Dawn Dickson is a powerhouse entrepreneur who saw a problem and turned it into a million-dollar business. Ever been out in heels, feet aching, wishing for a more comfortable option? Dawn has been there too—and she came up with the perfect solution: Flat Out of Heels, stylish rollable flats that fit in your purse and can be bought from vending machines.
How It All Started
Dawn grew up in Columbus, Ohio, in a family of entrepreneurs. Her mom ran a daycare, and her dad was in construction, so she learned early on what it takes to build something from the ground up. She studied journalism at Ohio State University and later pursued IT, blending creativity with tech—a skill that would help her revolutionize the retail world.
The “Aha” Moment
The idea for Flat Out of Heels came to Dawn in 2011 during a night out. She noticed so many women walking barefoot because their high heels were killing their feet. Instead of just feeling bad for them (and herself), she saw an opportunity. What if women had a super convenient way to get relief right then and there? That’s when she created Flat Out of Heels, compact and comfy flats that could be bought instantly from vending machines placed in busy locations like airports and nightclubs.
Reinventing Retail with PopCom
But Dawn didn’t stop there. She wanted to take vending machines to the next level, so she founded PopCom, a high-tech company that makes vending machines smarter with facial recognition and data tracking. Her technology is changing the way brands sell products, giving customers an easier, more interactive shopping experience.
A Crowdfunding Trailblazer
Dawn is also a trailblazer when it comes to raising money. She made history as the first female founder in the world to raise over $1 million using a secure token offering under crowdfunding laws. She’s proving that entrepreneurs—especially women—can find funding outside traditional venture capital.
Making an Impact
Today, Dawn is more than just a businesswoman—she’s a mentor, speaker, and inspiration for women in tech and entrepreneurship. She shares her journey on her podcast and through speaking engagements, helping others follow their own paths to success.
Dawn’s story is proof that a simple idea, mixed with determination and innovation, can turn into something game-changing. She saw a need, created a solution, and kept pushing forward. Now, she’s leading the way for the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs.
Want to learn more about Dawn and her journey? Visit dawndickson.me.
Note: image is of a successful female inventor holding a pair of flat shoes – a representative of the above story with a vending machine in the background and other women wearing similar flat ballet style shoes
