Industry Stories: Sara Blakely

When you think of successful CEOs, you might picture a stern-looking man in a suit, barking orders at his subordinates. But what about a woman who revolutionized the shapewear industry with a product she invented in her own home? Enter Sara Blakely, the founder and owner of SPANX, a company that has become a household name for women around the world.

Blakely's journey to becoming a successful CEO is one that is both inspiring and relatable. She started out selling fax machines door-to-door, but knew that she wanted to do something more meaningful with her life. She tried her hand at stand-up comedy, but quickly realized that wasn't her calling either. It wasn't until she was getting ready for a party and realized she didn't have the right undergarment to wear under her white pants that she stumbled upon her million-dollar idea.

With a pair of scissors and a lot of determination, Blakely cut the feet off of a pair of pantyhose and created the first prototype of what would eventually become SPANX. She knew she was onto something when she wore her invention to a party and received countless compliments from other women who wanted to know where they could buy one for themselves.

From there, Blakely invested $5,000 of her own money into creating a patent for her invention, and began selling her product out of her own apartment. She knew that in order to succeed, she needed to stand out from the competition. That's why she decided to focus on comfort and convenience, rather than the traditional idea of shapewear being uncomfortable and restrictive.

Blakely's quirky personality and unique approach to business quickly made her a favorite amongst her customers and employees alike. She refused to take herself too seriously, often showing up to meetings in costumes or doing handstands in the office to boost morale. Her fun-loving attitude and willingness to take risks paid off, as SPANX quickly became a household name.

But being a female CEO in a male-dominated industry wasn't always easy for Blakely. She faced countless challenges, including being turned down by investors who didn't believe in her product or her vision. But she refused to let anyone else's opinions hold her back, and continued to push forward with her dream.

Blakely's success has not only revolutionized the shapewear industry, but has also paved the way for other female entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps. She has become a role model for women around the world, showing them that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard.

Today, Blakely is worth an estimated $1.2 billion and continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the business world. She has used her success to give back to others, creating the Sara Blakely Foundation to empower women and girls around the world.

In conclusion, Sara Blakely's journey from door-to-door fax machine saleswoman to successful CEO of a billion-dollar company is truly inspiring. Her quirky personality, determination, and willingness to take risks have revolutionized the shapewear industry and paved the way for other women to succeed in business. She is proof that anything is possible if you have a great idea and are willing to work hard to make it a reality. So here's to Sara Blakely, the ultimate #GirlBoss and a true trailblazer in the world of business.