From Fax Machines to Fashion Fame: Sara Blakely's Spanx Success Story
FEMPRENEUR STORIES
Sara Blakely's journey to founding Spanx is a tale of resilience, innovation, and a touch of serendipity. Before she became the titan of shapewear, Blakely's career path took a different trajectory. From peddling fax machines to pioneering shapewear, Sara Blakely's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless possibilities of entrepreneurship.
Sara Blakely's journey to founding Spanx is a tale of resilience, innovation, and a touch of serendipity. Before she became the titan of shapewear, Blakely's career path took a different trajectory. After graduating from college, she worked various odd jobs, including a stint as a Disney World ride greeter. However, it was her experience selling fax machines door-to-door that provided her with invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship.
While selling fax machines, Blakely encountered firsthand the challenges of rejection and the importance of persistence. Despite facing countless no's, she remained undeterred, honing her sales skills and learning to navigate the competitive business landscape. It was during this time that she first conceptualized the idea for Spanx.
The lightbulb moment came when Blakely struggled to find undergarments that provided a smooth, flattering silhouette under white pants. Inspired by her own need for a solution, she set out to create seamless, body-shaping undergarments that would revolutionize the lingerie industry.
Armed with just $5,000 in savings and a relentless drive to succeed, Blakely embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. She spent two years researching and developing her product, meticulously perfecting the design and securing a patent for her innovative hosiery concept.
Despite facing skepticism from manufacturers and investors, Blakely remained steadfast in her vision. Her breakthrough came when media mogul Oprah Winfrey endorsed Spanx on her talk show, propelling the brand into the mainstream spotlight virtually overnight. It was Blakely’s big break.
Winfrey chose them as her product of the year for her popular “Favorite Things” episode. “She declared publicly over and over again all these amazing things, like ‘I gave up wearing undies. I only wear Spanx,’” Blakely recalls. “It was pretty awesome.” From there, Spanx skyrocketed to success, becoming a household name synonymous with confidence and comfort.
Today, Sara Blakely's Spanx empire encompasses a diverse range of products beyond hosiery, including leggings, bras, and activewear. Her entrepreneurial spirit and determination have not only transformed the lingerie industry but have also inspired countless women around the world to chase their dreams fearlessly.
“I feel like one of the best ways I’ve been able to face my fears and move through them is gratitude, being very connected to gratitude and a higher purpose. Without those two things, it would be much more difficult for me to push through the things that scare me,” she says.
From peddling fax machines to pioneering shapewear, Sara Blakely's remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless possibilities of entrepreneurship.
Photo by ©Ben Baker/Redux