The Refinery provides refugee and immigrant women the opportunity to achieve economic independence and build social capital through business education and professional mentorships. We focus on serving women who are still in the process of learning the English language.
The Refinery selects the brightest and most resilient women of Lincoln, Nebraska, to attend a 4-month intensive business education course and participate in a community-driven learning environment, wherein they build relationships with other business owners and broaden their professional network.
We seek women who…
are still in the process of learning English;
own a business or have an idea for a business;
were born outside the United States.
Ready to begin? Click below to apply.
Cecilia Vargas owns Best Knit. She combines the vivacious colors of Mexico with the durability of Nebraska products. Contact: bestknitco@gmail.com
Sakeena Nazari is the owner of Sakeena Tailoring. She uses her previous experience in Afghanistan to provide unique design and high quality products.
Sharistan Haji brings the luxe fashion of the Middle East to Lincoln, Nebraska with formal gowns, gold belts, and other formalwear accessories.
Shadia Angelo owns Shadia Events. She specializes in planning traditional Sudanese weddings in the Midwest of the USA.
Jello Artesano was founded by Olga Mendez and Kathia Ortiz: a mother-daughter team from Mexico. Their exquisite floral desserts bring beauty to any occasion. Contact: jelloartesano@gmail.com
Khokhi Rashawka brings her eye for design and sewing talents to Lincoln, Nebraska, through her business, Shingal Design. Khokhi specializes in making Yezidi formalwear but can create designs for any person.
Susa's Sweets & Balloons was established by Bia Wilber as a way to offer her delicious and beautiful desserts and designer balloon bouquets to her community in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her business is named in honor of her late mother, who found opportunities to celebrate every moment of life. Contact: susweetballoon@gmail.com
Blu Law La loves to sew and weave for her Karen community in Lincoln. She enjoys designing new clothing and also creates traditional apparel and accessories to honor her heritage.
Elevina Sein is on a mission to preserve the Karen culture in Lincoln, Nebraska, through her business, K'nyaw Modern Tradition. She works with Karen artisans in Myanmar and Thailand to blend traditional apparel and accessories with the modern style of the United States.
August Thaw designs dresses for girls and women of all ages that combine the traditional Karen fabric of her culture and modern dress design.
Marcela Medina brings a decade of fitness experience to Lincoln, Nebraska. She is passionate about serving women and helping them feel their very best: mentally, spiritually, and physically. Contact: marcemovement@gmail.com.
Carmen Castillo is the co-owner of RC Party Accents. She designs the balloons and retail products, and her husband, Rene, builds the rental props. Carmen wants your every moment to feel special! Contact: carmen@rcpartyaccents.com.
Jasmine Azazi is a designer and illustrator. She has extensive experience in Iran, studying the textile traditions of women in each region of the country. Jasmine is working on a book to describe these women's stories. Stay tuned!
Margarita Ortiz Vasquez is the owner of KG Embroidery & More. She specializes in free-motion embroidery, creating detailed designs with her own hands. Margarita can customize any product!
Kimhour Ramage has 20 years of experience in the research and consulting industry. She managed a very successful business in Cambodia, and now she wishes to use her research talents in Lincoln, Nebraska, through Amatac Research & Consulting. Contact: amatacresearch@gmail.com
Saja Kinani is the Chief Creator behind Saja Craft. Saja custom designs functional art, inspired by her customers, by woodburning home decor. She loves to infuse the beauty of her home country of Iraq in every product. Contact: saja.craft.usa@gmail.com
Alktra Farhan is the artist behind Art by Alktra. After studying painting in Syria, Alktra honors your religious and cultural traditions by creating customized glass paintings. Contact: art.by.alktra@gmail.com.
Ban Al Dulaimi is the creator behind Hello Bana Resin. She captures your forever memories by creating custom resin art pieces. Ban's aesthetic is playful and free, and she often incorporates themes of the ocean in her work. Contact: hellobanaresin@gmail.com.
Mayra Aguirre is the Co-Owner of Arteaga Produce. She imports the freshest cactus, peppers, and other traditional Mexican produce for sale in Hispanic grocers in Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. Contact: arteaga.produce01@gmail.com.
Shaymaa Alsiraj created Tailoring by Shaymaa in order to bring her detailed tailoring expertise to Lincoln, Nebraska. She spent many years designing and altering wedding dresses in her home country of Iraq, and after finishing her internship has now added those services to her business. Contact: tailoringbyshaymaa@gmail.com.
Shokhan Tofiq has been creating exquisite Kurdish dresses and modern American formal wear for decades. Now she has formally established House of Shokhan to open her business to the entire Lincoln community. Shokhan has strong attention to detail and is well-known for her beautiful designs. Contact: shokhantofiq6272@yahoo.com
Zhenya Vodolazskaya is the artistic force behind Luna Creative Studios. She envisions a space where all artists can connect and create with skills like photography, textile design, and classic art.
