Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in jewelry but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rajia Abdelaziz, Co-Founder and CEO of invisaWear, located in Lowell, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
invisaWear creates smart jewelry and accessories with life-saving technology hidden inside. They look like everyday necklaces, bracelets, keychains, athletic bands, and even scrunchies, but there is a button hidden on the backside. With a double-click, ADT will alert up to 5 pre-selected emergency contacts and optionally 9-1-1 that you need help, along with a link to your live GPS location. Premium features allow you to be proactive about your safety and add an additional layer of 24/7 protection with Live Video Calling, Chat, Activity Tracking, Reassurance Calls, Self Defense Classes, and Voice Activation. We have a wide range of safety-conscious customers who wish to protect themselves and/or loved ones. Our products are perfect for:
- College students
- Real estate agents
- Runners or fitness enthusiasts
- People testing out online dating
- New drivers
- Rideshare passengers or drivers
- People who work late at night or alone
- Seniors who don't want to wear an ugly panic button
- Any loved one that you want to make sure is safe
Tell us about yourself
One night after an event, I was walking back to my car when a car full of guys rolled down the window and started yelling inappropriate comments, the car stopped, and one of the guys started to get out. Luckily, I was able to run and get in my car unharmed. Though I was safe, I felt completely helpless. Although my phone was right in my purse, I didn't have that split second to find it or call the police or friends who were still inside, at the event, less than a block away.
Ray, Co-Founder and CEO, and I first started working on invisaWear while in college. After exploring safety devices that provide S.O.S. solutions, we felt defeated. The current options were too big and bulky or displayed a "panic button" feeling. We wanted a stylish, discreet S.O.S device, ideal for everyday wear. Thus, invisaWear was born!
Statistics show that over half of Americans worry about their safety once every day. Sadly, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence. Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Only 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison. These statistics are highly unacceptable, and it is our mission to lower these and create a safer world. There's really nothing more motivating than protecting the ones you love and allowing others to do the same.
Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?
- Preparing for each day
- Healthy breakfast
- Gym
- Goal planning for the day
- Work
- Fitness
- Eating healthy each day
- Meal prepping
- Going to the gym every day
- Working with a personal trainer
- Mindfulness
- Meditation with calming music
- Mindset podcasts - Rob Dial is a favorite
- Self-development books
- Journaling
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
invisaWear has partnered with two multi-billion-dollar companies and industry leaders in security, ADT Security and Telus. ADT recently featured invisaWear and its product line at CES in an effort to showcase its groundbreaking technology along with capabilities provided by America's most trusted name in security. Additionally, one of our most recent accomplishments has been our feature in Forbes Magazine. It was a dream come true seeing a major publication highlight how a scary situation led invisaWear founders to start a multimillion-dollar company in hopes of protecting other women.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Definitely limited resources - especially time! We wish we had unlimited time, resources, and cash to make sure every single person knew that invisaWear exists, but it's very expensive to run national marketing campaigns, and although you do come across so many opportunities to grow your company, you can only take so many due to the limited time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Businesses don't fail; people quit. Running a business is NOT easy, and there are so many bumps/hiccups along the way. Don't give up!
- Hire people that are much smarter than you! You should never be the smartest person in the room; you want to surround yourself with a strong team.
- Customer Satisfaction should always be your #1 priority.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.invisawear.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/invisaWear/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisawear/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajiaabdelaziz/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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