The Little Viper looks like any other bracelet, doesn't it? | SUBMITTED PHOTO
With their personal safety in mind, a lot of women carry pepper spray.
But where is that spray? Usually in their purse jammed under the cell phone, wallet, hairbrush and who knows what else. In a moment of need, what’s the chance she could get to it in time?
That’s the thinking behind Little Viper, created by Caroline Olah of Crown Point, Ind. The 8½-inch adjustable silicone bracelet has a small pepper spray canister attached on the side. No need to fish through a purse; the protectant spray is right at hand, says Olah, the mother of two daughters, ages 13 and 16.
The bracelet is lightweight (it weighs an ounce) and comes in black or pink. The canister looks like it’s just part of the design; very unobtrusive.
Small, but effective is what Olah was going for with Little Viper. The spray (a 10 percent oleoresin capsicum pepper spray) can emit three to six bursts at up to a three-foot range. A person has to put a finger on each end to release the pepper spray, so there’s no chance it can go off for no reason, according to the website.
It’s a great idea for anytime women (or for that matter, men) feel they might be vulnerable. Here’s what one runner had to say about it on Twitter:
The Little Viper is $19.99 and can be purchased on the website here.
Mompreneuer and Female Inventor Puts a Fashionable Face on Self-Defense
Mompreneuer Caroline Olah knows the world isn’t like it used to be. Danger can come in any form and being prepared is key to being safe. That’s why she invented the Little Viper. A fashionable bracelet which is also pepper spray self-defense bracelet. Read below for an interview with Carolina on how she got her business off the ground.
Why did you start your business?
I have two daughters and realize that the world we live in is a dangerous place. Dropping them off at the local mall isn’t the same as when I was their age. There’s always the risk of danger so I would give them a small can of pepper spray. However, the cans on the market are ones you have to hold in your hand. Inevitably, they would have to put them in their purse or sweatshirt pocket- thus, if someone attacked them out of nowhere, they wouldn’t be able to even use them! Pepper spray on the market (before the Little Viper) was only a viable option if you had it in your hand and were ready with it. If you were caught off guard, what would you do? Danger doesn’t just happen where you “think” it might. Sure, there are places we think are more dangerous than others but the fact remains that we can be attacked at anytime and anywhere. So I decided to design a pepper spray bracelet that people can wear and not even have to think twice about being ‘armed’ for danger. I wanted something that also looked fashionable so people would enjoy wearing it while it served a dual purpose of function and fashion. Furthermore, I knew that most pepper spray products on the market are cumbersome- resulting in many people not wanting to carry them. The Little Viper is something that can be worn anywhere at any time, without anyone even knowing you’re carrying pepper spray. Think about it: would you ever bring a small can of pepper spray on a blind date or while shopping at the mall and keep it in your hand the entire time “just in case”? Probably not. But now, you can wear this adjustable fashion bracelet and nobody will know you’re carrying pepper spray- truly “ready at a moment’s notice”. The Little Viper is a self-defense item that is aimed at allowing the victim just a little bit of time to escape, alert others to help, and give the victim a ‘chance’ to get out of the situation unharmed. It’s intended to be that ‘extra help’ you need when danger arrives.
How did you come up with your business name?
I brainstormed with my family to think of a name that represented “protector”.
A viper injects its venom when protecting itself much like the Little Viper shooting its pepper spray to protect. So this ‘tiny self-defense’ system is just like a “little viper”.
Tell us about your business and product.
The silicone bracelet is “one size fits most” and is 8.5″ long. It has three buttons so you can adjust it according to your wrist size. It’s extremely lightweight weighing only 1 ounce and contains 3-6 bursts of 10% OC pepper spray. When people see it, they have NO idea it is a pepper spray/self-defense bracelet. You can’t see the pepper spray; there’s no indication of it anywhere visible to the normal user. The bracelet is both fashionable and comfortable for everyday use and also water resistant for joggers, hikers, and other sports enthusiasts who may sweat while participating in their adventures- however, we don’t recommend submerging it under water for swimming/bathing, etc. The bracelet contains a small pepper spray canister that has to be firmly pressed on both sides. It’s very easy to use but very difficult to be discharged accidentally since you need your fingers (or something else) pressing both sides at the same time. Unlike most pepper sprays on the market today, you aim the Little Viper at your target and press the sides–that’s all there is to it. No switches to disengage, no extra buttons to press. When you’re in a true emergency, you don’t have time to think let alone move switches in order to enable a safety device so I wanted the Little Viper to be as easy as possible to use.
We officially launched the product in July 2013. We sell to dealers/distributors and also end users via our website.
What was the process for developing your product? How long did it take?
