Businesses owned, operated by women are thriving in Kimball

There are many differences between Kimball and other places. One of them is the way Kimball treats those looking to start a business. Where most places make it a hassle for a woman to start a business, Kimball is a place where a person's work ethic is valued more than their gender.

According to the United States Department of Labor 57.2 percent of women of working age accounted for the labor force in 2013, which is compared to 69.7 percent of men of working age. It is estimated that there are over 8.6 million women-owned businesses in the United States. These businesses employ nearly 7.8 million people.

That may sound like a lot, however, when compared to the whopping 30 million businesses in the United States as of the last business census in 2008, it does not seem that large anymore. That means that roughly 26 percent of all the businesses in the United States are owned by women.

These numbers just go to show that while women in business have made large strides, they still have a long way to go.

Despite the somewhat low numbers country wide, Nebraska has some interesting statistics when it comes to women in business. Nebraska was recently ranked 35th nationally in growth when pertaining to women-owned businesses by the State of Women-Owned Businesses Report released by American Express.

Women-owned businesses in Nebraska was at about 41,003 in 2007. However, in 2013, that number jumped up to 46,500. Responsible for employing 51,100 and bringing in $7.8 million in sales revenue, the growth of women-owned businesses in Nebraska is certainly on the upswing.

Kimball is no stranger to that growth, and many say the city does not try to impede that growth. Many businesses in Kimball are owned and operated by women, and unlike a lot of places around the country, those who do so here say they are welcome to do so.

There are some business owners in Kimball like Joann Mueller, owner of Carol's Nut List, who have been in business since 1988.

"Well, I bought the business in 1988, so I didn't start it but I have been working at it since then," Mueller said.

Kimball not only supports already existing businesses, it also supports those with new visions and endeavors, even if they are not from Kimball.

Rebecca Brown, owner of Java Blend, came to Kimball from Colorado and said she knew that Kimball needed something along the lines of a coffee shop. She has since been in business for 10 years.

"I worked with the director of economic development to work my way in and everyone seemed to be rather supportive of what I was trying to do," Brown said.

Kimball also likes to see its locals succeed in their new endeavors, said Dawn Moeser. She opened up Hometown Floral about three years ago, and despite being new to the floral business, the community has kept her going.

"My brother suggested it, having a flower shop next to the hardware store. I thought it would be fun, but I insisted on getting the needed education for it first," Moeser said.

Despite the variety of situations these women in business had come from, many in Kimball worked with all of them to see them succeed.

All of these women had another thing in common, their determination. Each of these women were taking on a new venture when they started up their businesses. They all took a gamble, but they were prepared.

"I had worked in education, not in the retail business, and certainly not the seasonal retail business. It was a learning experience, but it has been worth it," Mueller said.

As for Brown, she was very much self taught through her endeavor.

"I read a lot of books on the subjects (that) I needed to know more about. I had worked in coffee shops, and that helped since that was the business I was opening, but there were other things that I had to teach myself," Brown said.

While some indeed went the self taught route, Moeser decided that in order to have a successful business, she needed some formal training in her field.

"I went to florist school to become a certified florist. I had worked with children before, running a daycare, and I wanted to make sure I was knowledgeable about what I was going to be doing," Moeser said.

While all these women took different paths in getting to where they are, they have made the most of their businesses and find everyday to be a reward.

"I think it has been fun. Over the years I have been able to hire members of the community that has been really wonderful. Getting to know different people has been a real treat," Mueller said.

A drive to serve the community has been the motivation behind these women's desire to open their own business.

"I noticed that Kimball didn't really have a place to go get lattes and different types of coffee. Also, as I was open longer, I added food to my menu because it seemed like what the community was wanting," Brown said.

By paying attention to the community, these women have been successful. Having an insight into the importance of what matters to the people keeps these businesses thriving.

"Flowers can be very personal. They go to people in grief and in joy, so having a sensitivity to the people who are placing these orders is very important. You get to be creative, but you also have to be intuitive," Moeser said.

Even though the rest of the country might still have a little trouble accepting women in business, Kimball has no trouble at all. All of the women mentioned have had no adverse experiences due to their gender. They offer up words of wisdom to potential future business owners.

"Be prepared to work long hours, much longer than a normal eight to five job. Running a business will take a lot of time," Mueller said.

Aside from knowing the hours that need to be put in, Brown suggests a humble way of thinking.

"Know what business you want a part of, have some knowledge, but don't be afraid to learn and continue learning. Ask for help from people who know more too, they can help," Brown said.

Moeser lends a point of view that reminds business owners to not forget why they opened up a business in the first place.

"It's important to remember that the community is the reason you're able to stay open, so show appreciation. Also if you love what you're doing and believe in it, you'll be successful," Moeser said.

Mueller, Brown and Moeser are only three of the many women who own and operate businesses in Kimball. Many other women exert their time and efforts working for the Kimball community. This is a week and month to celebrate women in business and Kimball has a lot to celebrate.