Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is the inventor and founder behind Spanx and Sneex, sharing her experiences of building businesses and supporting women.
At 100 nudges, fangea sends Sara’s team an official invite.
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Latest
Sara’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus her backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Overview
- Born
- February 27, 1971, in Clearwater, Florida
- Based in
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Education
- Florida State University, communications, 1993
- Breakout
- Spanx appeared on Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2000
Mini bio
How it started.
Sara was selling fax machines when a wardrobe problem gave her an idea. In 1998, she cut the feet off her pantyhose to wear under white pants. She worked on a better version at night and on weekends, starting with $5,000 of her own savings.
The first big break.
She founded Spanx in 2000. Oprah Winfrey picked it for Favorite Things that year, introducing the product to a much wider audience. In 2021, Blackstone completed a majority investment valuing Spanx at $1.2 billion, and Sara became executive chairwoman.
Still inventing.
Sara launched Sneex in 2024 to bring sneaker comfort into high heels. She also founded the organization now called the Red Backpack Foundation in 2006, supporting women through education, entrepreneurship and the arts. Her Belly Art Project turns painted pregnant bellies into a book and a way to support safer childbirth.
Creditschronological, newest first
Books and television
- 2017–2018Shark Tank, season 9Guest Shark
- 2016The Belly Art Project: Moms Supporting MomsAuthor
Awards
Quotes
After all, it’s hard to change the world when your feet hurt.Sara Blakely, founder’s note on Sneex
Trivia
- Her mother, an artist, drew the prototype sketch for her patent application.
- She carried her red college backpack into early business meetings and considered it lucky.
- She originally hoped to become a lawyer and took the LSAT twice.
Find Sara
Follow Sara for business lessons, new inventions and glimpses of family life.
Are you Sara Blakely?
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