Krystle Hodge shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Krystle , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, running has been bringing me a lot of joy. I’m currently training for a major race, and it’s become more than just exercise, it’s a way for me to connect with my local community, challenge myself, and build consistency. Also documenting my journey, sharing it with others, and seeing how it inspires people has been incredibly fulfilling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Krystle Hodge, a Certified Safety Professional and founder of SafetyKay. We empower K–8 children to prepare for and protect themselves in any environment with engaging, age-appropriate safety education. Our holistic approach covers online and offline safety—from digital citizenship and bullying prevention to fire, emergency, and stranger awareness. We deliver safety education through lively workshops and practical resources for families and schools. Based in Houston and focused on Texas communities, we partner with educators, parents, and youth programs to make safety skills memorable and fun. We are also currently building a gamified safety learning app to extend our impact and help kids practice smart, safe choices.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that by the time you were in your 20s, you were supposed to be an adult who had everything figured out, successful (by your own definition), with a clear path laid out. The reality, as I’ve grown older, is quite different. I’ve learned that it’s okay for your path to change or pivot, that the journey itself matters, and that every season of life brings valuable lessons. This shift in perspective has helped me embrace growth, flexibility, and curiosity rather than rigid expectations.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely, there have been times when I almost gave up on my entrepreneurial journey. Being a small business owner is challenging—the path isn’t always clear, and there are many nights filled with doubt and setbacks. What keeps me going is remembering my ‘why.’ For me, it’s SafetyKay. We’re not just running a business, we’re impacting and saving lives by teaching kids how to stay safe, both online and in the real world. Knowing that the work we do helps children protect themselves and build stronger, safer communities is bigger than me, and that’s why I stay the course, no matter how hard it gets.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the child safety industry is thinking that kids will automatically make the right choices or that nothing bad will ever happen. The reality is that children face risks every day, and safety isn’t just about rules. It is bout giving them the skills, confidence, and awareness to protect themselves, even when we’re not there. That’s what drives the work I do with SafetyKay – helping kids feel prepared and confident so they can make smart decisions and stay safe in the real world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
There have been moments, like crossing the finish line on race day or reaching a big goal for my business, when I thought achieving the outcome would feel like the ultimate reward. While there is definitely a sense of satisfaction in those moments, I have realized that the real value lies in the journey itself. The challenges I face, the growth I experience, and the effort it takes to push through obstacles are where the true lessons are found. It is in that process that I learn the most about myself, discover what I am capable of, and build resilience. Those experiences bring out the best in me, and they remain with me long after the goal has been accomplished. Focusing on the journey reminds me to appreciate each step, stay curious, and continue striving, even after a milestone has been reached.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://safetykay.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetykay/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystle-hodge
