July of last year Jesse Flinck and Jaclyn Geist (owner of The Black Market) where just 2 strangers brain pooling over an idea to start up an iconic shoe store with style, functionality and price in mind. Starting at the beginning of winter and the height of a recession is not something that they teach you in business class, so it is a good thing these two entrepreneurs did not take such a course. This October will be the one year anniversary of The Public.

Jesse Flinck, local Lincolnite and Director of Operations for The Public, says “I have always seen this city for how great it is and what potential lies beneath. I think if everyone would believe in this place would keep making progression here, Lincoln could become one of the top places to live in the U.S.”. Since the start of The Public the eye of ownership has only been focused on one thing, success! One of the ways that The Public has kept people coming through the door is by giving its customers fun interactive things within the space. Holding First Friday art showings, not only for ‘The Public’s’ viewing pleasure but to also give a community space for local artists to show case their talent. They also have custom shoe party’s called Style Your Sole (SYS). This event allows customers to get creative and design a blank pair of TOMS shoes and “For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.” One for One. The Public will supply all of the art supplies for you and the artist free of charge.