BENNET, Nebraska (KOLN) – Emilie Long wants women to feel comfortable when they walk through the doors of Love M, Boutique in Bennet. When she’s not running the store, Long continues to care for women as a nurse and mother.

“I’m a firm believer that to best care for others, you must first take care of yourself,” Long said. “When you feel good and look good, you’re able to take the best care of the people you love most.”

Emilie, nicknamed Em, has to take care of a handful of little ones. Her business is a nod to their names, which all begin with the letter M.

“My husband and I have three children – one on the way – and their names are Monroe, Maddyn and Macklin, and that’s how we came up with the name,” Long said.

Although motherhood is a full-time job, Long always had a creative side growing up in Thayer County, but instead of going to fashion school, she attended Bryan’s nursing program in Lincoln.

Today, she still works part-time as a nurse and specializes in women’s health.

“I’ve always had a love and passion for helping women with clothing, and this gives me a creative outlet,” Long said.

Emilie and her husband moved to Bennet to give her children the small-town experience they grew up with. She ran the boutique out of her home and sold her items online before moving into a brick-and-mortar location.

“(My husband) has always been my biggest supporter, so he was all in,” Long said. “When we remodeled (the store), we wanted to preserve some of the history of the building, so we kind of wanted to keep it more vintage.”

Since opening in September 2023, it has been selling colorful clothing, shoes, jewelry, handbags and many other gifts.

“I would say there’s something for everyone,” said Julie Grant, a customer at Love M Boutique. “I really think you just have to try something. But I like the variety and the colors and some of the dresses she has are so cute and so flattering.”

The styles are aimed at working women and mothers.

“I really like the mix of ages, so that my mother, who is in her mid-60s, can shop here with me and get great pieces that are suitable both for a busy mother who works from home and for a professional career,” says Lydia Grossenbacher, another customer.

Through her boutique, Long offers everyday clothing, encourages people to shop local, hosts community events and hires employees who live locally.

“I just love being part of a small community,” said employee MacKenna Eidson. “So many people who come here recognize me. There’s such a big sense of community here and people really support the businesses that are here.”

And in return, Love, M Boutique helps this small town grow and takes care of the people in it.

“When you feel good, look good and take care of yourself, you can be your best and take care of the people you love most,” Long said.

You can visit the Love, M boutique at 625 Madison St. in Bennet. The store is open Wednesday through Saturday during the summer. You can also follow Love, M on social media for up-to-date hours or shop online.

Emilie Long is also part of Bennet’s Fallidays event. From September 6th to 8th there will be an open day at Love M Boutique with fun activities, stalls and other Bennet businesses to discover.

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