If you’ve spent any time on social media, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the popular #PlantTok trend on TikTok, and the array of influencers who are flooding our feeds with a healthy dose of green imagery and aesthetic. As it turns out, this is not just a fun trend to inspire us away from the endless negativity that often fills our news feeds. There is ample scientific research showing how indoor plants, whether real or fake, can have some amazing benefits on our mental health and wellbeing!
One study found that “Interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress by suppressing autonomic nervous system activity in young adults.”
Now that we know indoor plants have scientific benefits, we need some advice and inspiration about how to customize our spaces to enhance our lives. And who better to guide us on this path than renowned influencer Emily Sanchez, whose large following on TikTok and Instagram is a testament to the content she is curating, and the brand she has built.
Not only is Emily known as a “plantfluencer” on the platforms, she is also the visionary founder behind Classy Casita, a culturally rich brand that has not only redefined the home décor and lifestyle space but has also set trends in plant care. Since its humble beginnings, Classy Casita now stands out for its celebration of cultural inclusivity, seamlessly blending Latinx heritage with contemporary design. Emily’s passion for creating beautiful, inclusive spaces has resonated with a diverse audience, making Classy Casita a beloved brand in the home decor industry.
Outside Classy Casita’s success, Emily has gained mass success with her latest endeavor, Happy Girl Club, a vibrant meetup encouraging community initiative that fosters connections and empowerment among women. With plans to expand beyond Southern California next year, Happy Girl Club is set to inspire and unite even more women through its upcoming chapters. A quick scroll through Emily’s content and you will find an empowering mix of body positive messages (have you seen her beautiful videos about embracing her grey hair?), and indoor design inspo that will make you feel happy!
We had the chance to chat with Emily about all things Classy Casita, how she honors her Latinx heritage through her brand, and what the term “plantfluencer” really means.
Where the idea for Classy Casita began?
My idea for Classy Casita began as a hobby for plants and grew into sharing the many things that bring me joy. I started by sharing my love for plants and plant care on social media, which connected me with an amazing community and led me to launch my plant care products. Quickly, after growing my following and connecting with people online, I wanted to share more about myself and my interests, so I began to share my home decor and travels. Now, I share my lifestyle and some information about being an entrepreneur.
When people visit the website or your channels, how do you want them to feel?
I want them to feel inspired!
You are passionate about cultural inclusivity within Classy Casita. Can you expand more about this and why it is important to you?
Cultural inclusivity is important to me because I believe that our homes should reflect the diverse stories and backgrounds that make us who we are. By embracing cultural inclusivity, we can celebrate and honor different communities’ unique traditions and heritage. It’s about creating a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels meaningful and personal.
You have also been described as a “plantfluencer”! What does this title mean, and what do you love most about plants?
Being called a “plantfluencer” means I have a passion for plants and love sharing that with others! I enjoy showing how plants can bring life, beauty, and a sense of calm to any space. What I love most about plants is how they connect us to nature and add a fresh, vibrant energy to our homes.
As we head into National Hispanic Heritage Month, what are some of the messages and values you hope to share with your audience and new followers?
I am so excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and want to highlight our culture’s beauty, from our traditions to our style that connects us all. It’s important to me to show how our heritage can inspire and enhance our homes, creating meaningful and authentic spaces. I hope to connect with both our current audience and new followers by celebrating our roots and encouraging everyone to embrace the unique aspects of their own cultural backgrounds.
What has your entrepreneur journey been like – what kinds of barriers or setbacks have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome those?
My entrepreneurial journey has been both rewarding and challenging, but every day is a new learning opportunity that can lead me on the right path. Like many small business owners, I faced barriers like limited resources, managing everything independently, and navigating the ups and downs of the market. One of the biggest setbacks has been managing the e-commerce and content creator businesses on my own, all while starting new passion projects.
With time, I realized I could not do it on my own, so this past year has really been about growing the brand and developing a team to help the business and me grow. I overcame these challenges by staying resilient, seeking support from my community, and continuously learning from every experience. It’s been a journey of growth for sure!
@classycasita Why you’ll love growing out your grays 🩶 In case you’re considering it 😉 #grayhair #grayhairdontcare #hairstyle #hairstyles #gray #hairtok ♬ original sound – Adam Wright
For people who haven’t put much thought into their home space or designing an environment that inspires them, can you share more about the impact our home or business environment can have on other aspects of our life and wellbeing?
Our home or business environment can have a big impact on our everyday lives, and when we create spaces that inspire us and reflect who we are, it can boost our mood, creativity, and even productivity. I believe that a well-designed space can make us feel more comfortable and motivated. It’s not just about how a space looks but how it makes us feel—whether it’s a cozy corner at home or an inspiring workspace, the right environment can truly enhance our daily lives.
You are passionate about empowering women through your organization Happy Girl Club. Can you tell us more about this and your plans to expand?
Happy Girl Club has been such a passion project of mine. Happy Girl Club is all about creating a supportive community where women can connect, share experiences, and lift each other up. I’m passionate about giving women a space to build friendships, gain confidence, and pursue their passions, which is why we always do different activities at our meetups, so women can try something new together or connect with others if they share similar passions.
As for expanding, I’m excited to grow our reach by organizing more events around Southern California, launching new initiatives, and welcoming even more women into our community so that we can continue to inspire and empower each other on a larger scale. I dream of having other chapters in major cities so that people around the US can have monthly Happy Girl Club meetups.
What does a typical day or week look like for you between your social media content, your Classy Casita Business, and Happy Girl Club?
I always start my day with a morning workout, and then the rest of the morning is on the computer, answering emails and getting my calendar organized for the day and week as things come up. If I am fulfilling orders for my online shops that day, then I will spend a few hours at my warehouse and have deliveries picked up or dropped off. If I need to film any content, then I also fit that into my schedule, and if I have any time or need a break, then I like to break up some tasks and do some personal errands or chores.
Other daily tasks include working on other e-commerce business duties, editing content, and planning some things for the next Happy Girl Club Event. I also love to make time during the evenings to go to boxing or dance classes. Then, after my evening activity, I like to finish off some work and prepare for the next day!
@classycasita Replying to @Yesenia Lpz #livingroomdecor #livingroominspo #livingroom #homedecor #smallapartment #cozyhome ♬ original sound – Emily Sanchez
What are some design essentials you swear by, and recommend to people who ask you for advice?
Some design essentials I swear by are natural light, cozy textiles, a few statement pieces that reflect your personality, and, of course, adding plants to your space. I always recommend adding plants for a touch of greenery, adding some moody lighting for warmth and ambiance, and, most importantly, just decorating with things that bring you joy.
I don’t really think there is a right or wrong way to decorate because we all have a unique style, which is what makes decorating so fun, so why not fill it up with things that you love? At the end of the day, it’s your home, and your opinion is the only thing that matters!
What are the biggest design faux pas you avoid at all costs?
For me personally, I avoid cluttered spaces and spaces that are matching everything too much. A room can feel overwhelming if there’s too much going on, so I always prioritize organization and balance. I like my space to have a mix of textures and styles instead of making everything match perfectly.
What is the most important feeling someone should get when they walk into a space that is designed well?
I think the most important feeling someone should get when they walk into a well-designed space is a sense of comfort and inspiration. It should feel welcoming, like a place where they can relax and be themselves and make you feel at home.
You can follow Emily Sanchez on Instagram and TikTok. Head to the Classy Casita website to learn more and shop your fave products. For more inspiration, check out the Happy Girl Club and join the growing community!
