KnowMe Tag – Safety, Simplicity, Strength

At Equitas, we believe women’s ideas and innovations deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported. Our Women in Business Spotlight series highlights female founders who aren’t just building businesses — they’re creating solutions that truly matter.

This edition introduces KnowMe Tag, a small Irish start-up with a big impact. Simple in concept yet powerful in practice, it proves that sometimes the most meaningful innovations begin with everyday concerns.

First, tell us a little about yourself and how KnowMe Tag came to life:

Hi, I’m Maria, founder of KnowMe Tag™ — a small Irish business born from a very personal kind of worry. For years, I’ve carried a quiet but persistent thought: “If something happens and I’m not there, will the people nearby know what to do?”

That question has followed me through everyday life — thinking about my dad, who has medical concerns; a young relative with a severe peanut allergy; and even my own children, wondering if they’d remember my phone number if they ever got lost.

KnowMe Tag was created to answer that question with calm and clarity. It’s a simple, smart NFC tag that stores essential information — emergency contacts, medical needs, allergies, support notes — and can be accessed instantly with a tap of a smartphone. No app, no internet, just immediate help when it’s needed most.

It’s designed for real life — for parents, carers, and anyone who’s ever felt that quiet fear of “what if.” Whether it’s worn by a child, an adult with health concerns, or even attached to a pet’s collar, KnowMe Tag helps bridge the gap between vulnerability and safety. It’s not just tech — it’s peace of mind, tucked into something small enough to carry every day.

What inspired you to create KnowMe Tag? Was there a particular moment that made you think, this needs to exist?

KnowMe Tag wasn’t sparked by one dramatic event — it grew out of a series of small but constant worries. I kept noticing how fragile everyday safety can feel: a medical need that isn’t obvious, a child who might not remember a number, or a moment when someone can’t speak for themselves.

Those thoughts lingered until I realised I didn’t want to keep relying on chance. I needed something practical — something simple that could speak for someone when they couldn’t.

That’s when KnowMe Tag took shape: a discreet NFC tag storing key information that can be accessed instantly with a smartphone. No app. No internet. Just reassurance when it’s needed most.

What problem does KnowMe Tag solve, and why is it so important to you personally?

KnowMe Tag solves a deeply human problem: the fear of being misunderstood or unsupported in moments of vulnerability. Whether it’s a child who’s lost, someone with a medical condition who can’t speak for themselves, or a person with invisible needs like autism or dementia — KnowMe Tag gives them a voice when they need it most.

It’s important to me because I’ve seen how quickly a normal day can turn into a crisis. I’ve felt that quiet panic when someone I love is out of sight, or when I wonder if a stranger would know how to help them. That feeling — of helplessness and uncertainty — is what KnowMe Tag is designed to erase.

It’s not just about safety. It’s about dignity. It’s about making sure that whoever wears it is seen, understood, and cared for — even by someone who’s never met them before.

That’s why it matters so much to me. It’s a small tag, but it carries a big promise: you are not alone.

You describe it as ‘a little tag with all the answers’ – how does it work, and what makes it unique?

It really is a little tag with all the answers — and here’s how it earns that title:

How It Works

• Tap to Access: KnowMe Tag uses NFC (Near Field Communication), the same tech behind contactless payments. Just tap it with a smartphone — no app, no setup, no Wi-Fi required.
• Opens as a Text Message: When tapped, it launches as an unsent text message pre-filled with essential information. That means anyone can instantly read what’s needed — and even send it to someone else if help is needed.
• No Internet Required: It works completely offline. Whether you’re in a remote area or just out of data, the tag still delivers.
• Locally Stored Data: All the information is programmed directly onto the tag and stored only on the tag itself. Nothing is uploaded to the cloud, and no personal data is shared or stored elsewhere.

What Makes It Unique

• No Tech Barrier: Unlike QR codes or apps, it works instantly with most modern phones. No scanning, no downloading — just tap and go.
• Designed for Real Life: It’s discreet, wearable, and built for everyday use. Whether clipped to a child’s backpack, worn as a bracelet, or tucked into a wallet, it’s always ready.
• Empowers the Vulnerable: It’s not just about safety — it’s about autonomy. People with communication challenges, medical needs, or cognitive differences can be understood without saying a word.

What sets it apart is its quiet power: it doesn’t shout, but it speaks volumes when it matters most. It’s tech with heart — and that’s what makes it special.

