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Sara Blakely

Founder and CEO of SPANX

Sara Blakely is the ingenious founder and CEO of SPANX, a renowned brand revolutionizing women's apparel with innovative and comfortable products.

Established in 2000 with a mere $5,000 from personal savings, Sara Blakely's SPANX has become a household name, offering a wide range of essentials like leggings, activewear, bras, undies, and the iconic shapewear that ensures a flawless silhouette under any outfit.

With a steadfast commitment to originality and intuition, Sara Blakely has maintained 100% ownership of SPANX without resorting to external investments, highlighting her unconventional yet successful business strategies.

In 2006, Sara extended her mission beyond fashion by launching the SPANX Foundation, dedicated to empowering women by supporting education, entrepreneurship, and the arts, aiming to create a world where feminine and masculine energies are harmoniously balanced.

Her educational background includes studies at Florida State University, laying a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.

Currently serving as the CEO of Spanx, Sara Blakely continues to inspire through her innovative products, unwavering ownership, and commitment to empowering women worldwide.

Highlights

Sep 16 · linkedin

You are not too old and it is not too late.

Arianna Huffington started the Huffington Post at 55. Julie Wainwright created The RealReal at 53. Bernard Marcus opened the first Home Depot at 50. Viola Davis achieved EGOT status at 57. Harland Sanders founded KFC at 62. Ray Kroc franchised the first McDonalds at 52. Ellen Latham was 54 when she created Orange Theory.

I never thought I would be starting something “new” after age 50 but life is interesting in that it challenges you in so many unexpected ways. For me… I still felt an urge that was impossible to ignore to keep creating better options for women. The self doubt was loud but my calling was louder.

Launching Sneex has been the most fun I’ve had in years. Look at all the people who have accomplished great success after 50. We have entire award categories dedicated to the things that people accomplish before 30 and 40… but that’s just the first act. The second act can be just as amazing as the first. You just have to have the courage to keep reinventing yourself.

#MondayMotivation #MondayMugShot #NeverTooOld

Aug 27 · linkedin

What's more terrifying? Being an entrepreneur and launching a business…

OR being petrified of heights and flying over NYC in a doorless helicopter with a pilot who doesn’t look much older than your own children? 🚁😳

My team had the idea to do something that symbolizes all the fears and emotions of starting a business, and without completely thinking it through (classic entrepreneur move) I said yes. And then on the helicopter, I screamed, cried and had a panic attack which actually isn’t far off from starting a business. 😂

If you know me, you know I’m super scared of heights. I begged them and screamed “go back” but then I found the courage (somewhere between the death grip I had on my friend and wearing my Sneex tee). I stuck my green Sneex out of the helicopter and got “the shot”!

Lesson is… face the fear! Over and over again. Even after 25 years with Spanx, launching Sneex is JUST as scary. I was shaking in my boots… (I mean, Sneex 😉) when I put them into the world. So be brave… do the thing! You may just have the ride of a lifetime.

#entrepreneur #fear

Sara Blakely
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Location

Atlanta, Georgia