I took over a year designing it and ensuring it was a quality product. I first did some sketches of what I wanted it to look like and then hired a CAD designer to put my designs on electronic (computer) files. After that, I researched companies who could supply me with the materials to make it. I tested different materials along the way until I was sure that silicone would offer the best functionality and fit. The bracelet is silicone and adjustable as well. I designed it to fit “most” wrist sizes with 3 button snap lengths. After I made a working prototype, then I ordered the supplies in bulk and starting making them for resale. I designed the packaging as well and found the best supplier for that. I designed a website myself, began social media pages for the business, and found other free methods of advertising and marketing such as press releases and blogs. I also designed a free iOS safety app as a marketing tool and ‘add on’ that we continue to offer FREE of charge – It has a loud alarm, flashing light, and a geolocation feature. It’s a FREE download in the iTunes store and is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
Filing for trademarks, patents, etc. also came with the territory.
Where do you see your business in the next few years?
I see it as a larger company than right now- with the Little Viper in many retail outlets from large big box stores to mom and pop shops across the country. I have more products that I am developing right now as well and hope we can bring more self-defense items to the marketplace so that Little Viper is a brand that holds its own against a company like Mace.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners?
“Research” is my key advice. You can research anything. If you have an idea and don’t know how to share it, go online and research. You can research how to put your idea on paper, how to begin, and almost anything else. There are many websites and blogs that have people giving their own stories and suggestions or can offer up advice on how or where to find something that you are looking for. You’re not the only one with questions and if you put in your time to research, you WILL find the answers you need along the way. But do NOT give up if you hear ‘no’ or don’t find your answers quickly if it’s something you truly believe in. If someone can’t make something you want to make, keep looking. You will find someone to assist you or someone who can refer you to someone who can assist you.
If you’re not passionate about your idea, I don’t suggest pursuing it because you won’t have the drive and determination to get past hurdles along the way.
It is no secret that I deal with creeps on a daily basis. I had enough of the guys who “drive their rent” in LA and decided to relocate to the dessert in the middle of the summer for a little while. Yes, I know it is 115 degrees and hot but I love it here. I am a Wildcat for life and Arizona holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. This time around, I am in Scottsdale checking things (and MEN) out to see if I like it. So far, I love Arizona and the people but the creepy situation has not improved but reached a new extreme. They follow me. I am a flytrap or a creepy-trap.
Let me break it down for you – I entered my condo last week after a super long drive with my favorite boyfriend (Teddy Brewski) and had to use the restroom as soon as I walked in the door. I had a welcoming committee and they were all named “Jiminy”. I don’t remember dating anyone with that name but I must have done something bad to him because he brought his entire family to harass me – all of them: Jiminy Cricket Sr., Jiminy Crickit JR., Jiminy Cricket III and so on and so forth for about 100 generations. We are trying to work things out and smooth over whatever happened but he just won’t go away and keeps inviting more extended, family members over to harass me. Please go away Jiminies!
Like I always say, I am picky but have horrible taste in men….eh…crickets. How many times have you had a bad date and the guy just can’t get over how much you bruised his ego and won’t go away? Or you meet someone on Tinder, Match or a blind date and that person turns out to be a real creep – y – crawly. Well, I have the perfect solution.
DO IT!
It is the Little Viper (and wow – I could use a Viper in my apartment right now). It is the world’s FIRST and ONLY fashion pepper spray self-defense bracelet! Combining two of the most important things in my life: accessories and safety from creeps, and I am SOLD. I always wanted to buy pepper spray but am I really going to be able to schlep around a huge can in my purse and if need be, reach in said purse and find spray to use against any unwanted advances? Come on! Plus, how weird would I look going on dates if my potential suitor glances in my bag and sees pepper spray? I usually buy something like that and it makes its way in my purse for a week – tops. I get too annoyed trying to find the item in my bag or it is too heavy to use and I just have some other thing I would rather schlep in my ginormous purse instead.
The Little Viper takes care of all of that! It is fashionable and a must have for everyone. Why not be safe and fashionable at the same time? Now, you can!
I am a huge supporter of things like this. I have not written a post about it yet but I did get held up in Beverly Hills, CA 90210 down the street from the police station. I wish I had this then. Plus, Little Viper and I have partnered up to give YOU a discount on this product. Get it for yourself, your daughter, sister, wife, friend, father, son (comes in black too) or anyone you care about and keep them safe and sound. Super snarky and I love it! PLEASE SHARE THIS with EVERYONE you care about!The creator of this device is a mom and she wanted to protect her daughters. Just check her out on the Steve Harvey show! This is pretty awesome!
Plus, Little Viper and I have partnered up to give YOU a discount on this product. Get it for yourself, your daughter, sister, wife, friend, father, son (comes in black too) or anyone you care about and keep them safe and sound. Super snarky and I love it! PLEASE SHARE THIS with EVERYONE you care about!
