ABOUT US
About the people behind the business on a mission to end GBV
We're a small team of people who are focused on ending GBV. As a purpose-driven organisation, we partner with you so that we can support a hand-picked collection of organisation who are already working on the ground to prevent and end GBV.
How it began
The idea for BrollyGuard was sparked by our co-founder, Russell Jones, when a story was shared with him about a domestic worker being raped as she stepped off her taxi on her way home from work one summer's evening. This infuriated and upset Russell so deeply, that he made it his mission to help women stay safe and to equip them to avoid becoming a victim of GBV.
Russell spent a few months pondering the solution. One afternoon, he noticed how many women in South Africa carry umbrellas - in summer and winter for shade, and in summer for rain. And thats when the idea sparked - an umbrella that protects against rain, shine and crime. Russell set to work designing what would become the BrollyGuard handle. His first designs were done with play dough. He went through a few designs and then taught himself to design online, finally moving to the stage of his first 3D print. After some modifications, we moved into the production stage, learning a lot about what it takes to produce a plastic injection mould and the production process.
Funding the development and manufacturing of the BrollyGuard took a few years. The first BrollyGuard was produced in 2022.
The BrollyGuard is a unique personal safety device in that it looks like and works like a normal umbrella. However, it has a unique handle which encompasses a pepper spray. The back of the handle opens so that the pepper spray cannister can be inserted, and once snapped close, the handle is set and ready for use. This also means that if the pepper spray is activated, a replacement cannister can be purchased and installed within seconds.
The design of the BrollyGuard is innovative, in that it can be used whether the umbrella is opened or closed. Because Russell understands that simplicity is key when in a critical situation, all that is needed to activate the pepper spray is for you to squeeze the BrollyGuard handle. That's it! Just squeeze. The pepper spray does the rest.
How we give back
As a purpose-driven business, for every BrollyGuard you buy, we donate one on your behalf to a vulnerable woman. We work with organisations who are already on the ground working to help vulnerable women and communities. Our goal is to help vulnerable women avoid becoming a victim of GBV. Our mission is to end GBV, but along the way, our goal is equip women so that they do not become a victim in the first place.
Personal safety is personal
Personal safety is very personal. The trauma of GBV is unspeakable. That's why we invite you to write a short message of hope and support to the person who will receive your BrollyGuard Gift, through our Get One = Gift One giving model. For every BrollyGuard you get, we give a BrollyGuard to a vulnerable woman. The message that accompanies your gifted BrollyGuard helps vulnerable women know they are not alone, and we are standing with them in the fight to end GBV. We couldn't do this work without you.
Where is BrollyGuard available
At the moment, BrollyGuard is only available in South Africa. This is because Pepper Spray cannot be imported into most countries, and therefore we'd need to find a local supplier for the pepper spray cannister that fits into the BrollyGuard handle. Of course, our plans are to expand internationally, because GBV is not limited to South Africa. We'll keep you posted on our progress as our journey unfolds.
Meet Our Team
Russell jones
Personal Safety Expert
Russell is a Co-founder of Shanti Innovations, and the inventor of BrollyGuard.
He is a former Royal Marine Commando, the United Kingdom's elite military, and is a combat veteran.
Russell's criminological studies are the body of knowledge upon which Shanti Innovations has been built, with his research being referenced broadly, including by GIBS business school.
Janet Featherstone
Chief Marketing Officer
Janet is a Co-founder of Shanti Innovations, and looks after the marketing of BrollyGuard.
Janet has many years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, and was the Marketing Director of a Telco in her previous life.
Janet has an MBA from Henley Business School, and is a Professional Associate at GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science).
Get in touch
We'd love to hear from you, so if you'd like to get in touch with us, you are welcome to email us at hello@brollyguard.com. You can also follow our social media pages to keep up to date with what we're up to and where the benefit of your purchase is making a difference.