Entrepreneur Brings Unique Gifts to Auburn with The Farmer's Wife

Paula Oestmann's store offers fresh flowers, upcycled furniture, and vintage goods in a community-focused business.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring an elegant arrangement of vintage-inspired home decor items, including an upcycled wooden chair, a vase of fresh flowers, and a collection of antique trinkets and knick-knacks, conceptually representing the unique retail experience and community-driven values of The Farmer's Wife in Auburn, Nebraska.The Farmer's Wife in Auburn, Nebraska offers a curated collection of vintage finds, upcycled furniture, and locally sourced goods that celebrate the town's history and entrepreneurial spirit.Auburn Today

Paula Oestmann opened The Farmer's Wife in Auburn, Nebraska in 2015 after being inspired by a motivational video to 'just jump' and pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. The store features a variety of offerings including fresh flowers, upcycled furniture, vintage items, and more. Oestmann has deep roots in the community, having grown up working in her family's business, and now supports other local small businesses and the Auburn High School FFA program.

Why it matters

The Farmer's Wife represents the entrepreneurial spirit and community-focused values that have helped small businesses thrive in Auburn, even as larger retail chains have expanded. Oestmann's story shows how identifying one's gifts and taking a leap of faith can lead to a rewarding small business venture that benefits both the owner and the local community.

The details

After becoming an empty nester, Oestmann was inspired by a motivational video to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. She pitched a business plan to her parents, who had previously owned a local business, and with their support and a handshake deal on a vacant building, she opened The Farmer's Wife in 2015. The store features a variety of unique offerings including fresh flowers, upcycled furniture, vintage goods, and more. Oestmann also supports the local community by coaching the Auburn High School FFA floriculture team and building relationships with customers who share their own stories about the store's one-of-a-kind items.

  • Oestmann opened The Farmer's Wife in 2015.
  • Oestmann's parents, Larry and Connie Dorsch, previously owned a business called Needles I where Oestmann grew up working.

The players

Paula Oestmann

The owner of The Farmer's Wife, a store in Auburn, Nebraska that features fresh flowers, upcycled furniture, vintage goods, and other unique offerings. Oestmann was inspired to open the store after becoming an empty nester and watching a motivational video.

Larry and Connie Dorsch

Oestmann's parents, who previously owned a local business called Needles I where Oestmann grew up working. They supported Oestmann's plan to open The Farmer's Wife.

Joe

The previous owner of the building that now houses The Farmer's Wife, who agreed to a handshake deal with Oestmann to rent the space to her.

Camille Stanley

One of Oestmann's first employees at The Farmer's Wife, who had previously worked for Oestmann's parents at their restaurant Arbor Manor Steakhouse.

Tom Stanley

Camille Stanley's husband, who also previously employed Oestmann at Arbor Manor Steakhouse.

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What they’re saying

“And she said, 'Mom, this is what I want to do.' And it had antique furniture. It had junk, basically, and where people were fixing it, redoing it and everything.”

— Connie Dorsch, Oestmann's mother

“It's great for the town of Auburn and just to represent personal growth for our kids of our generation right now and what hard work will do for you.”

— Camille Stanley, Employee at The Farmer's Wife

What’s next

Oestmann plans to continue supporting the Auburn High School FFA program by coaching their floriculture teams and providing educational resources. She also hopes to expand her relationships with the local community and continue growing her unique retail offerings at The Farmer's Wife.

The takeaway

The Farmer's Wife demonstrates how an entrepreneur with a passion for their community can turn a leap of faith into a thriving small business that uplifts the local economy and provides a gathering place for residents. Oestmann's story inspires others to identify their own gifts and take the plunge to start a venture that aligns with their values.