Candy Alvarez is the creator and baker behind Candy’s Cookies. Candy has been baking since she was a teenager and is now baking traditional Mexican desserts for all of the Lincoln community to try. Contact: candys.cookies402@gmail.com
Marilu Reyes is the founder of Merry’s Cleaning Service. She offers reliable residential cleaning to the residents of Lincoln to refresh your space and your mood. Contact: merrys.cleaning.service@gmail.com
Fatemah Saleh is cooking up great things at M. Family Food Truck where she serves a fusion of Arab American food. Her goal is to feed all food enthusiasts with her great cooking. Contact: m.family.foodtruck@gmail.com
Enas Mahdi is a multi medium talented artist with a passion for creating beautiful items for your home and your wardrobe. In addition to her beautiful creations, Enas is also a licensed cosmetologist and offers affordable services to the community. Contact: designs.by.enas@gmail.com Find Enas at her salon: 129 N 10th St Suite 109, Lincoln, NE 68508
Yana Armoot is the creator behind Armoot Flowers, using her creative expertise to craft dried floral arrangements and bouquets. Yana possesses the skill to design both expansive and intimate floral pieces. To explore her designs follow Yana on Instagram @armoot_flowers.
Azucena Adame is the skilled baker of Dulce Azahar, specializing in creating traditional Mexican sweets and desserts, with a particular passion for cakes. With aspirations to establish a bakery shortly, Azucena is committed to sharing her delicious creations with the residents of Lincoln. For inquiries and orders, contact Azucena at dulce.azahar.lnk@gmail.com.
Farah Alkahachi, the talented fragrance designer behind Farah's Fragrances, is passionate about creating beautiful scents for both men and women. She finds inspiration in popular fragrances and can also make customized perfumes. You can discover her products at the ECHO Shop, 2124 Y St. Ste 106, Lincoln, NE. Follow her on Instagram @farah.fragrances for updates and to explore her unique creations.
Diana De La Vega is the visionary of Fiesta Fashion, a retail establishment catering to special events, focusing on formal-wear and accessories. For dress or accessory inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to follow on Instagram @fiesta.fashion.dresses or reach out via email at fiestafashiondresses@gmail.com.
Khamisa Abdalla serves as the co-owner and co-founder of Mendy Market & Kitchen, an establishment dedicated to offering a diverse array of convenience foods from around the world. Through her family's efforts, Khamisa strives to introduce the flavors of Sudan and beyond to the community of Lincoln. Mendy Market & Kitchen is conveniently located at 3031 O St Ste 105A. Email: mendy.market.kitchen@gmail.com.
Jahena Cervantes is the owner of Cervantes Cleaning Company. With years of experience working with owners, Jahena has now ventured into her own business. She provides full-service cleaning and sanitation services to residential and commercial locations. Contact: cervantes.cleaning.company@gmail.com
Melba Al-Sayagh is the founder of Amani's Childcare LLC. Amani's Childcare will offer in home services with a multicultural focus. To learn more contact: alsayaghmelba@gmail.com
Heidi Martinez-Reyes grew up with a passion for Japanese cuisine and is now creating authentic Japanese desserts for both lovers and newcomers alike through her business Kuro Neko Desserts. To order click on her logo and visit her website.
Tsigereda (Mimi) Tadesse is passionate about accessible and sustainable fashion. Mimi created Wudariam Apparel, a men’s consignment store to fill the need in Lincoln, Nebraska. Follow Wudariam on social media to stay updated on their progress.
Karla Sigui is the owner of 402 Linguistic Connections, created through the need for translation and interpretation in Lincoln Nebraska. Karla bridges communities through her reliable services. To book Karla contact: 402.linguistic.connections@gmail.com
Cinthya Romaña is the mind of Sanacion del Alma, a coaching business that guides people to transform their lives for personal and spiritual growth. To reach your full potential contact Cinthya: sanaciondelalma@gmail.com
Mirza Sorto is the expert cleaner of Shiny Fresh Cleaning. Mirza provides expert cleaning services for those who wish to brighten their space and find relaxation. Contact: shinyfreshcleaning.lnk@gmail.com
Angelica Robles is the owner of Perla’s Pure Clean, delivering meticulous services to transform your space for relaxation. Contact Angelica: perla.pure.clean@gmail.com
Bedrie Ademi owns B & B Cleaning, which was founded to ensure every space is refreshed and ready to be used. If you want to book with Bedrie, call her at (402) 413-1260
Betty Fregoso is the owner of Betty’s Beauty. Betty is a cosmetologist who is dedicated to helping people feel empowered and beautiful through her services. To follow Betty find her on Instagram.
Lena Erfani is the imagination behind Caky Baky, a dessert and pastry maker who will help you create memories through her exceptional desserts. To book with Lena, contact her at: caky.baky.lnk@gmail.com
Ommohal Koko owns Koko Cleaning Crew, a cleaning business dedicated to transforming office spaces into healthier, cleaner, and more productive environments. For more information, email Ommohal at: koko.cleaning.crew@gmail.com
Zaman Hakek is the creator of ZH Beauty, focused on using natural ingredients to help grow your hair to a strong, shiny new length. If you are ready to treat your hair to a high-quality experience, contact Zaman on Instagram or email her at: zh.beauty.lnk@gmail.com