Established to Amplify the Voices of Small Shops Across Nebraska

RETAIL ROUNDTABLE presented by Lutz — our third roundtable for new boutique owners is April 7.

Whether you're launching a boutique or looking to refine your retail strategy, this one-day event is designed to equip you with the tools, connections, and confidence to thrive. Learn from industry experts on branding, influencer marketing, SEO, financial fundamentals, and social media ads—all tailored for small business owners. Member and Non-member spots available.

All Can join

MIDWEST BOUTIQUE SWAP — our newest Facebook Group, open to ALL!

Any Boutique Owner Can Join

We’re excited to provide this space for boutique owners, resellers, and enthusiasts to swap clothing and accessory items, fixtures, and more. Whether you’re a member of A Local Collective or joining us as a guest, we’ll see ya in the SWAP!

Community Support
Retail Roundtable
Pop-up Events
Rental Space
Shop Directory

jill dudzinski - hello ruby and a local collective nebraska and katie manganaro a local colletive

Headquartered west of Omaha in Waterloo, NE

A Local Collective was established to support other boutiques and small shops. Some see it as competition, but Katie and Jill see it as a collaboration. A Local Collective is a collaborative office and event space. It shares the building with hello ruby and Little Mango warehouses.

Find us at 302 North Front Street, Suite 1, Waterloo, NE 68069. We open our space for our signature event, Modern Market in the spring and fall. We also open it for our customers to rent! It’s a gorgeous blank slate.

How A Local Collective started

A Local Collective came to be when two women-owned shops discovered each other via Instagram and met up for a cup of coffee. Both Jill Dudzinski of hello ruby and Katie Lakin of Little Mango were starting online based shops in Omaha, Nebraska, and met monthly to brainstorm ideas, events, and best business practices.

At the time, both owners had a mobile shopping concept; Jill, a fashion truck, and Katie, a vintage camper. They set up many events and pop-up shops in the Omaha area and continued to meet new business owners. They both love sharing all things local and supporting their community.