9.9% of the total industry workforce and primarily as office staff. Her first commercial project walk thru/estimating experience showed her that women needed to be taken seriously and have more representation in the industry. She is ACI (American Concrete Institute) certified as a concrete flatwork technician.
Data from 2021 on the concrete specialty trade is that women represented 7.6% of estimators/project managers. “I am happy to see that women are making such strides in the industry. I am so proud to say that I am a woman working in construction and hopefully am seen as an example for other women who want to pursue a career in the trades.”
Moore’s Concrete Construction, Inc. is family owned and locally operated, serving the Omaha metro-area since 1996 – with 40 years of experience. They are fully insured and employ ACI-certified concrete finishers. The team takes great pride in their work, whether commercial properties/ADA work or residential projects – and they strive for 100% customer satisfaction. To learn more, visit mooresconcrete.com or call (402) 491-3622.
Pam Alfrey Hernandez is a trailblazing female founder, renowned for her visionary leadership and commitment to personal and professional growth. In 2015, she founded The Right Reflection™ after a remarkable career at Woodmen Life, a prominent nonprofit financial services organization. Beginning as a trainer, she climbed the ranks to become the first female executive team member in the company’s 125-year history.
Continuing her journey with academic excellence, she earned a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, solidifying her expertise in fostering positive change. Armed with her unique blend of corporate leadership and psychological insights, she embarked on a mission to empower individuals to harness their strengths and facilitate profound leadership transformations in both their professional and personal lives.
Pam’s leadership and expertise have fueled the company’s success, highlighted by The Leadership Academy she created. She is also a respected speaker and panelist at conferences and seminars and holds certifications in various psychological and leadership tools, using her knowledge to guide clients toward opportunities for growth and development.
For more about Pam’s journey and her transformative work with The Right Reflection, visit TheRightReflection.com.
Tori Hughes is the Owner and Founder of Tori Nichole Photography; an Omaha-based, award-winning and international photography company that uses imagery to tell a story. Tori specializes in photographing couples, weddings, families, births, newborns and more.
Tori’s enthusiasm for photography began after her eldest daughter was born in 2013; She explained she “fell in love with photographing her.” Since 2013, Tori has transformed her photography business into what she calls a “real-life dream.” Tori stated, “It started as a passion and flourished into a calling that I receive continuous, tremendous joy from.”
Tori Nichole Photography’s brand focuses on lifestyle-based photography. Her dedication and excitement for what she does is apparent, and following 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, is highly rewarding.
“One of the most special and rewarding parts of what I do is to capture it all,” she explained. “My clients are at the center of everything Tori Nichole Photography stands for. I love to build relationships with each and every client and I am all about serving them all with the best experience, and imagery, possible.”
To learn more or inquire, visit www.torinicholephotography.com, Tori’s Instagram or her Facebook Page.
As the CEO, Founder and Managing Member of Vandenack Weaver, LLC, Mary E. Vandenack, J.D., ACTEC, CAP®, COLPM®, Accredited Estate Planner® (Distinguished) Nominee, is a distinguished legal professional and visionary leader in the fields of law, taxation and estate planning.
Her legal practice caters to a wide spectrum of clients, including businesses and their owners, high-level executives, real estate developers, investors, healthcare providers, financial institutions and tax-exempt organizations. Her involvement in prestigious legal associations underscores her commitment to excellence and innovation in the legal field. Mary is an active member of the American Bar Association Tax Section and the Council of Real Property Trust and Estate Section, serves as the Chair of the ABA Law Practice Division and is a distinguished member of the American College of Trust and Estate Council.
Beyond her legal practice, Mary is a prolific writer and sought-after speaker, addressing diverse topics including tax law, asset protection, estate planning and law practice management. Mary is also the host of “Legal Visionaries,” a weekly podcast covering the latest legal news and evolving methods of providing legal services.
For more information or to listen to her podcast, visit MaryVandenack.com or VWTLawyers.com.
Zen Coffee Company is a beloved Omaha coffee shop, first opened in 2017, founded and owned by Abby McLeay. 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 and 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 – Zen supports nonprofits continuously within their business model. They prioritize giving back to the community by working with several local nonprofits monthly. By switching up who they work with, their reach goes far and more people get exposure to different organizations.
Visit Zen Coffee Company to try their nationally viral Coffee and Toast flights, over 40 drink options and their full pastry menu. They have two walk-in locations at 133rd and Center and 25th and Farnam, and a drive through is located next to Trader Joes. Be sure to also check out their new location in One Pacific Place! Visit zencoffeecompany.com for more information.