Sara Blakely: The Inspiring Founder of Spanx

Early Life and Career

Sara Blakely was born on February 27, 1971, in Clearwater, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University in 1993 with a degree in legal communications.

After college, Blakely worked as a door-to-door fax machine salesperson. She struggled in this role and was laid off after six months.

The Inspiration for Spanx

While working as a salesperson, Blakely became frustrated with the discomfort of traditional shapewear. She realized there was a need for a more comfortable and flattering option.

In 2000, Blakely founded Spanx with $5,000 of her own savings. She initially sold her products from her apartment and at local boutiques.

The Success of Spanx

Spanx quickly gained popularity due to its innovative designs and comfortable fabrics. By 2003, the company had generated over $10 million in revenue.

Today, Spanx is a billion-dollar company that sells a wide range of shapewear, leggings, and apparel.

Awards and Recognition

Blakely has received numerous awards and recognition for her entrepreneurial success, including:

• Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People (2007)
• Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women (2008)
• Fortune's Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs (2009)

Key Takeaways

Sara Blakely's journey is an inspiring story of perseverance, innovation, and entrepreneurial success. Here are some key takeaways from her story:

• Identify a need in the market and create a product or service that meets that need.
• Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your dreams.
• Be persistent and never give up on your goals.