Local Spotlight
Sara Probst transformed Hurricane Irma's devastation into opportunity, bringing 22 years of hair expertise from Florida to Harlan. Her salon specializes in non-ammonia color services, expert fades, and personalized care in a cozy storefront where every client receives one-on-one attention.
Local Spotlight
Claire Petersen captures life's authentic moments through her natural photography style. Specializing in senior portraits and family sessions with young children, she transforms everyday chaos into treasured memories that reveal genuine connections.
Local Spotlight
Kayla Petersen brings a personal touch to real estate in Shelby County, combining banking expertise with family business values. As co-owner of Turnkey Services Realty, she educates clients through every step of their biggest investment.
Local Spotlight
What started as a way to pass time while her husband raced has become Left Turn Photography. Tiffany Anderson now captures racing moments across Iowa, believing every driver deserves photos whether they finish first or last.
Local Spotlight
Inheriting her uncle's cameras led Samantha Freese from complete beginner to successful motorsports photographer. Now Shotz By Sam captures high-speed moments across Iowa and Nebraska tracks, preserving racing memories while honoring family tradition.
Local Spotlight
Becca Boruff transformed her personal journey of recovery into Salon B. You, a Harlan hair salon where professional expertise meets genuine connection. With 23 years of experience and a mission to help clients feel their best, she's created more than a business—a place of authentic care.
Local Spotlight
Air Force veteran Nick Soll saw his hometown lacking essential services during COVID and created a solution. NickOfTimeSOLLutions delivers everything from meals to rides, proving personal service still matters in small-town America.
Local Spotlight
From a cease-and-desist to a thriving print business: Austin and Lacy Jacobsen turned an unexpected setback into Cyclone Custom Prints, now serving Harlan with everything from business logos to custom vehicle graphics—1.4 million products and counting.
Local Spotlight
Born and raised in Harlan, Andrea Mae Petersen transformed a casual work conversation into Andrea Mae Photography, specializing in newborn and family portraits. Her Court Street studio offers a stress-free experience with client wardrobe and flexible pricing.
Local Spotlight
Thrive OT bridges healthcare gaps in rural Iowa through holistic pelvic health services. Founder Erica Stevens transformed a community need into a growing practice that spares patients hour-long drives while addressing both physical symptoms and underlying wellness issues.
Local Spotlight
For 25 years, Dr. Jay's Family Eye Care has served Harlan with comprehensive vision services. What started as a hometown optometrist's dream has grown into a multi-generational practice known for personal care, led by Dr. Jay and Dr. Kristi Merchant, with Nic Christensen at its heart.
Local Spotlight
The Harlan Community Summer Swim Team builds confidence and lifelong skills while creating unique mentoring relationships. "It's a great family sport where kids of all ages can participate together," says President Matt Schmitz, emphasizing its inclusive nature.
Local Spotlight
Local business VacDaddy offers affordable car cleaning for Harlan families. With packages from $30-$75 and pickup service, owner Al Stark focuses on practical needs: "We clean for how you live, not for a car show." Serving all of Shelby County from his Victoria Street home base.
Local Spotlight
From kitchen remedy to local sensation, Leslie Assman's Farm & Three transforms beef tallow into luxurious skin care that's changing lives across rural Iowa. Her accessible, natural products prove that sometimes the best solutions come from tradition, not chemistry.
Local Spotlight
Beyond Tex-Mex, Border Fare Restaurant's hidden gem is owner Jeff Swensen's handcrafted super premium ice cream, now nearly a third of their business—a delicious secret many Harlan residents have yet to discover.
Local Spotlight
Tiarks School of Dance has inspired Harlan's youth since 1976. From their downtown studio, Janice Tiarks and daughter Jill Daeges teach tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and tumbling to children 2-18, creating a space where everyone can shine and build confidence.