Check out our interview with Latinx entrepreneur, content creator, and founder of Classy Casita, Emily Sanchez, whose brand has redefined home décor and lifestyle products where plants and style meet resilience and happy living.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emily’s roots in rich cultural influences and the guidance of her immigrant parents shaped the essence of Classy Casita. Initially launched in 2019, Classy Casita quickly evolved from a personal blog, expanding into plant care, travel, and a healthy-living lifestyle. Today, it stands as a thriving community and a testament to the success of a small Latinx-owned brand that is ever-expanding. From local markets to major retailers like Home Depot, Walmart, and Amazon, Classy Casita has made its mark, bringing style and happiness to homes far and wide.
With each Classy Casita purchase, you support not just a brand but a reflection of the strength and resilience rooted in immigrant culture.
Follow Emily @classycasita
Describe yourself in three words.
Kind, creative, and positive.
Who is your role model?
My mother.
How did you get started in the business?
By sharing plant care and home decor tips online, I recognized a demand for giftable plant care products within the home and garden niche. I introduced my initial product, and with the support of my community, the brand flourished. Beyond my e-commerce venture, I take pride in cultivating my personal brand on social media. Here, I continue showcasing my passion for interiors, plant care, and overall lifestyle. The sense of community I’ve built is incredibly gratifying, allowing me to inspire and positively influence others. This, in turn, fuels my determination to work even harder.
How has this changed your life?
The journey of building and running my own business has empowered me and fostered personal and professional growth. The freedom to pursue my passions and make independent decisions has been extremely rewarding. Entrepreneurship has not just changed my career; it has shaped my mindset, instilling resilience, creativity, and a sense of purpose in everything I do. Overall, the decision to become an entrepreneur has brought about positive changes that extend far beyond the professional realm, enriching my life in ways I could have never imagined.
People love your good style, your love for plants, and the decor skills you have. Where does that talent come from?
My love and talent for plants and home decor was most definitely inherited from my mom. Growing up, I watched her tend to her indoor plants and outdoor garden, and we quickly shared interests when styling around my childhood home. Her influence has shaped my aesthetic, as well as my Latin heritage. My mom’s green thumb and love for decorating have not only inspired my hobbies but have also established a special connection between us, and I am so thankful for that!
Tell us about the huge social media success, and what are you doing to keep it going and growing even more? That’s amazing! 🙂
Thank you! Being in this line of work has been nothing but a positive experience. I’m so lucky to have such a supportive community with whom I can share many aspects of my life. Posting on social media is like hanging out with a bunch of friends who I have so much in common with, so it’s easy to always be online and in touch on a daily basis!
How often do you upload new content?
I post daily!
How many hours do you dedicate to this?
From ideas to recording, editing, etc., this is a very difficult question to answer because I find my days to be consumed with all of the above. However, since I truly have a passion for what I do, many parts of my work never really feel like work.
What do you think is the secret to having a successful TikTok/IG account?
Being authentically you and allowing yourself to be creative and have fun with it!
From all your social channels. What goes first? TikTok, IG, YouTube?
I love all of these social channels for different reasons, but Instagram will always hold a sweet spot for me! It is where I started, and I find the community I have created to know me the best.
What mindsets helped make you so successful?
I am a big believer in manifestation and positive affirmations. These played a huge role for me when I first started on this venture, so the mindset of positivity and optimism is here to stay.
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Maintain a good work-life balance. Prioritize self-care. Stay Adaptable. Keep your support system near.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Definitely receiving kind messages from other women expressing how I somehow inspired them or motivated them. It always makes my day!
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
The advice I would give my younger self would be to not let the opinions of others stop me from thriving.
Something people don’t know about you…
People don’t know I pretty much gained all of my confidence through social media. Before I started on the journey, I was a very shy and timid girl who never thought about living a lifestyle the way I do today or having this type of career. I’m so happy for the changes I made for myself and for all of my personal growth.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fruit! I always need to be stocked up on different fruit. I have some pretty much all throughout the day.
And your favorite cheat food?
Chips! Usually something lemony or spicy.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend has described me as a kind and giving person who often thinks of others.
What’s next for Emily Sanchez in 2024?
I am so excited about my new passion project, Happy Girl Club. I recently started this social group called Happy Girl Club, and currently, it is a meetup group for women to come together, create some new friendships, and surround themselves with positivity. The main goal is to get out of your comfort zone and get out there and live experiences you, whether that’s doing something you love, trying something new, being creative or active, that sparks that “Happy Girl Moment.” I have a strong vision and feeling that this can turn into something greater and that it can inspire a movement, and I’m so excited to see what’s in store for it in the future.
What is your own definition of happiness?
To me, happiness means experiencing life events, big or small, that overwhelm you with a mix of feelings. It’s different for everyone, but you know the feeling when you get it, and it becomes an experience you won’t forget.
How is a normal day in your life?
I work out, do my morning routine, work on emails and social media, package orders or work on the e-commerce business, handle tasks that need to be done for work or myself, and do a bit of self-care before bed.
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Waking up without an alarm, doing a workout or morning hike, cleaning up and organizing around the house, possibly seeing a friend, and watching a show or movie.
What do you think of social media?
I think social media is what you make it. If you choose to be a positive outlet for others, you can choose to see the good in it for yourself. For example, keeping a positive mindset about yourself if you ever come across others who are negative.
Where can we follow you?
@classycasita across all social media platforms.
SPEED ROUND: Favorite…..
Quote: My own quote I have told myself this since I was a teenager trying to get through a tough workout or tough school task. “Do now, complain later,” because once it’s done, there is nothing to complain about and no regrets.
Travel Destination: Mexico and Bali, Indonesia
TV Show: I love shows! There are too many to choose from, but there are lots on Netflix and Hulu.
