Hidden Gems: Meet Zariyah Montgomery of Epitome of Defense

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zariyah Montgomery.

Hi Zariyah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in College Park, GA. I have always wanted to be a business owner of some kind, I just never knew what my business would be until May of 2021. I started Epitome of Defense in May of 2021, which at the time, I knew there was a need for my business but I was not entirely knowledgeable on which direction to go in; as far as getting supplies in bulk, branding and marketing, and even something as simple as building my website (good thing I had a strong support system to guide me). I came up with the idea to create my own line of self-defense keychains (I hate to say it but…) due to a traumatic life event. It was almost like a lightbulb went off in my head! I knew I had to give women out there a sense of security and peace of mind while they are out and about. My mission was to create a multi-purpose self-defense keychain for safety when needed and a fashion statement when it’s not in use. If it was not for my supportive friends and loved ones, I would have never turnt my dream into a reality. I am forever grateful for all of them as well as my amazing customers!

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?
I can say that I would have never imagined that being a business owner, it would be this hard. When I started Epitome of Defense last year in May, I was working nonstop to make sure I got my keychains assembled with my website and logo developed; I even made some sales within the first month of being open. But, around July I was discouraged and in my head, which led to me kinda putting my business to the side. I felt like I was not progressing and I was paying too much about the competition more than my own business. I also struggled with funding. I felt like I was spending more money than I was making. I decided to go back to the drawing board and really think about what? how? and where? Soon after, I did a relaunch and did some revamping to my business strategies. I also stepped out of my comfort zone and participated in my first two pop-up shops! Which by the way was an amazing experience; I got the chance to network and meet some amazing new customers!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started Epitome of Defense in May of 2021, which at the time I knew there was a need for my business but I was not entirely knowledgeable on which direction to go in; as far as getting supplies in bulk, branding and marketing, and even something as simple as building my website (good thing I had a strong support system to guide me). I came up with the idea to create my own line of self-defense keychains (designer inspired) because I knew I had to give women out there a sense of security and peace of mind, while they are out and about. My mission was to create a multi-purpose self-defense keychain for safety when needed and a fashion statement when it’s not in use. Carrying a self-defense keychain is a necessity for women especially because of the world we live in today. I wanted Epitome of Defense keychains to stand out from the rest so that is why when I am creating my keychains I make sure I include the necessities on the keychain as well as keeping it fashionable! I am looking to expand into offering self-defense classes when myself and my customers can get more in-depth training on how we can protect ourselves outside of the self-defense keychain.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
No, I feel that I covered pretty much everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://epitome-of-defense.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/__epitomeofdefense?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR67HG2K/