A young Aussie woman’s terrifying brush with danger has led to the creation of one of the country’s most in-demand safety products.
Kepler Keychains were born from founder Tyrelle Beattie’s own frightening encounter at her local Melbourne shopping centre.
Now her pastel-hued, multi-use safety keychains are exploding on social media – and, more importantly, resonating with women across the country.
‘I started Keplerafter a man threatened to break my jaw because he was politely asked to take his loud personal phone call outside,’ Tyrelle told Royale.
After security escorted him out, she went straight home to start looking for something that would help her feel safer outside of her home.
‘I found a lot of overseas items that were illegal in Australia and very little available here, so I decided to do something about it,’ she added.
Whether you’re walking to your car late at night, navigating busy streets or simply going about your day, feeling safe is something many Australian women can no longer take for granted.
Tyrelle’s devices are designed to bridge that gap, giving women a discreet but practical way to protect themselves and feel more confident wherever they are.
Tyrelle Beattie’sterrifying brush with danger has led to the creation of one of the country’s most in-demand safety products
Retailing at $59, each pastel-hued keychain is packed with features you wouldn’t expect from something that fits in the palm of your hand.
There’s a 130dB personal alarm designed to draw attention and buy precious seconds to escape.
There’s also a seatbelt cutter that can slice through tangled restraints in seconds, and a discreet glass-breaking pen that can shatter car or building windows in an emergency.
A small pouch houses a 10ml spray bottle, allowing users to fill it with whatever they choose.
‘I tried about 15 different alarms before I settled on the ones I sell and I also did countless hours of research around the legality of each item,’Tyrelle explained.
‘I also showed the products to different police officers who were really impressed with them and I even tried taking the keychain on domestic flights as carry on (which I had no issues getting through security).’
In just 12 months, Tyrelle has sold an incredible 3,400 Safety Keychains, as shocking attacks on women continue to drive demand nationwide.
Her commitment doesn’t end at the checkout either, with a donation of $1 from every keychain sold going to Escabags, an Australian charity that supports families and individuals escaping domestic violence.
Kepler Keychain ($59) devices were designed to give women a discreet but practical way to protect themselves and feel more confident wherever they are. Pictured: The seatbelt cutter (left) and130dB personal alarm (right)
The seatbelt cutter can also slice through tangled restraints in seconds, a discreet glass-breaking pen can shatter car or building windows in an emergency, and the small pouch houses a 10ml spray bottle, allowing users to fill it with whatever they choose
The response from women around the country has been overwhelming, with many reaching out to share their own frightening stories – and how something as simple as a keychain can make them feel safer and more in control.
‘The more women in Australia that know that these kinds of products exist, the safer we can be,’ Tyrelle added.
In April this year, shoppers were also seen flocking to Bunnings to snap up a $31 personal carry-it-with-you alarm small enough to fit anywhere.
The Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm can both trigger a loud siren by pulling a cord or discreetly text an emergency contact if danger arises.
The Swann Graphite Gen 2 ActiveResponse Personal Alarm from Bunnings ($31), also launched this year. Pictured:TikToker Jen Lourdes
TikToker Jen Lourdes, who posted a video about it at the time, said she picked up the device after seeing other women recommend it as a simple but effective way to feel a little safer – especially as she’d just taken up outdoor running.
‘This is really great if you’re going for runs or you’re solo travelling, or if you work night shifts,’ she said in the clip.
‘What you do is you pull it, and it makes a really loud noise,’ Jen explained.
Alternatively, you can push a button and it texts a friend or family member.
As attacks and harassment reports continue to dominate headlines, it’s little wonder these stylish, smart and practical keychains have become one of the most talked-about accessories of the year – and a must-have stocking stuffer ahead of Christmas.
