Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathleen Gallagher, Founder and CEO of SafetyChick Technology Corp., located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SafetyChick Technology Corp is a company dedicated to creating the tools to help women live safe and empowered lives.
Tell us about yourself
I was a stalking victim for over 15 years and ultimately kidnapped. In those years, I had to learn every aspect of personal safety to stay alive. I then worked with a US Congressman to help pass the nation's first anti-stalking laws. From there, I started training Law Enforcement all over the country. I became very aware of how crime prevention was marketed to women, always with fear and usually by a man. That was doing a disservice to women. We respond to positive, confident, and kick-ass messaging. I basically wanted to change the way that personal safety is marketed to women and create a lifestyle brand that stems from making smart personal safety choices. What inspires me every day is to help keep women safe from crime.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating the SidePeace Safety Wearable/Emergency App. A bracelet with a Bluetooth button that looks like a black onyx stone. When pressed, it sends an alert to your lifelines, sends them your location, starts tracking you, and connects with 911. I have worked for seven years on this, and I am so excited to get this on the market. It will be available this November, just in time for the holidays. This is a cutting-edge solution to help women stay safe from crime.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you are a founder/business owner, nobody is going to take care of you but you. At the end of the day, this is a 24/7 job. YOU are responsible for everything and everyone.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You must be PASSIONATE about what you are doing.
- You must be organized, have a plan, and have great communication skills.
- Surround yourself with people that are competent in what they do, have integrity, and are dedicated to helping you succeed.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://safetychick.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesafetychick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesafetychick/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thesafetychick
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenb2/
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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