Certified family life educator Kara Warner is on fire with the idea of living her own best life and helping others do the same. The owner of the family life education and coaching business Manifested Purpose LLC may be a new entrepreneur – she formally launched her business in 2020 – but she’s prepared herself for this work since the start of the new millennium.

Onyx Street Boutique owner Sharnelle Shelton sells the legacy T-shirt “Audacious Women of Omaha” with the names of Black icons Cathy Hughes, Brenda Council, Gabrielle Union and Mildred D. Brown printed on it. “It’s a signature shirt I make. One of my most popular. It’s an attention-grabber and educational about women from Omaha,” said Shelton, who at the rate she’s going, may see her own name added to that list of bodacious ladies. Her Facebook profile says it all: Mother. Fashion Maven. Mogul.

The old adage goes there’s no substitute for experience. The same could be said for resilience. Budget to Success owner-founder Nicka Johnson, a North Omaha native, possesses an abundance of both.

The financial literacy and credit repair coach has learned to use challenges as catalysts for goal setting and achievement. Raised in a single-parent home with a cycle of teenage pregnancy, a biological father who chose not to be in her life and a brother lost to the streets, she’s moved forward rather than remain stuck.

Making the most of second chances to overcome teenage pregnancy, homelessness and incarceration, Henderson’s become a community advocate and entrepreneur. Her Brilliant & Resilient affirmations line is the latest expression of her desire to lift up others.