Earlier this month, the Safely team was in Las Vegas for Shoptalk, surrounded by some of the most innovative brands in retail.
But one of the most meaningful parts of the trip happened outside of the conference.
While we were in Vegas, we had the chance to connect with other founders who are working toward the same mission. Creating a safer tomorrow.
A Shared Mission
There is something powerful about being in a room with people who understand exactly why you started.
We spent time with Shirah Benarde, Kailee Billerbeck, and Michael Benarde, all of whom are building solutions to help people feel safer in their everyday lives.
Each of them is approaching safety in a different way, but the intention is the same.
Make safety more accessible. Make it more approachable. Make it something people can actually use.
Passion and Grit Over Experience
We are all under 30 and actively working to create a safer tomorrow.
Shirah & Michael Benarde co-founders of NightCap are changing drink spiking laws and turned a scrunchie into a drink safety device.
Kailee Billerbeck founder of Everyday Armor has taught over 50,000 college women self defense across the United States and is continuing to expand that impact, helping more women learn how to take charge of their safety.
At Safely, Meagan Doyle and Ashley Raymond are working to change pepper spray laws, teach women how to actually use their tools with Pinky, and build products like the Safely Sidekick to help women feel more confident and prepared.
Different paths. Same mission.
Why This Matters
Safety is often talked about in a reactive way. But what we are seeing is a shift.
More women are stepping into this space not just as users, but as builders. As educators. As founders. And that changes everything.
Because when safety is designed by the people who actually need it, it becomes more practical, more thoughtful, and more impactful.
More Than a Conference
Shoptalk brought us to Las Vegas, but the real highlight was the reminder that this work is bigger than any one company. It is a movement.
Every conversation, every idea, and every connection moves us closer to a future where women feel more confident and supported in their everyday lives.
A Safer Tomorrow Starts Today
The “why” behind what we are building matters deeply. When you surround yourself with people who are just as committed to that mission, it reminds you how much impact is possible. Together we are creating a safer tomorrow.
