Meet Alexandra Diaz

We were lucky to catch up with Alexandra Diaz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

For me, confidence didn’t come overnight, it was something I built little by little, often in the face of doubt and uncertainty. When I first started The Leafy Lounge, I was just a stay at home mom with a passion for plants. I didn’t have a big budget, a storefront, or even much business experience. What I did have was determination and a vision: to share the joy and beauty of houseplants with others while creating something meaningful for my family.

In the beginning, I had to push myself to speak up. Whether that was reaching out to local markets, introducing myself to vendors, or pitching my services to potential customers. Every time I got a “yes,” it chipped away at my fear and replaced it with confidence. Even the times I got a “no” taught me something valuable.

I also learned that self-esteem comes from honoring my own progress. For example, I still remember selling my first propagated clippings. It wasn’t a huge sale, but it proved to me that I could turn my love of plants into something real. From there, each milestone like building my website, setting up my first vendor booth, or even being noticed by a magazine like this one, gave me momentum and reminded me that I was capable.

I think what really shaped my confidence was realizing that I didn’t need to be perfect to be worthy. Mistakes and setbacks are part of every entrepreneur’s story. Instead of letting them make me feel small, I reframed them as lessons. Over time, that mindset shifted how I saw myself. Not as “just a mom with a hobby,” but as a businesswoman with a brand, a mission, and a growing community.

Today, when I look back, I see that confidence is like tending to a plant… it needs patience, nurturing, and trust in the process. And just like with my plants, it’s the small, consistent efforts that eventually lead to growth you can be proud of.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Alexandra Diaz, Houseplant Specialist and Founder of The Leafy Lounge, LLC. My journey started very simply, I was sharing little clippings from my own plant collection with friends and family. What began as a personal passion quickly grew into something more, a way to bring joy, calm, and beauty into people’s homes through houseplants.

At The Leafy Lounge, I focus on making plant care approachable for everyone, no matter their experience level. I don’t just sell plants, I provide education, resources, and personalized guidance so that each person feels confident caring for their new greenery. What excites me most is seeing the transformation that happens when someone not only brings home a plant but feels empowered to help it thrive.

What makes my business special is that it’s deeply rooted in community. I love connecting with people at local markets, helping parents and children learn about plant care together, or even setting up plants in small businesses so that staff and customers can enjoy a greener space. My brand isn’t just about selling products, it’s about building relationships and making plants a joyful, lasting part of people’s everyday lives.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding into more community based events, workshops, and partnerships. I want to continue offering hands on education for families, classrooms, and businesses, while also growing my collection of rare and unique houseplants. I’m especially excited about sourcing more rare varieties for local plant lovers and offering curated plant bundles and care tools to make plant ownership even more accessible.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire people to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the calm and happiness that comes from nurturing plants. The Leafy Lounge is still young, but it’s blooming in ways that remind me why I started in the first place, to share the joy that plants bring to my life with as many people as I can.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Resilience

One of the most important qualities I’ve developed is resilience. Starting a business is full of ups and downs. Some days you feel unstoppable, and other days you wonder if you’re cut out for it. I had to learn how to keep moving forward, even when sales were slow, when I felt unsure of myself, or when things didn’t go as planned.

Advice: For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: don’t take setbacks as signs that you should quit. Treat them as lessons and stepping stones. Each challenge makes you stronger and sharper for the next phase of your growth.

2. Communication & Community Building

I realized quickly that selling plants wasn’t just about the plants, it was about people. Learning how to connect with customers, talk about plant care in a way that feels simple and encouraging, and build relationships with my community has been huge.

Advice: If you’re starting out, focus on how you can serve and connect with people. Be approachable, ask questions, and listen. Building a loyal community will take you further than any single sale.

3. Willingness to Learn

I didn’t start out knowing everything about business, branding, or even advanced plant care. What made the difference was being willing to ask questions, seek guidance, and keep learning. Whether it was figuring out taxes, improving my plant knowledge, or building a website, I had to step into things I didn’t know yet and learn as I went.

Advice: Don’t wait until you feel like an expert to start. Stay curious, look for resources, and allow yourself to grow alongside your business. Every new skill you pick up adds to your confidence and your toolbox for the future.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! I’m always excited to explore collaborations. Plants bring people together, and I love finding creative ways to share them with new audiences. I’m especially interested in partnering with:

-Local businesses and cafés who want to create greener, more welcoming spaces with plant designs and ongoing care.

-Community groups, schools, and educators who want to introduce children and families to plant care through workshops or hands on experiences.

-Fellow makers and vendors at markets and pop-up events who want to offer customers something unique when we collaborate.

-Wellness professionals (such as yoga studios, therapists, or wellness brands) who see plants as part of creating calm, restorative environments.

-Bloggers and influencers who share a love of home, lifestyle, wellness, or plants and can help me grow my online presence while bringing fresh, plant inspired content to their audiences.

If you’re reading this and feel inspired to collaborate, I’d love to connect. You can reach me directly at [email protected], or find me on Instagram @_TheLeafyLounge and Facebook at The Leafy Lounge, LLC.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_TheLeafyLounge
• Facebook: The Leafy Lounge, LLC