We were lucky to catch up with Rache’l Veney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rache’l , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea came to life in January of 2021. There were many days I felt overwhelmed with being a single mom, working a full time job, and full time student. During these times I wanted to feel pretty, but still remain basic and not feel consumed with dressing up or full face make up. Nor did I have the time. Moreover, I wanted to create a business where everyday women can feel beautiful and not overlooked. Often times, I felt this way and knew plenty of women who did as well. We didn’t fit into a particular mold and didn’t want anything extravagant. Pretty Plain is all about women feeling beautiful in their skin. It is ok to be basic or plain and still pretty. This demographic of women is often missed and I wanted to be the one to bring it to the forefront. The lashes are unique because of the short lengths, but the ability to add to any look. They can be worn running errands, in the workplace, or going out. They all have unique names and are affordable. The customers love the styles and how they are shorter than what they have worn before. They weren’t looking for anything lavish but something simplistic that would make them feel amazing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Washington, D.C. native currently residing in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the founder and CEO of Pretty Plain, LLC. From a young age, I’ve had a passion for makeup, lashes, and creative hairstyles. However, as life grew busier and responsibilities increased, I found myself with less time for those beauty routines. That experience inspired me to create Pretty Plain, LLC—a brand dedicated to serving everyday women by offering professional, stylish, and uniquely simple eyelashes at an affordable price. Our mission is to provide beauty solutions that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles without compromising on quality or style. I offer a diverse line of 3D mink eyelashes from short to medium in length. This offer is what sets me apart from others. Many of my clients have shared that finding lashes that truly meet their needs has been a challenge. I’m especially proud of the way my products make them feel—not only do the lashes enhance their appearance, but they also boost confidence and serve as a powerful reminder of their natural beauty. It’s more than just a cosmetic product; it’s an experience of self-expression and empowerment.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a single mother with a full-time job, balancing life while building my own business has been incredibly challenging. There have been many days when I’ve felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I could keep going. But my passion for Pretty Plain, LLC—and the impact it has had on so many women—continues to drive me.

I’ve seen firsthand how our products inspire confidence and empower everyday women, and that motivates me to push forward. Not long ago, I was also a full-time student, working full time while raising my children. At one point, I stepped away from the business, convinced entrepreneurship wasn’t for me. But I kept coming back to it—taking things one day at a time.

The journey hasn’t been easy, and I still face challenges balancing it all. But with every step, I’m growing more confident as a business owner. I never imagined I’d be running my own company, but now that I am, it’s incredibly rewarding. I’m living proof that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships through consistent, personalized customer service. I focus on creating a strong brand experience—from packaging to post-purchase follow-up. This strategy makes customers feel seen and valued.

Additionally, word-of-mouth and social media engagement have played a key role. I actively use Instagram and will be considering other platforms soon. It has helped to create a sense of community around Pretty Plain, LLC.

I’ve found that when customers feel connected to the brand and see the value beyond just the product, they’re more likely to return and refer others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: pretty_plain_byshellienicole
• Other: Email: [email protected]