Sara Blakely 

Sara Blakely

BIO:

• Name: Sara Blakely 
• Title/Position: Founder and Executive Chairwoman of Spanx
• Industry:  Apparel, Fashion
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Age: 53 - (27th of February 1971)
• Net Worth: Estimated at $1.1 billion as of February 15, 2025

Sara Blakely’s Story

Born in Clearwater, Florida, Sara Blakely transformed a simple frustration into a billion-dollar enterprise. After graduating from Florida State University, she spent seven years selling fax machines door-to-door. Frustrated with traditional undergarments and hosiery, she invested $5,000 of her savings to develop a new kind of undergarment – Spanx. Facing initial rejections from male-dominated hosiery mills, her persistence paid off when a mill owner, encouraged by his daughters, agreed to produce her prototype. 

In 2000, Spanx was born, offering innovative shapewear that empowers women worldwide. A pivotal moment came when Oprah Winfrey named Spanx one of her “Favorite Things,” catapulting the brand into the spotlight. Sara Blakely’s story from a girl getting ready for a party unable to find the right undergarment to a self-made billionaire shows her grit, positivity, and relentless determination. 

In March of 2012, Founder Sara was named the world’s youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. She is also known as a leading philanthropist and known for motivational quotes, messages, and mugs which you can see on Sara Blakely’s Instagram. 

Career Highlights

Key Milestones:

• 2000: Launched Spanx with $5,000 in savings.
• 2001: Secured a contract with QVC, expanding Spanx’s reach.
• 2012: Recognized by Forbes as the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire.
• 2021: Sold a majority stake in Spanx to Blackstone, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. 

Achievements:

• Founder of Spanx: Revolutionized the shapewear industry with innovative products.
• Philanthropy: Established the Sara Blakely Foundation in 2006, supporting women through education and entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Recognition: Featured on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful women.

Sara Blakely’s Net Worth

As of February 15, 2025, Sara Blakely’s net worth is estimated at $1.1 billion. Her wealth primarily stems from Spanx, the company she founded and later sold a majority stake to Blackstone in 2021. Beyond Spanx, Blakely has invested in various business ventures and maintains a significant real estate portfolio. Her philanthropic efforts, notably through the Sara Blakely Foundation, further exemplify her commitment to empowering women globally.

Sara Blakely in the News

• October 2021: Blackstone acquired a majority stake in Spanx, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. citeturn0search2
• October 2024: Launched Sneex, a hybrid stiletto-sneaker designed to offer comfort and style. The product received mixed reviews, highlighting Blakely’s continued innovation in the fashion industry and risk-taking approach. 

Quotes by Sara Blakely

• “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” 
• “It’s important to be willing to make mistakes. The worst thing that can happen is you become memorable.” 
• “I cut the feet off of a pair of panty hose and it allowed me to wear a pair of great strappy sandals. I didn’t see lines but the hose rolled up at my feet – and that’s how Spanx was born.”

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