Abby Kerkman, a recent graduate of Neligh-Oakdale High School in Neligh, Nebraska, has devoted nearly five years to her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Her business, centered around crafting wooden home decor items, began in her freshman year of high school and thrived ever since.

Abby’s love for building and creating wooden items inspired her to start her SAE. “Ever since I was little, I’ve enjoyed working with wood and bringing my ideas to life,” she says. This passion evolved into a successful business where she not only replicates trending decor but also designs her unique pieces. Abby primarily sells her creations at local craft fairs and takes online orders, demonstrating her versatility and business savvy.

Receiving the Nebraska FFA Foundation grant was a way for Abby to expand her business with new ideas and tools. One of her proudest moments was when she earned third place at the Nebraska State Convention with her SAE, showing that hard work and dedication pay off.

Looking ahead, Abby wants to continue her business while attending Northeast Community College, where she will major in nursing. She hopes to keep creating new items for customers and participating in more craft fairs in her free time, showcasing her commitment to both her education and her business!

Abby appreciates the support from the Nebraska FFA Foundation and its donors, which helped her expand her business. She also would like to thank Kensie Hanson for helping her start her business and pushing her to explore new ideas, as well as Tiffany Connelly for supporting Abby during her last year of high school. Lastly, she is grateful for her family and their unwavering support and for providing her with a space to create her products.

Abby’s journey shows how passion, hard work, and support can lead to remarkable achievements. Her story highlights her entrepreneurial spirit and the positive impact the Nebraska FFA Foundation has on young entrepreneurs.