Meet Alexandra Diaz of The Leafy Lounge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Diaz.

Hi Alexandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the plant world started in the most organic way possible, literally! I’ve always loved plants, but my true obsession began when I moved into my first home. At the time, I didn’t have much furniture or decor, so I picked up a small plant to add a little color and life to my space. That one plant quickly turned into two… then ten… and before I knew it, instead of buying furniture, I was filling my home with greenery!

As my collection grew, so did my knowledge. I found myself completely fascinated by plant care, and before long, I became the go-to person in my family and friend group whenever someone needed advice about their plants. Whether they were struggling to keep something alive or just wanted recommendations, I loved helping them bring more greenery into their homes.

That passion eventually turned into The Leafy Lounge. I started by selling propagated clippings and small houseplants while educating people along the way, and I realized how much joy it brought me to see others fall in love with plants the same way I did. Now, I run my online plant shop full-time, offering not just plants but also services like repotting, plant consultations, plant design for homes/businesses, and even plant-sitting. I also love getting out into the community and attend pop-up events throughout Raleigh whenever I can, connecting with fellow plant lovers in person. My goal is to make plant parenthood fun, accessible, and stress-free for everyone because I truly believe that plants make life better!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most small business owners! When I first started The Leafy Lounge, I was so passionate about plants and helping people care for them, but I had no real background in running a business. I had to figure everything out as I went like building a website, marketing, managing inventory, handling customer service, and of course, all the behind the scenes logistics like taxes and shipping. It was a lot to juggle, especially as a stay-at-home mom with two little ones!

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing my time. Running a business from home means that I’m constantly switching between being a mom and being an entrepreneur, and sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I’ve had to learn to be really intentional with my time specifically with scheduling work around my kids’ routines and making the most of the quiet moments I get.

Another struggle has been educating customers about plant care. I want people to feel confident about their plants, but there’s a lot of misinformation out there. I often hear things like, “I have a black thumb,” or “I always kill my plants,” and I love helping people realize that with just a little knowledge, they can keep plants happy and thriving! That’s why I focus so much on education, whether it’s through consultations, blog posts, or just casually chatting with customers.

Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Every struggle has taught me something new, and seeing my business grow while helping others build their love for plants, makes it all worth it!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Leafy Lounge is all about bringing the beauty of plants into people’s lives and making plant care approachable and fun. I specialize in curating a selection of healthy, vibrant houseplants that are easy to care for, along with offering guidance so people can feel confident in their plant parenting journey. Whether someone is a total beginner or a seasoned plant lover, I love helping them find the perfect plant for their space and lifestyle.

One thing that sets The Leafy Lounge apart is the personal touch I bring to everything. I’m not just selling plants; I’m here to build relationships and help people succeed with them. I offer consultations to help customers pick the right plants for their home or even revive struggling ones. I also provide repotting services, plant styling for homes and businesses, and recently started offering plant maintenance services for local businesses that want greenery but don’t have the time to care for it.

I’m most proud of how The Leafy Lounge has become a trusted resource for plant lovers. So many people come to me saying they’ve never been able to keep a plant alive, and then a few months later, they’re excitedly showing me how well their plants are thriving. That’s the best feeling.

Beyond selling plants, I want readers to know that The Leafy Lounge is about creating a connection to nature, to the joy of nurturing something, and to a community of fellow plant lovers. Whether through my website, social media, or local pop-up events in Raleigh, I’m here to help people bring more greenery into their lives in a way that’s easy, enjoyable, and rewarding.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that growth both in business and in life takes patience, care, and consistency, just like with plants. When I first started The Leafy Lounge, I wanted everything to take off immediately, but I quickly realized that building something meaningful takes time. There are seasons of rapid growth and seasons of slow progress, but every step forward matters.

I’ve also learned the value of resilience. Running a small business comes with challenges, from unexpected setbacks to moments of doubt, but staying adaptable and pushing through those tough times has made all the difference. Just like a plant that gets knocked over and keeps growing toward the light, I’ve learned to adjust, stay positive, and keep moving forward.

Most importantly, I’ve realized that success isn’t just about sales or numbers, it’s about impact. Seeing the joy my plants bring to people’s homes, hearing stories of how they’ve helped someone feel more connected to nature, or helping someone finally keep a plant alive for the first time is what truly makes this journey worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheLeafyLounge.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_theleafylounge?igsh=aXIzaDlhM2Zsd3U2&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/165TXs1PwV/?mibextid=wwXIfr