Exploring Life & Business with Lisa Afano of The Plant Sidechick LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Afano.

Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started The Plant Sidechick last summer during a time when I knew I needed something more for myself. It wasn’t fully planned out it was more of a feeling. I had this pull to create something that reflected who I am at my core. I’ve always been drawn to plants, nature, interior design, and styling, and I wanted to bring all of that together in a way that felt intentional and personal.

Starting wasn’t easy. I had to push through a lot of fear and self-doubt, but I decided to take a leap of faith anyway. I began with a small pop-up in my neighborhood near Runyon Canyon, just showing up and seeing what would happen. I didn’t have everything figured out, but I trusted the process and allowed it to unfold naturally.

Since then, it’s been a journey of steady growth. I work a full-time job Monday through Friday, so building The Plant Sidechick has meant pouring into it during my evenings and weekends. Late nights are spent brainstorming, refining my brand, editing photos, researching opportunities, and figuring out how to grow in a way that still feels aligned. Saturdays are usually dedicated to preparing and creating, and on Sundays, you can find me at my pop-up in Larchmont Village from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, unless I’m at another event.

This business is more than just selling plants it’s something deeply personal to me. It’s about creating pieces that carry intention, energy, and beauty into people’s spaces. It’s about building something that reflects my spirit and allows me to connect with others in a meaningful way. Watching it grow, little by little, has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m continuing to trust where it’s taking me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. Like any entrepreneur will tell you, it doesn’t happen overnight. There are definitely days at my pop-up where it’s slow, sales are down, and I find myself questioning if I’m doing the right thing or if I’m a little crazy for even trying. Those moments are real.

But what’s kept me going are the small, meaningful reminders that I’m on the right path. I’ve had days where sales were slow, and just when I’m about to pack up, a customer will come by and say they’re so glad I’m there because they needed the perfect housewarming gift and they end up purchasing one of my custom pieces. Or someone will stop at the very last minute and connect with something I’ve created. Those moments feel like confirmation to keep going.

In the beginning, there was also a learning curve. I had to really understand which plants and succulents were my consistent sellers so I wasn’t holding onto inventory for too long. I’ve also had to put a lot of intention into branding and marketing, especially on social media, because that plays such a big role in growth and visibility.

And personally, I’m still growing too. I’m naturally a bit camera shy, so putting myself out there especially doing live videos or showing up more on camera has been challenging. But I know that’s part of the process, and I’m working through it.

Overall, it hasn’t been perfect, but every challenge has helped me learn, adjust, and stay grounded in why I started.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Plant Sidechick LLC?
The Plant Sidechick is a curated plant and lifestyle brand that blends plants, handmade design, and intentional living. I create and style plant arrangements using a mix of natural elements plants, crystals, and handcrafted concrete planters to bring a grounded, elevated energy into people’s spaces.

I specialize in creating pieces that feel personal and thoughtful. Whether it’s a custom planter, a plant and crystal pairing, or a small styling moment for a home, everything I put together is meant to feel intentional not mass-produced. I also offer repotting and in-home plant styling, helping people incorporate greenery into their spaces in a way that feels natural and aligned with their aesthetic.

I think what I’m most known for is my eye for design and the way I bring everything together. My background and love for interior design really shows up in how I style my pieces and my pop-ups. It’s not just about selling a plant it’s about creating something that feels like it belongs in your home and adds to the overall energy of your space.

What I’m most proud of is that I built this from nothing, simply by trusting myself and staying consistent. I’ve been able to create something that not only reflects who I am, but also connects with people in a real way. Seeing customers come back, or hearing how something I created has become part of their home, means everything to me.

What sets me apart is the intention behind what I do. I’m not just focused on selling products I’m focused on creating an experience. From the way my pieces are made, to how they’re styled, to how I show up at my pop-ups, everything is done with care, authenticity, and a genuine love for what I’m building.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes, I’m very intentional about what I pour into myself, because I believe that directly impacts how I show up in my life and in my business. I’m drawn to anything that keeps me grounded, inspired, and growing.

Some of my go-to resources are podcasts like The Oprah Podcast, The Mel Robbins Podcast, and listening to Humble The Poet. They all speak to personal growth, mindset, and living with intention, which really resonates with me.

One book that’s stayed with me is Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life. It’s one of those books you can come back to again and again, and it always hits differently depending on where you are in life.

Beyond that, my biggest practice is how I start my day. I make it a point to feed my soul with something positive whether that’s affirmations, quiet reflection, or just being intentional about my mindset. Exercise is also really important to me. It keeps me clear, grounded, and centered, it’s honestly a form of meditation for me.

Those daily habits and sources of inspiration help me stay aligned, especially while balancing a full-time career and building my business.

Pricing:

• Plants/Succulents in handmade concrete planters: $35–$200+
• Plant + planter bundles: $50–$250+
• Custom pieces: starting at $65+ (based on size and design)
• Crystal add-ons and accessories: $11–$45
• In-home plant styling: starting at $150+

Contact Info:

• Website: Coming Soon – In progress
• Instagram: @ThePlantSidechick
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Plant-Side-Chick-61578577963285/