Rachel Fleeman ’20 recently started a clothing boutique, Raine Company, in Waverly, Neb., and shared her story. See her online store at https://raineco.org/.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I have always wanted to have my own business and after losing my grandma in May 2020 I decided to not wait for “one day” and just go for it! She was my biggest inspiration in life and I wanted to carry that in my business.
Tell us about your store – the theme, the merchandise, etc.
I sell a variety of womens clothing and accessories all with the feel good and loving yourself meaning behind it! I also have my personal designs that I get professionally made here in lincoln!
How do you see your work evolving?
I have had my business for just over a year and within that year I started selling wholesale and now am in over 50 shops around the world with my personal designs. I have done a variety of pop ups and vendor events and started to outgrow the space I was in and started looking for office spaces- my aunt reached out to me about a store space that would be opening up soon. I toured it and couldn’t pass it up! I have been able to expand to a much larger variety of products as well as have my personal design be made professionally.
What initiatives or projects are you hoping to start or finish in the coming years?
I hope to expand in the wholesale world and maybe even open a few more storefronts!
How does your faith impact how you will run your business?
Having that time to sit and take it all in and thanking God has been huge for me.
What has been your greatest success since leaving high school?
Opening this business has definitely been my biggest success since graduating. I started my business just after my first semester of college and it has been going amazing ever since!
When not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing?
I love going to the lake with friends, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.
What memories do you have of Pius X High School?
I met some of my closest friends in High School and that’s something I’ll forever be thankful for.
