Sandra Mejia, the vibrant owner of the Plant Chica, faced a daunting challenge in the spring of 2023 when developers in the rapidly gentrifying West Adams neighborhood gave her a 90-day eviction notice for her beloved plant store. The Plant Chica, a dream turned reality for Mejia in 2018, was more than just a business—it was a community hub, a green oasis teeming with life and warmth.
As Mejia grappled with the emotional toll of losing her original location, doubts crept in about the future of her business. Winter of 2023 brought slow sales, prompting questions about the viability of continuing the Plant Chica. Despite a surge of community support through a GoFundMe campaign, Mejia and her husband found themselves facing the stark reality of nearly empty shelves and uncertain prospects.
However, fate took a turn when a 2023 article in the Los Angeles Times shed light on the Plant Chica’s plight. Robbie Lee, the interim CEO of the Black Owned and Operated Community Land Trust, saw an opportunity to support Mejia in relocating to Leimert Park, a vibrant hub of Black culture in Los Angeles. The vision of a greenhouse-style store in Leimert Park resonated with Mejia, and the search for a new home began.
After months of uncertainty and sacrifice, including moving in with her parents to save money, Mejia found the perfect spot for the Plant Chica in Leimert Park Village. The new location, nestled in an open lot managed by Community Build Inc., allowed Mejia to create the plant shop of her dreams—a dome-style greenhouse that exuded magic and tranquility.
The significance of the move to Leimert Park was not lost on Mejia or the community. In a neighborhood rich with culture and history, Mejia felt a deep sense of connection and belonging that had eluded her in West Adams. The open space of the new location enabled Mejia to host community events and collaborations, fostering a sense of togetherness and support among neighbors.
One of the key pillars of the Plant Chica’s ethos is community empowerment and support. Mejia’s decision to offer free space to local businesses like Amorette Brooms’ Queen and Louis LIV Design exemplifies her commitment to uplifting others in the same way she has been supported. The collaborative spirit at the Plant Chica extends beyond business transactions, creating a network of mutual aid and generosity.
As Mejia navigates the daily operations of the Plant Chica, from helping customers select the perfect plant to organizing community events and collaborations, she does so with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The recent filing of paperwork for the nonprofit she co-founded, Plant Power to the People, and plans for a Los Angeles Earth Day Festival reflect Mejia’s unwavering dedication to her community and the environment.
For Mejia, the journey from eviction to relocation has been a lesson in resilience, determination, and the power of community. As she watches her son partake in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Plant Chica, she sees a reflection of her own journey—perseverance in the face of adversity, finding new paths when the old ones close. In the heart of Leimert Park, amidst the lush greenery of the Plant Chica, Mejia has found not just a business but a calling—a place where love, community, and growth intertwine seamlessly.
