How one entrepreneur got a surprise mentorship session with Emma Grede

Picture this: You’re a 22-year-old business owner with a dream – a chance to work with Emma Grede, the powerhouse behind SKIMS and Good American. Thanks to UPS, that dream becomes reality. UPS facilitated the introduction to Emma, sparking a mentorship that would transform entrepreneur Emily Sanchez’s journey.

Start small, grow smart: Emily launched Classy Casita in 2020, a small business selling artisan-crafted home goods and plant care products. Since then, she’s taught herself entrepreneurship, content creation, brand strategy and marketing. Today, she runs a thriving online shop for plant lovers everywhere.

Shipping shapes trust: As Classy Casita grew, Emily realized shipping is key to the customer experience. That’s where UPS comes in: reliable delivery, real-time tracking and seamless pickups allow her to focus on building her brand.

“UPS makes it possible for every terracotta planter or handmade artisan mug to arrive just as beautifully as it left my studio,” Emily said.

Mentorship has also been a key part of her journey. Building on UPS’s partnership with tennis phenom Coco Gauff, we matched Emily with her own personal coach – Emma Grede.

“I learned so much from Emma. She is so inspirational, and I have so much more clarity now,” Emily said. “There are so many priorities, so many questions, and just having the benefit of somebody else’s experience can really create so many unlocks for you.”

Less hassle, more hustle: For Emily, UPS plays a similar role – taking the stress out of logistics so she can focus on what she does best.

“Having a reliable partner like UPS helps us get orders out quickly and smoothly,” she added. “I’d love to eventually expand beyond the U.S., and having a strong shipping partner will make that so much easier.”

Roots make strong branches: Through Classy Casita, Emily hopes to leave a legacy beyond just her products. “As a Latina entrepreneur, I didn’t grow up knowing entrepreneurship was an option, so I hope my journey inspires others to take that first step … even if it feels scary,” she said. “I want to create a legacy of creativity, culture and community – and remind women that they can create something beautiful and meaningful on their own terms.”