You’ve mentioned nearly giving up at one point. What challenges have you faced on your journey, and what kept you going?

Oh — this one hits close to the heart.

There were moments when KnowMe Tag felt like a beautiful idea trapped in a maze of technical hurdles, financial strain, and self-doubt. I remember staring at prototypes that didn’t work, wondering if I was chasing something too ambitious. There were days when I felt like I was explaining the concept to people who just didn’t get it — and that kind of disconnect can be exhausting.

One of the hardest parts was the emotional weight. This wasn’t just a business idea — it was personal. I knew how much peace of mind it could bring to families like mine, and that made every setback feel heavier. I questioned whether I had the right skills, the right resources, or even the right to keep pushing forward.

But what kept me going was the why. I’d think about the child who can’t speak for themselves, the elderly person who wanders and gets confused, the parent who just wants to know their kid is safe. I’d picture someone tapping that little tag and instantly knowing how to help — and I’d remember that this isn’t just a product. It’s a lifeline.

And then there were the small wins. A successful test. A message from someone who said, “I need this.” Those moments lit the path forward, even when everything else felt dark.

So yes, I nearly gave up. But the mission — the people — pulled me back every time.

You recently said KnowMe Tag 'just went international' – congratulations! What does that milestone mean to you?

Saying KnowMe Tag “just went international” feels surreal — and honestly, insane in the best possible way. At the time of this interview, I’ve only launched three weeks ago. Three weeks! And already, KnowMe Tags have made their way to Connecticut, Scotland, Poland, and New York.

We don’t even ship outside of Ireland yet. These tags traveled because families who were home on holidays discovered them, saw their value, and said, “I need to bring this back with me.” That kind of organic momentum — driven by real people and real needs — is the most meaningful kind of growth.

To me, it’s proof that KnowMe Tag isn’t just solving a local problem. It’s tapping into something universal: the need to be understood, protected, and supported. And while we’re still rooted in Ireland, the heart of this project is already global.

This milestone isn’t just exciting — it’s a sign that we’re building something that truly matters. And we’re only just getting started.

As a female founder, what’s been the most empowering part of building your own business?

As a female founder, the most empowering part of building KnowMe Tag has been knowing — without a shadow of a doubt — that every single piece of it was built by me.

From researching the best technologies and sourcing the most trusted suppliers, to choosing materials that are gentle enough for children’s skin or kind to aged skin that bruises easily — I’ve poured myself into every detail. I taught myself how to build a website and built it from scratch. I figured out packaging, logistics, every design element, every piece of print, every instruction, every FAQ. I even learned how to protect the IP and secure the trademark. There’s no part of this business that hasn’t passed through my hands.

And not only am I a female founder — I’m an Autistic ADHD woman in business. That’s something I say with pride now. It took me 40 years to understand why I felt different, why my brain worked the way it did. But now? Now I lean into it. I’m proud of my brain. I’m proud of the constant questioning, the out-of-the-box thinking, the ability to see connections others might miss.

Watching this business flourish has been more than validation — it’s been vindication. It’s proof that the way I think isn’t just okay — it’s powerful. And it will absolutely be the juice that keeps me pushing this forward.

This isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of everything I am — and everything I believe the world needs more of.

Have there been any standout moments where you felt the impact of what you've created – perhaps a story from a customer?

Absolutely — there have already been a few moments that stopped me in my tracks and reminded me why KnowMe Tag matters so deeply.

One that really stands out is a message I received from a parent whose child is Autistic and nonverbal. She told me that her son had never tolerated wearing anything like a wristband before, but he accepted the KnowMe Tag without hesitation. She said it was the first time she felt confident that, if he ever wandered or got lost, someone would know how to help him. That message brought tears — because that’s exactly why I created it.

Another came from a young man with a heart condition. His family had been living with constant anxiety about what would happen if he collapsed and couldn’t speak. Now, he wears his KnowMe Tag every day. His parents told me it’s given them peace of mind they hadn’t felt in years.

And then there was the Irish Ambulance Service, who reached out to say they thought it was a “fantastic solution” — simple, effective, and potentially life-saving. That kind of validation, especially from professionals, was incredibly affirming.

Each of these stories is a reminder that KnowMe Tag isn’t just a product. It’s a quiet companion in someone’s pocket or on their wrist, ready to speak when they can’t. That impact — that real-world reassurance — is what keeps me going.

