We’ve all heard of SPANX, the comfortable undergarments that offer smooth control. In 1998, Sara Blakely was in need of an undergarment to provide a smooth look under white pants so she cut the feet off of her control top pantyhose. She says, “It all started with a pair of pantyhose, some scissors and a bright idea.” By 2000, Neiman Marcus placed Sara’s first major order and SPANX made “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list. Today, SPANX are now found worldwide in more than 50 countries and offers intimates for women and men, and even leggings.
- During Sara’s early career she worked at Walt Disney World, as a stand-up comedian, and sold fax machines door-to-door.
- In 2012, Sara was named the world’s youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
- She now has a net worth of 1.14 billion USD.
- SPANX mission is: To help women feel great about themselves and their potential.
- In 2006, she founded Sara Blakely Foundation, which has set aside millions of dollars to empower and elevate women and girls through education and entrepreneurial training.
- She also created the Leg Up initiative, which empowers up-and-coming female entrepreneurs with exposure on SPANX’s website as well as offering funding and phone consultation.
- Blakely praises Richard Branson, who mentored her as both an entrepreneur and philanthropist, saying he taught her to “use business as a force for good.”