We had the good fortune of connecting with Sierra Pete and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sierra, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is scary but I’ve found that anything in life worth having is worth fighting for and that’s typically scary. I was raised by extremely hard working parents but fear have kept them in careers and tax brackets they could barely survive on. I knew I wanted more and it took me awhile to give myself permission to vocalize I wanted more without regret and fear. I decided to start my business because I had nothing to loose. I was already pretty down on my luck but I had a fire to keep fighting and keep trying. That’s how SiVi Tidy Co. was born. Although, I am a budding entrepreneur with goals outside of this universe I am committed to risk taking. I’ve seen how fear has crippled so many of my loved ones and friends. I don’t want to be stuck. I don’t want to live a mediocre life. I so deeply desire to make a difference and positively change the world in some capacity. Therefore, risk taking has become my lifestyle. That’s the only way I see access to a better future.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SiVi Tidy Co. is a vegan cleaning company who started cleaning homes and commercial spaces in Palm Beach, Florida in 2019. We have since relocated to Jacksonville, FL due to the pandemic and we continue to clean with all earth friendly products. We not only clean your space to perfection but focus on providing every customer an authentic and holistic cleaning experience. I also hand make vegan cleaning products based on you desired smell preference. I was so excited to come into the cleaning industry to disrupt it. What I found in my research is over 95% of the cleaning products we find and purchase in our local markets are not black owned, 75% are toxic to our long-term health, 85% of the non-toxic cleaning product don’t work satisfactorily and majority of minority groups hold jobs in the cleaning/maintenance industry compared to our white counterparts. I knew something had to change and change immediately. I cleaned homes as I put myself through college and started suffering from seizures after being exposed to multiple toxic chemicals over and over again. I knew I couldn’t put myself through that and I couldn’t expose my team or customers to that. I had to find a better way…my way. I conduct business very different and I truly walk to the beat of my own social justice drum. My customers are my everything and as long as they are happy I’m on the path to success. My growth I will 100% contribute to word of mouth. When the pandemic came about I had to shut down, lay off my staff and relocate to start all over again. I donated all of my cleaning supplies to local hospitals, nursing homes, and any healthcare workers I could. This business is much more than a cleaning business. It’s a social movement. It’s an authentic view into the grind of a first generation entrepreneur. It’s the rawest form of hope, drive, and grit. That is why I’m so proud of all I’ve accomplished so far. I know everything is temporary but I am determined to make every moment count. My hope is to have SiVi Tidy products in your local markets, become the next Molly Maids if not better, and invest in the communities that have been overlooked for far too long.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I’m new to Jacksonville so I can’t accurately represent Duval like it should be represented lol. But if I was in South Florida, I would definitely take my bestie to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Hit the beaches and enjoy the boardwalk and Palm trees.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I must shout-out the wonderful Buzzfeed organization. They were so intentional with highlighting small black businesses and staying close to the heart of my work. They truly cared and put a spotlight on my business which brought new eyes. I’m so grateful for them. I also have to give a major shout-out to my friends, family and amazing customers. I have some of the most dopest customers ever. I couldn’t do it without my community of tidiers and I’m forever in their debt for their continuous support.

Website: sivitidyco.com

Instagram: sivi_tidy_co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiViTidyCo/

Image Credits
Jessica A. @opalessi.artstudio

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