What advice would you give to other women with an idea that feels “too big” or “too personal” to make public?

My advice? Feel the fear and do it anyway. That’s my motto, and it’s carried me through every moment of doubt, hesitation, and vulnerability. If you have an idea that feels “too big” or “too personal,” that probably means it matters. And if it matters to you, it will matter to someone else.

I believe wholeheartedly that I’d rather try something that may or may not work than live with the ache of “What if?” That question — the one that lingers when we don’t act — is far heavier than the risk of failure.

KnowMe Tag was born from deeply personal fears and questions. It wasn’t polished or perfect at the start. But I leaned in. I researched, built, designed, tested, and kept going. Every single part of this business — from the tech to the packaging to the website — was created by me. And I’m proud to say I did it as an Autistic ADHD woman in business.

It took me 40 years to understand why I felt different. Now? I celebrate it. My neurodivergent brain is my superpower. The constant questioning, the out-of-the-box thinking — that’s what made KnowMe Tag flourish. That’s what turned fear into fuel.

So to any woman holding onto an idea that feels too big: it’s not too big. It’s waiting for you to believe in it. And when you do, the world will follow.

What kind of community or support system has helped you along the way – or have you built your own?

When people ask about my support system, I smile — because I didn’t just find one, I built one. And it’s been nothing short of extraordinary.

There’s my online tribe — my customers, early adopters, and the incredible women who tune into my IG stories. I call them my founding members. Three weeks ago, some didn’t even know I existed. Now they’re cheering me on like a squad of hype women, mentioning my name in rooms I’ve never entered, championing my idea, and advocating for me — all out of sheer kindness. That kind of generosity? I’ll never forget it.

And then there’s my family — the heartbeat of this journey.

My sister, who interrupted her mini holiday with her kids to drive to Carlow and buy an iPhone with me (we’re an Android family!) so I could test, test, and retest. She didn’t hesitate. She just said, “Get in the car, we’ll get one now and your questions will be answered.” She was also there the night I nearly gave up. Her quiet presence and gentle reassurance made me reopen the laptop and try one more time.

My husband, who’s endured eight months of my hyperfocus and rabbit-hole research. He’s tolerated the zoned-out evenings, the missed conversations, and the obsessive tinkering — all with patience and love.

My kids, who are my personal hype team. They named all the characters in our children’s range and have even helped me package them. Their joy and creativity are woven into every product.

My parents-in-law, who’ve stepped in to help with the kiddos so I could keep building. My brother-in-law, who spent his actual day off meticulously cutting packaging cards for me.

And my dad — my rock. Always there, always steady. He’s one of my muses on this journey. KnowMe Tag was born, in part, from my desire to help him stay autonomous and independent. His quiet strength and dignity fuel my mission every single day.

This community — both online and at home — has lifted me, fueled me, and reminded me that big dreams are never built alone. They’re built with love, belief, and a whole lot of late-night hustle.

What’s next for KnowMe Tag? What’s your dream for the future of the brand?

This started as a deeply personal mission — a way to help my dad stay autonomous and independent. But it’s become so much more. KnowMe Tag is evolving into a movement: one that celebrates identity, accessibility, and the power of being truly known.

My dream for the brand is to see KnowMe Tag in every home, school, care facility, and community space where connection matters. I want it to be a tool that empowers neurodivergent individuals, supports aging loved ones, and helps children express who they are in ways that feel safe and joyful.

I see a future where our character range grows, where our tech becomes even smarter and more intuitive, and where our packaging and messaging reflect the diversity of the people we serve. I want to collaborate with educators, therapists, and caregivers to make KnowMe Tag a staple in their toolkit.

And most of all, I want to keep building this incredible community — the founding members, the hype women, the families, the quiet champions — into a global tribe that believes in the power of being seen, heard, and understood.

We’re just getting started. And if this is what the first few weeks look like… imagine what’s coming next.

Don’t forget to keep following this journey on socials KnowMETagie and on the website www.knowmetag.ie

Maria’s story reminds us that business can be born from the most personal of fears, yet grow into something that provides strength and reassurance for so many. KnowMe Tag is more than a product — it is a lifeline that gives people the confidence of being seen and understood when it matters most.
At Equitas, we are proud to share this journey, and we look forward to watching the next chapter unfold.