See the snazzy add on the side bar to your right (under Feeding Teddy). Click there and order whatever color, quantity you want with the code:
snarky15
and get a 15% discount! DO IT NOW! Plus, you will be the first of your friends sporting this practical, logical and fashionable item and they will all want to know about it. What a great conversation starter! Go do it now! It could save someone’s life. Seriously.
BONUS: Get a free app with the purchase. No one else is doing that. MOMS- talking to you! I mean, if there was one in Teddy Brewski’s size – - you better believe he would be wearing it.
This isn’t Teddy and these aren’t his shoes.
- See more at: http://melanysguydlines.com/pepper-spray-my-new-accessory-as-seen-on-the-steve-harvey-show/#sthash.FxxByg2g.dpuf
See the snazzy add on the side bar to your right (under Feeding Teddy). Click there and order whatever color, quantity you want with the code: snarky15 and get a15% discount! DO IT NOW! Plus, you will be the first of your friends sporting this practical, logical and fashionable item and they will all want to know about it. What a great conversation starter! Go do it now! It could save someon
BONUS: Get a free app with the purchase. No one else is doing that. MOMS- talking to you! I mean, if there was one in Teddy Brewski’s size – - you better believe he would be wearing it.
Little Viper Pepper spray bracelet newest SAFETY and Fashion 'must have!'
I recently received the "Little Viper" pepper spray bracelet and following up from my mention a few months ago. I have the pink and it's very well made and quite comfortable to wear. The bracket has 3-6 bursts worth of 10% pepper spray. Wearing this and if you have to use it,could give you ample time to spray and run to safety.
Hopefully I will never have to use mine but I won't be taking my walks in the park without it! It's also going with me on all of my photo shoots as well. This is a great item for the women in your life and yourself of course!
Here is the info we ran before.
Chicago area mompreneur creates venomous new fashion accessory designed TO STOP VIOLENT OFFENDERS IN THEIR TRACKS!
By the time you finish reading this press release, another American will have been sexually assaulted. In fact, every two minutes a sexual assault occurs totaling a staggering 237,868 victims each year. On average there is an aggravated assault every 37 seconds and a robbery occurs every 1.2 minutes. Alarming statistics like these are what inspired Indiana Entrepreneur, Caroline Olah to create the Little Viper, an unassuming fashion accessory that packs a crime stopping punch. The Little Viper is the World’s first and only pepper spray self-defense bracelet. Weighing in at only one ounce, the Little Viper has an impressive three foot range and inhibits assailants with 3-6 bursts of 10% OC pepper spray. The adjustable silicone bracelet is 8.5" in length and is available in black or pink. “The Little Viper has a fashionable, low profile design and was created with discretion in mind. We incorporated the world’s smallest pepper spray canister so whether you’re wearing it while jogging in the park, or for a night out on the town it’s the perfect pint-sized defense system”, says Caroline. Although the Little Viper presents a seemingly harmless first impression, the maximum strength formula will cause a pretty severe bout of coughing, choking, and an intense burning sensation while forcing the attacker’s eyes shut. With the immediate effects of pepper spray which last anywhere from 15 - 45 minutes, the Little Viper provides plenty of time to escape an attacker, render him/her helpless, and call the police.With the installation of President Obama’s new Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, the White House just reported that 1 in 5 female college students will experience sexual assault on campus. Although the numbers are astounding, products like the Little Viper are helping to empower everyone from college students to elderly citizens and ensuring less Americans fall victim to criminal attacks. To learn more about the Little Viper, please visit www.LittleViper.com See the Little Viper in action @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K58XVsAoIlM
If you don’t believe in the old expression, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, you might want to think about Jon Meis. He’s the 22-year-old who thwarted the gunman last week on a Seattle campus by pepper straying him.
Just such a scenario inspired Caroline Olah in her Little Viper, a “cute bracelet with a powerful punch.”
Olah, the mother of two daughters, was alarmed by statistics about the rise in attacks against young women. She believed that if these victims had an easily accessible mode of defense, then their stories may have ended differently. With her passion to solve this problem and protect her daughters, came the ingenious idea to make a bracelet with a small but potent pepper spray attached.
“So many mothers, fathers, teens, etc. told us how they thought it was a brilliant idea. We had parents buying them for their children in college; people buying them for their friends, their elderly mothers and fathers,” Olah says. “We even had a big amount of joggers and walkers buy them in bulk for their ‘walker clubs.’ It proved this bracelet is for everybody!”
The Little Viper is the first pepper spray self-defense bracelet. It is light, weighing just an ounce, and has an impressive three foot range that inhibits assailants with 3 to 6 bursts of 10% OC pepper spray. The adjustable silicone bracelet is 8.5 inches in length and is available in black or pink.
By Sue Ontiveros | Get In Touch: @@sueontiveros |sueontiveros.cst@gmail.comArts & Entertainment, The Daily Sizzle - September 15, 2014 8:00 am
The Little Viper looks like any other bracelet, doesn't it? | SUBMITTED PHOTO
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