Biography of Dawn Myers: Founder and CEO of Richualist -Entrepreneur
Dawn Myers: Innovating Textured Haircare with Technology
A Lawyer Turned Beauty Tech Entrepreneur
Dawn Myers began her career as a lawyer, having earned a
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Howard University School of Law. She initially worked
in big law, government affairs, and real estate, but an unexpected realization
led her into the beauty industry. As a beauty consumer herself, she saw a
massive gap in haircare products designed specifically for Black women. This
sparked an idea that would later become her entrepreneurial journey.
Identifying a Market Gap
In 2017, while watching an episode of Shark Tank, Myers
noticed that a featured product, the Sleep Styler, was not designed for Black
hair. She realized how much money Black women spend on haircare and how few
innovative solutions existed for their needs. This insight pushed her to
develop her own product—a game-changing tool designed to simplify hair styling
for people with textured hair.
The Birth of Richualist and The Mint
Determined to revolutionize textured haircare, Myers founded
Richualist and later The MOST, Inc., companies dedicated to bringing
tech-enabled hair solutions to life. She and her team developed The Mint, an
all-in-one styling tool designed to cut washday in half, reduce shedding, and
improve curl health. Unlike traditional styling tools, The Mint was built with
the specific needs of textured hair consumers in mind.
Overcoming Barriers in Hardware Innovation
Building a hardware-based beauty brand was no easy feat.
Engineering and manufacturing tech-enabled tools required significant capital,
something that many Black entrepreneurs struggle to secure. Myers had to be
creative in her fundraising efforts, forming strategic partnerships with major
corporations like Dow, Procter & Gamble, Sephora, and Glossier to support
the development of her patented technology.
A Passion for Supporting Other Founders
As Myers navigated the challenges of funding and product
development, she realized that other underrepresented founders faced similar
struggles. She became a mentor, sharing insights on capital raising and product
innovation. This passion led her to take on roles such as Director at The
Vinetta Project and advisor to organizations like Black Girl Ventures, helping
other entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.
Biography of Dawn Myers: Founder and CEO of Richualist -Entrepreneur# startup#age#net worth#investor#startup#Richualist story#Dawn Myers story
Bringing Entrepreneurship to the Classroom
Beyond her role as a founder, Myers is also an educator. She
currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Georgetown
University and a Lecturer on Fundraising and Entrepreneurship at Carnegie
Mellon University. Through these positions, she equips aspiring entrepreneurs
with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in competitive markets.
Recognition and Impact in the Startup Ecosystem
Myers’ impact on the entrepreneurial world has not gone
unnoticed. She has been named one of Washington, D.C.'s Tech Titans by The
Washingtonian and was recognized by Technical.ly Baltimore as having the
Innovation of the Year in 2023. Her company, Richualist, was also listed among
Washington Business Journal’s top 21 startups to watch.
A Defining Moment on Shark Tank
Myers' journey came full circle when she appeared on Shark
Tank USA in Season 15. She successfully pitched her company and secured a
$150,000 investment from Mark Cuban and Emma Grede in exchange for 15% equity,
plus an additional 5% in advisory shares. This milestone provided her with not
just capital but also strategic guidance from experienced investors.
Community Support and Celebration
When her Shark Tank episode aired, Myers gathered with
supporters from the Baltimore tech and business community at DC Navy Yard to
celebrate the achievement. She credited key figures like Mac Conwell from
RareBreed Ventures, Adam Phillips from Techstars Equitech Accelerator, and
Jamie McDonald from UpSurge Baltimore for their backing throughout her journey.
Paying It Forward
Myers believes that success is not just about personal
achievement but also about lifting others. She remains committed to empowering
Black founders by sharing her experiences and advocating for better access to
funding and resources. Her work with organizations like 1863 Ventures and Black
Star Fund reflects her dedication to fostering innovation within
underrepresented communities.
The Future of Tech-Enabled Haircare
With Richualist gaining momentum, Myers envisions a future
where textured hair consumers have access to high-quality, innovative tools
tailored to their unique needs. She continues to push the boundaries of beauty
tech, proving that the industry can evolve to be more inclusive and
customer-focused.
A Legacy of Innovation and Empowerment
Dawn Myers' story is one of resilience, innovation, and
advocacy. From a legal career to pioneering textured hair technology, she has
not only built a successful business but also paved the way for others to
follow. As she continues to grow her company and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs,
her impact on both the beauty industry and the startup world will undoubtedly
leave a lasting legacy.
Timeline for story
2017 – Inspired by Shark Tank, Myers identifies a gap in
Black haircare innovation.
2018 – Founds Richualist to develop tech-enabled hair
solutions.
2019 – Begins developing The Mint, an all-in-one styling
tool.
2020 – Forms partnerships with Dow, P&G, Sephora, and
Glossier for product support.
2021 – Becomes a mentor for underrepresented founders and
joins The Vinetta Project.
2022 – Starts teaching entrepreneurship at Georgetown and
Carnegie Mellon.
2023 – Recognized as a Tech Titan by The Washingtonian and
wins Innovation of the Year.
2024 – Appears on Shark Tank, secures $150,000 from Mark
Cuban and Emma Grede.
2024 – Celebrates with the Baltimore tech community and
expands company outreach.
2025 – Continues innovating in beauty tech and supporting
Black entrepreneurs.
