Sara Blakely: From Fax Machines to Billion-Dollar Shapewear

Sara Blakely's journey from selling fax machines door-to-door to founding Spanx is a testament to innovation and perseverance. With $5,000 in savings and no formal business training, she identified a gap in the market for comfortable, effective shapewear.

Her idea was born out of personal necessity. Frustrated with traditional pantyhose, she cut the feet off to achieve a smoother look under white pants. Recognizing the potential, she developed a prototype and faced numerous rejections before convincing a Neiman Marcus buyer to carry her product.

Spanx gained significant traction after being featured on Oprah Winfrey's "Favorite Things," leading to a surge in sales. Blakely's commitment to maintaining 100% ownership allowed her to steer the company's vision without external pressures.

Beyond business, Blakely established the Sara Blakely Foundation, supporting women through education and entrepreneurship. In 2021, after selling a majority stake in Spanx to Blackstone, she celebrated by gifting each employee $10,000 and two first-class plane tickets.

Blakely's story underscores the impact of resilience, creativity, and believing in one's vision, inspiring countless entrepreneurs worldwide.