Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Delashaw-Silveira.
Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Lisa, The Pepper Lady! I was born and raised in the Bay Area of Northern California but my family roots are from Texas and Kentucky! I began canning very young in life. I remember walking through my granny’s front door to the smell of fresh canned peaches. She used brown sugar and vanilla so the whole house smelled like a fresh baked pie! I would run into the kitchen and grab my apron that was hanging on the side of the oven, while watching my little brothers ran past me to play in the backyard. So, I guess you can say those memories I shared with her I have been able to keep alive by sharing them with my daughter and my grandsons. After many years of canning my granny’s recipes for friends and family, I was repeatedly being told what a special and unique recipe I have and that it needs to be shared with the world. So, I did just that. I decided to take a leap of faith and turn my passion into a small business!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The Obstacles Behind The Perfect Pepper
Being a small business owner is never just about the product. Behind every jar of The Perfect Pepper is my story of perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience.
Starting and growing a small business comes with constant challenges with many long hours, financial risk, and the pressure of wearing every hat. From sourcing ingredients and perfecting recipes to packaging, marketing, and sales, there are no days off. Every decision matters, and every setback small or large can feel personal.
For me, those challenges were layered with life’s hardest moments. Building this business with my daughter while she juggled being a single mom meant learning how to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship, often choosing between rest and responsibility. There were nights filled with exhaustion and doubt, but also mornings fueled by determination and hope.
In the midst of growing The Perfect Pepper, I faced cancer an unexpected battle that forced me to slow down physically while holding on mentally. It tested my strength in ways I never imagined. There were moments when continuing felt overwhelming, but this business became part of my fight. Creating something meaningful, something joyful, and gave me purpose during the hardest days.
Small businesses don’t just sell products we pour our stories into them. The Perfect Pepper represents resilience, faith, and the belief that something sweet can come from something spicy, even after life’s toughest trials.
Every obstacle has shaped our brand. Every challenge has added depth to our journey. And every jar is a reminder that perseverance, passion, and heart can turn adversity into something truly special.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The love of cooking and everything spicy! I was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. I went into remission in 2014 and have been cancer free since. The moment I realized God was blessing me with a second chance at life I knew I needed to do something that was going to bring me a sense of fulfillment and that was creating my Granny’s recipes, canning! What started out as a passion of mine has now grown into something so much bigger. I have been able to put my jar of peppers into so many hands and smiles on so many faces. With just the first bite, you can tell the quality of my peppers right away ,made with best organic jalapeños packed in every jar. We would love the world to know that even if your dream is small, it’s YOUR dream, so get out there and chase it! Do whatever makes you happy because tomorrow is never promised.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I also want to take a moment to give credit where it is truly deserved. First to my daughter, Jaszmine who is not only my top employee but my partner in every sense of the word. Working alongside her has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Her vision, leadership, trust, and constant encouragement push me to be better every single day. I am endlessly proud of the woman she is and deeply grateful for the opportunity to build something meaningful together. This journey wouldn’t be the same or without her. Also thank you to my Granny Edithe for keeping me in her kitchen caning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theperfectpepper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_perfect_pepper/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064581682550
