How One Mother’s Determination Created a Lifesaving Product
Gold Coast entrepreneur Krissy Jarvie has turned a parent’s worst nightmare into a business solution that’s keeping people connected when they need it most.
When Krissy Jarvie’s phone rang that evening, what followed was every parent’s fear—a call for help from her son who had been attacked and was stranded with a dying phone battery. That terrifying moment of lost connection sparked an idea that would eventually become Powerdaze, a compact emergency phone charger that’s now helping people across Australia stay safe and connected.
The Spark of Innovation
“The most haunting reality was how was I going to reach him because his phone had died completely ,“ Krissy reflects. “That single moment made me realise how many people must face similar situations
—stranded, vulnerable, with no way to call for help.“
Rather than dwelling on the trauma, Krissy channeled her energy into solving a problem she knew was bigger than her family’s experience. “I kept thinking about festival-goers, hikers, people working late, students walking home—anyone who might find themselves in danger with a dead phone.”
Building Something Better
What started as a mother’s determination quickly evolved into serious entrepreneurship. Krissy spent months researching portable charging technology, studying market gaps, and envisioning a product that would be compact enough to carry anywhere yet powerful enough to make a difference.
“I wanted something that could fit in your pocket, wouldn’t add bulk to a purse, but could give you that crucial 50% charge you need to call for help, call an Uber, or let someone know where you are,” she explains.
Overcoming the Challenges
The journey from concept to product wasn’t smooth. Multiple manufacturers turned her down, dismissing the idea or questioning the market demand. “I heard ‘no’ more times than I care to count,” Krissy laughs. “But I knew this product needed to exist.”
Her persistence paid off when she found a manufacturing partner who shared her vision. Together, they developed Powerdaze – a biodegradable, recyclable pre-charged device that provides approximately 50% phone charge and fits easily in a wallet or pocket.
Smart Design Meets Real Need
What sets Powerdaze apart isn’t just its convenience—it’s the thoughtful design that considers real- world emergencies. The chargers come pre-charged and maintain their power for months, meaning they’re ready when you need them most.
The biodegradable and recyclable materials reflect Krissy’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“We didn’t want to create more electronic waste,“ she explains. “If you’re going to solve one problem, you shouldn’t create another.“
Market Success and Real Impact
The response has exceeded Krissy’s expectations. Customers are purchasing Powerdaze chargers not just for themselves, but as gifts for students, festival-goers, and anyone who spends time away from traditional charging sources.
“Parents are buying them for their kids heading to university. Event organisers are purchasing them in bulk. We’ve had hikers tell us these chargers gave them peace of mind on remote trails,” Krissy shares.
One customer wrote: “I keep one in my running belt and another in my car’s glove compartment. It’s such a simple solution, but knowing
I can always make that emergency call is priceless.”
Building a Business with Purpose
What started as a personal mission has grown into a thriving business. Krissy has developed relationships with retailers, built an online presence, and is exploring partnerships with safety organisations and educational institutions.
“The business side has been a huge learning curve,” she admits. “But when you’re passionate about your product and know it can genuinely help people, that drives you through the challenges.”
Environmental Innovation
The biodegradable and recyclable aspects of Powerdaze reflects a growing trend toward sustainable tech solutions, unlike traditional portable chargers that contribute to electronic waste.
“Sustainability wasn’t an afterthought – it was central to our design philosophy,” Krissy explains. “We wanted to create something that helps people without harming the planet.“
Looking Forward
Krissy is already working on expanding the Powerdaze range, with plans for different capacity options and exploring potential partnerships with safety apps and emergency services.
“I’d love to see these become as common as carrying a spare key,” she says. “Not because people expect to need them, but because when you do need them, they’re there.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For others considering turning a personal experience into a business venture, Krissy’s advice is straightforward: “Don’t let people tell you there’s no market for your idea if you know there’s a real problem to solve. Sometimes the best innovations come from the most personal places.”
The Bigger Picture
Today, Krissy’s son has fully recovered and is proud of what his mother has built from their difficult experience. “He jokes that he’s the ‘inspiration’ behind Powerdaze,” she laughs. “But really, he’s shown me that you can take something negative and create something positive from it.”
Powerdaze represents more than just a charging solution—it’s proof that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places, and that determination can transform even the most challenging experiences into opportunities to help others.
“Every time someone tells me they feel safer carrying a Powerdaze, or that it helped them in a tough situation, I know we’ve achieved what we set out to do,” Krissy reflects. “That’s the real success story.”
Powerdaze chargers are available online and through select retailers. For more information about the product and Krissy‘s entrepreneurial journey, visit powerdaze.com.au or follow @powerdaze on social media.
