A Los Angeles man has used his green thumb to turn his passion into a pandemic success story.
“Plants bring me peace and joy,” began Louis Easton, 38, who is known as “The Plant Mon” on social media. In fact, Easton has made caring for and selling house plants a viable business called The Plant Mon.
After being furloughed from his full-time job during the pandemic, Easton knew it was time to lean even further into his passion. He credits switching to contactless delivery throughout L.A. County and the power of social media for helping grow his Black-owned business.
“My business model is niche, similar to a small boutique,” Easton said. Easton, who graduated from Cal-State LA in 2008, didn’t begin side hustling plants in Highland Park and at the Crenshaw Farmers’ Market until 2016. However, he’s always had a green thumb and always loved talking about plants with his friends and family members.
“I’ve been around plants since I was knee-high to a grasshopper — it’s in my blood, my father helped instill and foster this love for horticulture in me,” Easton continued. “The direct connection I have to the community at home through Instagram gives me the opportunity to help pass this love along. Whether I’m holding a live terrarium class or connecting with people on plants for sale, it’s given me the rare opportunity to pursue my passion and grow quickly during this difficult time on my own terms.”
Easton said nurturing plant life has also taught him life lessons.
“You learn patience, responsibility, and free mental therapy when it comes to dealing with plants or having them as decor for your home,” Easton explained.
Within the next five years, Easton hopes to have a book published about his experience with plants. The self-proclaimed plant whisperer, has grown his online following by the thousands in the past several months.
During Black History Month, Easton has been hosting Q&A’s on Instagram Live on his channel @theplantmon. Easton is steadfast in his mission, which is putting plants into the hands and homes of everyday people, while teaching them how to successfully care for and cultivate those plants on their own.
