About

LGBTQ+ Business Owner Bio

Sean McKnight is the founder, CEO, and sole owner of The Original Flip Flap Company, a sustainable product-based business focused on redefining the footwear category with innovative, patented accessories. As a queer entrepreneur based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sean brings both lived experience and community-driven insight to his work.

With a background in creative arts and over a decade of experience as a vocalist and performer, Sean transitioned into product innovation after a personal need led him to invent Flip Flap®—a universal, silicone backstrap that turns flip-flops into secure, comfortable sandals. Without any formal training in engineering, Sean taught himself CAD design and silicone prototyping, ultimately securing both utility and design patents for his invention.

Since launching the company in 2018, Sean has bootstrapped Flip Flap’s development from concept to commercialization, earning organic traction and Amazon’s Choice designation without any advertising. His first-hand experience as a Lyft driver in Charlotte has given him deep insight into the vibrant, diverse, and economically integrated LGBTQ+ community that inspires much of his mission. He is especially passionate about leveraging inclusive design, sustainable materials, and accessible manufacturing to serve underrepresented consumers.

Sean’s long-term vision includes developing a regenerative manufacturing campus powered by hydrogen fuel from plastic waste, housing vertically integrated operations from hemp farming and silicone compounding to product manufacturing and fulfillment. The business also prioritizes social impact through inclusive product design, with offerings like Faey Flap—a pink Flip Flap created to champion LGBTQ+ pride and visibility.

Sean is proud to seek LGBTBE certification to strengthen supplier diversity, form partnerships with aligned organizations, and expand the impact of a business rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and innovation.