Overivew
What does it take to reinvent a product that hasn't meaningfully changed in decades?
In this episode of The Digital Diaries, Peter Woods is joined by entrepreneur and product innovator Oscar Hedaya, founder of Space and creator of the Space Safe, a connected smart safe that combines modern technology with traditional physical security.
Oscar shares his journey from growing up with limited means to building multiple consumer product businesses, revealing how necessity sparked an entrepreneurial mindset that continues to shape his approach to innovation. Together, they explore what it really takes to bring hardware products to market, why customer feedback is the foundation of great product development, and how solving genuine problems is far more important than chasing the next big idea.
The conversation also dives into the unique challenges of hardware versus software, the future of connected security, and the realities of entrepreneurship that rarely make it into the headlines.
How adversity can become an entrepreneurial advantage
Why successful founders solve real problems—not imagined ones
The hidden complexity of building hardware products
What differentiates physical product innovation from software development
Why customer feedback should shape your roadmap
How connected technology is changing the future of home and hotel security
The financial realities every founder should understand before launching a business
Why AI is becoming an invaluable tool for aspiring entrepreneurs
Oscar's entrepreneurial journey and early businesses
Building companies with limited resources
Spotting opportunities through everyday frustrations
Designing and launching the Space Safe
Hardware development challenges and manufacturing lessons
Cybersecurity versus physical security
Smart home technology and connected devices
Customer-led product innovation
Startup funding, runway and financial planning
Using AI to validate business ideas
What success looks like after building multiple companies
Innovation starts with observation. Many of the best products don't invent something entirely new—they improve products people already use every day.
Hardware is unforgiving. Unlike software, physical products can't simply be patched after launch. Small design decisions can have expensive long-term consequences.
Build for genuine customer pain points. The strongest businesses solve problems customers are already experiencing and are willing to pay to eliminate.
Think lean from day one. Managing cash flow, understanding runway and validating demand are often more important than perfecting the product.
Listen to your customers. Some of Space's most valuable product features, including its innovative Panic PIN functionality, came directly from customer suggestions.
"The entrepreneur isn't the person who spots the problem, it's the person who builds the solution."
"Hardware is a nightmare. Software can be updated. Hardware has to be built right."
"Never ask your family and friends if your idea is good, they'll tell you what you want to hear."
"The day you open your business is the day you're open to selling your business."
"Innovation doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's simply upgrading something people already use."
Oscar Hedaya is a serial entrepreneur and product developer with more than 15 years of experience bringing innovative consumer products to market. Having worked across manufacturing, retail and global distribution, he has launched products into major retailers including Walmart, Target, Costco and Best Buy.
Today, he's the founder of Space, creator of the Space Safe—a next-generation smart safe featuring touchscreen controls, built-in cameras, mobile notifications and advanced security features designed for both homes and hospitality environments.
Space Smart Safe
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Tesla's touchscreen-first design philosophy
AI tools for market research and business planning
🌐 Space: https://thespacesafe.com
