Today we’d like to introduce you to Harper Hodge.
Hi Harper, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a huge advocate for mental health, dealing with my own issues, I felt as if there is a stigma placed onto those who deal with issues relating to mental health and how often it is misunderstood. I deal with extreme social anxiety, this makes it hard to leave the house alone and get the things done that require having to do so. My parents always taught me the “buddy system” growing up, therefore I never did anything alone. This has gotten harder as I’ve gotten older, so I wanted to create something that made me feel safer not only physically in public but also emotionally. I’ve always dreamed of changing the world for the better, ending stigmas relating to mental health, and helping others feel less alone. I had the idea of creating Safety Buddies one day, relayed the idea to friends and family, and they encouraged me to jump on it. It makes me feel so good knowing I am helping others stay safe and feel less alone. Not only are Safety Buddies totally practical and needed, but they are also really freaking cute!!
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?
Although Safety Buddies is relatively new, I have had to learn a TON in the span of a few months. You have to be on top of all the new social media trends, you have to create LOADS of content. This becomes defeating very quickly especially if you’re not getting the engagement you’ve hoped for. Algorithms are constantly changing making it more challenging each day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Safety Buddies are safety keychains with attachments created for self-defense. Each keychain has a tiny plush “buddy” attached, with tons to choose from. We are an Instagram-based small business run by just me, a 22 years old, orange-haired girl with a lot of passion to better this world. There are many keychain brands in the business, but none that offer the emotional support that Safety Buddies do. To me, those that support me and my business are not customers, they are my friends and that’s what I refer to them as because friends keep friends safe! My audience includes single parents, college students, people with disabilities, people of the LQBTQIA+ community, anyone and everyone! Follow us on Instagram @safetybuddies, there are drops every two weeks on Fridays.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I used to think I was given the worst of luck in my life, I would question why I was given this burden of issues relating to my mental health and always wished to be “normal”. I now feel as if it is actually something I was given along with the extreme passion I have to inspire others. I believe I am here to inspire people to not be afraid to ask for help, I believe I am lucky to have this chance to help the world. There is no such thing as normal, everyone has struggles but most internalize it and I am here to change that. It is brave to admit your struggles, it is brave to ask for help, it is brave to heal. I am lucky to have this chance where I am able to continue my business, spreading love, care, and safety.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @safetybuddies
- Other: Tiktok @safety.buddies
Image Credits
Jordan Penchion, Christine Toso, RainasFuneral
