The Founder’s Journey: Naomi Harper
Naomi Harper was born on 15th September 1985 in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she grew up in a modest household alongside her two sisters. From an early age, Naomi was exposed to the challenges of urban life, as well as the opportunities that a vibrant city offers. Inspired by her mother, a dedicated nurse, and her father, a social worker, Naomi developed a passion for helping others and a determination to make a positive impact on the world.
A gifted student, she was naturally drawn to science and technology as tools for solving real-world problems. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manchester in 2007, Naomi joined a start-up specialising in portable medical devices.
The Turning Point
In 2017, while walking home after an evening out with colleagues, Naomi experienced a life-changing incident. Taking a shortcut through a dimly lit street, she realised she was being followed. Her quick thinking, and the intervention of passers-by, allowed her to escape a potentially dangerous situation.
"I couldn’t stop thinking: why should I live in fear when tools could exist to help me? That moment was a wake-up call," Naomi later explained.
The Beginning of a Mission
After the incident, Naomi began speaking with friends, colleagues, and security experts to better understand the challenges women face daily. She soon realised there was a gap: an effective, accessible, and elegant solution tailored to the needs of modern women simply didn’t exist.
In 2018, Naomi made the bold decision to leave her job in the medical device industry and dedicate herself fully to creating KIOMBI. Using her personal savings and support from mentors within Manchester’s tech community, she set out to design a product that combined advanced technology, sleek design, and ease of use.
The Creation of KIOMBI
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The Concept
KIOMBI was envisioned as an intuitive solution to a universal problem. Naomi wanted a product that women could rely on in their everyday lives, particularly in stressful situations. After months of research and prototypes, KIOMBI was born:
- A powerful alarm: Loud enough to alert others and deter attackers.
- Compact and stylish design: Easy to carry in a handbag, pocket, or on a keyring.
- Technological integration: Featuring options like GPS connectivity to alert loved ones in case of danger.
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The Name
Naomi chose the name KIOMBI, inspired by the Swahili word tumaini, which means "hope." The name reflects the brand’s mission to inspire confidence and give a voice to those who once felt powerless.
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The Launch
In January 2020, Naomi officially launched KIOMBI in London, at a women-in-tech event. This marked the start of a global movement for safety and empowerment.
Global Impact
Since its launch, KIOMBI has been embraced by thousands of women across the UK and around the world. Naomi has worked tirelessly to make KIOMBI more than just a product—it’s a platform for change. In 2021, the brand launched the #KIOMBIWarrior initiative, a community-driven effort encouraging users to share their experiences and advocate for a safer world.
Key Initiatives:
- Partnerships: Collaborating with local and international NGOs to organise safety workshops.
- Education: Developing online resources to raise awareness about personal safety practices.
- Social Impact: Every KIOMBI purchase helps fund self-defence programmes for vulnerable communities.
Naomi Harper’s Vision
For Naomi, KIOMBI is just the beginning. She envisions a future where every woman has access to tools that enhance their safety and independence. Her team is already working on innovations, such as integrating AI to detect suspicious behaviour.
"I don’t just want to create a product. I want to build a future where fear no longer holds a place in our lives," Naomi affirms.
Milestone Dates
15th September 1985: Naomi Harper is born in Manchester, United Kingdom.
2017: The life-changing event in a dimly lit street in Manchester.
2018: KIOMBI project begins.
January 2020: Official launch of KIOMBI in London.
2021: Launch of the #KIOMBIWarrior initiative.