Ep. 412: InvisaWear with Rajia Abdelaziz

In this powerful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with Rajia, the founder of InvisaWear, to talk about a reality far too many women know all too well: moving through the world while constantly calculating risk. Rajia shares the terrifying experience she had in college that sparked the creation of InvisaWear and why “just be more careful” is not, and has never been, an actual solution. Together, they unpack the deeply unsettling statistics around violence against women, where current safety systems fail us, and what real, practical protection can look like. You’ll learn how InvisaWear discreetly weaves safety technology into everyday accessories like necklaces, bracelets, and even scrunchies, allowing you to alert trusted contacts or emergency services with the press of a button, without escalating a situation or drawing attention. The conversation also dives into self-defense strategies, rideshare safety, hiking alone, and the emotional toll of living on high alert. They also explore the bigger picture: why legislative change, community accountability, and shifting the responsibility off women’s behavior and onto systems that actually protect us matters more than ever. This episode is equal parts validating, infuriating, and empowering. If you’ve ever gripped your keys a little tighter, shared your location “just in case,” or wished you had an extra layer of protection, this conversation is for you. Guest Bio: Rajia Abdelaziz started one of the fastest-growing companies in America when she was just 21 years old. Today, she is an award-winning entrepreneur revolutionizing the personal safety industry. Rajia is the Founder & CEO of invisaWear, a company that creates safety devices disguised as jewelry and accessories. With just two clicks, users can instantly alert friends, family, and-optionally-police. Her work has earned national acclaim. She's been featured on the cover of Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Social Impact category, named one of the most successful entrepreneurs in Massachusetts by the Boston Globe, and recognized on both the Inc. Female Founders 250 list and Inc Fastest Growing Companies list. Rajia raised $3 million to develop invisaWear's technology, scaled the company to over $20 million in sales, and secured powerhouse partnerships with ADT and TELUS Communications, two of the most respected names in the security industry. With over 3 million social media followers, Rajia isn't just building a company — she’s building a global movement to make safety accessible to all. In 2023, she launched Smart Alert Holdings, a company focused on acquiring businesses that share the same mission of creating a safer world. Their first acquisition was Flare Safety, invisaWear’s only competitor. Her companies have been featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS, WBZ, TODAY, and more. They’ve also earned prestigious accolades, including TIME Magazine's Best Inventions, Fast Company's Innovation by Design Award, and the New England Innovation Award. As a minority female CEO, Rajia is passionate about breaking barriers for women and underrepresented groups in tech. Her journey of overcoming obstacles fuels her mission to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs — proving that no matter your background or the doubts you face, success is possible. Rajia remains deeply committed to mentorship through UMass Lowell’s Entrepreneurship Program, helping others turn bold ideas into reality. SOCIAL MEDIA: Connect with HeHe on Instagram  Connect with Rajia and InvisaWear on IG    BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way Want prep delivered straight to your phone?Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere.