Dr. Steffie Tomson, Founder of Getaway Sticks
Name: Dr. Steffie Tomson
Founder: Getaway Sticks
Who is Dr. Steffie Tomson?
I am a Houston mom of two girls Tessa (8) and Georgia (7). I am a neuroscientist by training, and now operate a startup shoe company called Getaway Sticks (1920's term for legs) that builds women's heels out of sneaker foam.
In less than three sentences tell us about your company and what you do.
As a professional scientist, I felt that heels were holding me back from opportunities that men took advantage of. We all want our heels to feel like sneakers, but they always fall short. I had the idea to start with a foundation of sneaker foam, now named RoamFoam(TM), and build a beautiful heel on top - this is how Getaway Sticks started in 2021.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
Being a FoundHer embodies the essence of female entrepreneurship and leadership. It represents a woman who has taken the initiative to pursue her dreams, create her path, and build something meaningful and impactful. A FoundHer is a trailblazer, someone who dares to challenge the status quo, break barriers, and carve out opportunities for herself and others.
Being a FoundHer is about embracing one's strengths, passions, and skills, while also acknowledging and learning from challenges and setbacks. It involves resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to continually grow and evolve. A FoundHer thrives on collaboration and community, recognizing the power of networking and supporting fellow female entrepreneurs on their journeys.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
Many moms are intimidated by the idea of switching careers into a field where they do not have experience. It turns out that we have SO many transferrable skills, and very often the greatest innovation comes from 'experts' who are not legacies to a field. Through speaking to other women, I hope they can tap into those skills and prosper. Stepping over obstacles to make dreams a reality.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
Networking and research. Transitioning from neuroscientist to shoe company start up was an obstacle in itself. I knew the only way I could be successful was by reaching out to people who were already doing it and research every component before diving right in. I knew there had to be a way to build a shoe that looks and feels good. So, I started researching all things related to shoe construction and design. Unless we change what the heels are made of, our comfort level will never change.
How did you land your first client?
I launched Getaway Sticks in May of 2021. I started selling the heels are local markets in Houston. I knew if a woman just picked up our shoe and put it on, there was a 95% likelihood that they would buy it. The shoe is light, comfortable, easy to buckle, and most importantly stylish. We continue with markets but are also available nation wide through our online store. I stand behind free returns to make it easy for our new customers to get started with the product line. My theory is if you buy one shoe, you will love it, and you'll come back and buy it in five other colors because we have made a shoe that is comfortable and designed with women in mind.
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