Today we’d like to introduce you to Shreya Patel.
Hi Shreya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Shreya, founder of hyve. I was born in London and moved to San Marcos, TX with my family at a young age. I’ve since called Austin home for about 20 years. I went to school at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX where I received my BS in Chemistry and Biology, followed by a Masters in Healthcare Administration at Trinity University in San Antonio. My husband and I, as well as our 13 year-old son, love living in Austin!
As an immigrant family, my parents set an example of working hard to make a positive impact in our own lives and those of others around us. That is baked into my ethos and the DNA of hyve. For me, the founding of hyve was not just for me and my family – it was for the greater good.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to hyve to date has not been easy. Determination to bring something alive makes that journey worthwhile, but definitely not without struggles. Our story started about 4 years ago, and since then a lot of time has been spent really learning and adapting. As a solopreneur, I have to wear many hats, but I know that I can’t be the master of all areas. It has been a journey to find the right people to partner with and hire along the way, but I knew that the time spent in kissing a lot of frogs along the way was well worth where it would eventually get me. I am so proud to say the I have found the first “right fit” for hyve with my first teammate, Kasey Norton. Kasey’s personal ethos matches the mission and vision for hyve. It is in the fiber of her being. So, I think that is an important lesson and one that will enhance hyve’s success.
Additionally, one of our biggest struggles is educating people about the truths of the cleaning industry. “Unlearning” that killing 99.9% of bacteria is a good thing and the other false information surrounding the cleaning industry we’ve been lulled into believing. We all have so much to learn!
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?
Most cleaning products on the market today are toxic to our health, to our home’s health, and definitely harmful for our planet. They are loaded with chemicals which hurt/kill everything (including our lungs and skin). Or, they are “natural” and only really clean dirt and grime, leaving harmful bacteria behind. They pollute the air in our home, pollute our streams/rivers as chemicals are washed down drains or flushed down toilets (and can end up in our drinking water), and pollute our environment with plastics that will outlive us and our children.
I couldn’t find the cleaning products that I wanted for my own home, so I created them. I wanted a product that had cleaner ingredients, was effective at controlling harmful bacteria, minimized plastic waste, and would just show up at my doorstep at regular intervals. Around the time I was looking for a solution, I was (and still am) an avid vegetable gardener who was learning about natural ways to fertilize and control pests. Through the experience, I was really struck by the use of probiotics/microbes in my garden, so I created my first batch of probiotic fluid from rice water and used it EVERYWHERE in my garden and in my home. It was then that the idea to combine these came to be and hyve was born.
hyve currently has a lineup of three products. Main Squeeze: the bathroom, kitchen sink + sponge cleaner; Overtime: multi-surface cleaner; and Drain Duty: drain maintainer. All of our products are free of toxic chemicals and will always remain that way. In a field that lacks transparency, it is one of our key foundations to remain truthful and transparent about what ingredients we use.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
At hyve, we believe there are 4 trends we will continue to see into 2023 and beyond.
1. Reusable and Refillable Cleaning Products – Reducing waste has become a priority in many households. More companies, including cleaning products companies, are more mindful of primary and secondary packaging as well as reusing components, such as glass bottles, instead of tossing. At hyve, getting to and being as close to zero waste is a core pillar of our business.
2. Pet-Friendly Cleaners – The pandemic also brought about a pet boom! Therefore, pet owners are prioritizing products that can effectively remove pet hair, outdoor dust, and dirt that pets bring into the home. Hyve’s gentle formulation is both effective and safe for all surfaces that your fur baby touches!
3. Eco-Conscious Ingredients – People are increasingly stocking their cleaning kits with formulas that are safer for their homes and healthier for the planet. More than 50% of Americans say they’ve switched to more environmentally friendly cleaning products in the past year. Expect to see a shift toward plant-derived ingredients, biodegradable and water-based solutions, and cleaners that are free from potentially harmful ingredients like ammonia and formaldehyde. At hyve, we harness the power of biology (not chemistry) in the form of beneficial microbes to safely and effectively clean, so we just don’t need the chemicals to the dirty work.
4. Increased knowledge around cleaning and the use of probiotics beyond our gut – With the pandemic came a better understanding of how cleaning products work and a greater focus on how the products we’re using might impact the health of our homes. Equipped with deeper knowledge about cleaning, shoppers are reading labels more carefully and making informed choices about the products that best suit their needs and meet their standards for safety and effectiveness. At the same time, more consumers are learning about the role of beneficial microbes in our lives beyond our gut health. At hyve, we are on the cutting edge of this trend and are the household name when it comes to probiotic cleaning!
Pricing:
- $6.99 per pouch
Contact Info:
- Website: hyveclean.com
- Instagram: @hyveclean
- Facebook: @hyveclean
