Jessica Levin
We sat down with Women to Women Network member Jessica Levin of Damsel In Defense and here's what she had to say…
Who are your clients/customers?
My customers are women of all ages. Everyone needs to protect themselves in today’s world, but many don’t know it yet. That’s where I come in. I help all women, from moms to college-aged girls to business professionals and more. I also assist men with purchases for the women in their lives.
How do you help your clients/customers?
Damsel in Defense began over ten years ago, and their primary focus was self-defense. We started with pepper spray and stun guns and then expanded to concealed carry purses, digital defenses (social media monitoring, tech support, and identity theft prevention tools) and more!
We also have a line of products for kids called, Safe Hearts, which teaches them how to protect themselves using their intuition. 90% of sexual abuse of children are done by people they know (a neighbor, teacher, coach, family friend, etc,). "Stranger Danger" is not what parents should be teaching their kids, yet so many do. We have several books and a board game that reinforces values and creates a dialogue to discuss tricky situations, tricky friends, pornography, grooming and more. We support parents and teach them how to have these difficult conversations with their children.
I give women the tools to feel safe and the confidence to protect themselves. I work to prevent women from becoming victims and help those who have been victimized. At Damsel In Defense, we're changing the statistics one woman at a time.
What brought you to this line of work?
I came across Damsel in Defense by accident at the Tigard Balloon Festival about 6 years ago. They had a purple purse that caught my eye which happened to be one of their concealed carry bags. Purple is my favorite color. 😊 A few months later, I came across their brochure and loved the products and what I read about the company. Until that point, I didn’t realize they had stun guns and pepper spray!
I have three daughters, so I decided I needed four of everything! And the best deal was to buy the Starter Kit. My intention was to buy my products at wholesale, I wasn’t thinking about doing it as a business. However, once I started carrying my stun gun around, my family and friends wanted one. So, I sold some to them and I gave the products as gifts, and my business just snowballed from there.
I've been with Damsel in Defense for 5 ½ years, and while it started as a hobby, it has become a true passion. As my business grew, more women began to share their survival stories with me, that sparked something inside me. These amazing women empowered me to share my story of survival. Up until 3 years ago, I had never said told my story to anyone or said it out loud before. This process created a lot of healing for me. I no longer blame myself for what happened or carry the shame that I felt for 35+ years.
Now, all I want to do is empower other women to get their voices back too and prevent other women from becoming a victim.
What brings you joy?
When I get a phone call from a customer who says, "I'm so glad you do what you do," or when they tell me a story of how I've helped them. It's very heartwarming and encouraging to know that I've made a difference. I thought that being a great mom, daughter and friend was my purpose in life. However, I didn’t realize the scope of what I was capable of until I started this business. I feel like I have finally found my full purpose in life!
What defines you and your business?
I work from my heart. It's all about the person I'm working with, not about the sale.
What's the most important thing you want people to know about you and your business?
I am there for you even if you just want to talk or need a hug. I won't make you feel pressured to buy; I'm here to help.
Damsel In Defense
www.mydamselpro.net/jessicalevin