Welcome to Houseplant Resource Center! Meet the team!
CLAIRE AKIN
Founder
A houseplant fanatic, Claire founded Houseplant Resource Center to share her passion for plants and help others create their own thriving indoor jungles. Her love of plants spans both decades and generations – her mom is a master hybrid tea rose grower, and her grandmother was an amazing house plant grower too. In fact, Claire still has some of her grandmother’s 70+ year old plants today! Her absolute favorite houseplant is the fiddle leaf fig.
Claire stepped away from day to day management of the company to focus on her young family, but continues to consult and provide guidance to the team … and teach her kids how to successfully care for their plants! She lives in rural California with her husband and four kids.
MOLLY MIRANDA
Owner
Molly is living her dream as the owner of Houseplant Resource Center! She’s passionate about small business, high quality products, customer delight, and of course, all things plants. Her primary focus is on ensuring you have the best possible experience with our products and as part of our community.
Molly is the proud owner of several different houseplants, including fiddle leaf figs, a ficus audrey, calatheas, succulents, Monstera, and African Violets. She’s regularly adding to her ever-growing jungle, most recently with a beautiful new baby Monstera Albo.
Molly joined Houseplant Resource Center in 2024 after a consulting and corporate career in business strategy & operations. When she’s not busy running the show, you can find her exploring the Bay Area with her husband and four kids ages 3 to 10.
KRISTY EMPOL
Marketing
Kristy is the voice of Houseplant Resource Center! She connects with our community and makes sure everyone feels welcome. She’s passionate about building connections for those who love their houseplants and loves interacting with our followers and customers, answering questions and sharing plant successes. Kristy’s personal favorite is the pothos, because it thrives with just a bit of love and attention – much like our community!
When she’s not geeking out over the latest plant trends, you can find Kristy taking walks with her cocker spaniel, Penny, hanging out with her two kids, or watching one of their many sporting events.
RANJEETA RANI
Websites and Inventory
Ranjeeta is the tech wizard behind Houseplant Resource Center! She keeps our websites running smoothly. She’s also our inventory guru, making sure our products are always available when you need them. Her favorite houseplant is the Monstera for their large, gorgeous green leaves.
Ranjeeta’s love of “internet surfing” comes in handy in her role, and she’s always looking for ways to improve our online experience. She also loves spending time with her young daughter, teaching her all about the wonders of the natural world (and maybe even a little bit about website design 🙂
MICHELLE HYMAN
Social Media
Michelle brings Houseplant Resource Center to life on social media! A self-proclaimed plant lover, Michelle’s passion for all things green extends beyond the digital world. When she’s not connecting with customers and followers, you can find her exploring the great outdoors with her pup. Speaking of companions, her plant family is just as impressive! The crown jewel of her collection is a stunning 30-leaf Monstera Thai Constellation.
