Inspiring Conversations with Sierra Belka of The Other Thrift Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Belka.

Sierra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story that led me to The Other Side began in my teenage years. What I thought was innocent teenage parties and drinking quickly turned into prescription drug abuse. When the pills weren’t enough it lead me to heroin. In no time, I went from the popular varsity tennis player to a full-blown heroin addict.

My addiction took me down a dark path and landed me homeless in the streets of Ogden, UT with everything I owned in a backpack on my back. I spent years on and off the streets, in and out of the county jail, and deceiving those closest to me. I was poison. Just like the very high I was chasing. At the age of 22, I was booked into jail for the 9th time on theft and possession charges. I was well on my way to prison when my judge gave me one last chance. He was sentenced to a place called The Other Side Academy.

The Other Side Academy is a 2.5-year self-sustaining residential life-skills and vocational training program for women and men in long-term criminal behavior, drug addiction, and homelessness. I spent three years working on myself and grasping the idea of change with all I had. After relentless practice of choosing to do right instead of wrong and endless feedback, I found myself on The Other Side.

Upon graduating from The Other Side Academy, I was hired to work in one of the Academy’s social enterprises: The Other Side Thrift Boutique. I had proven to be reliable, capable, and quite creative. I now oversee two Thrift Boutiques and manage our social media and marketing.

Not only do I work for a remarkable organization, I now have a life full of joy and purpose.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As an enterprise run by former addicts and convicted felons, we have to go above and beyond to prove ourselves. See? That sentence alone makes you raise your eyebrows! We do this by being honest, accountable, and having integrity.

I’ve come to realize that serving others is the only way to balance the scales of our past and we incorporate this belief to help every customer that walks through our doors.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Other Thrift Boutique. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Other Side Thrift Boutique is a high-end, second-hand store that offers gently used furniture, brand-name clothing, housewares, and many other treasures!

We strive to create an amazing shopping experience for all that visit our Thrift Boutique while offering world-class service. All of our proceeds go to The Other Side Academy to help the next person in need.

In addition to in-store shopping, we offer delivery throughout the valley and a free donation pick-up service!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
We love Salt Lake City and all the support we’ve received over the years. It’s hard to find anything to dislike when we’ve been welcomed with such open arms!

Pricing:

• Local Delivery starts at $30

Contact Info:

• Email: sierra@theothersideacademy.com
• Website: www.theothersideacademy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tosathrift/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOSAThriftBoutique/