1998
Conceives the Spanx product
Turns a personal wardrobe problem into a prototype, then researches a path to patenting and manufacturing.1
01
Ooléle portrait
Person · SB
Inventor and entrepreneur
Sara Blakely
Founder and Executive Chairwoman of Spanx
Sara Blakely is the American inventor and entrepreneur who founded Spanx in 2000 with $5,000 in personal savings. She turned a wardrobe frustration into a patented product, then grew the company without outside funding for its first 21 years. In 2021, Blackstone acquired a majority stake in Spanx at a $1.2 billion valuation; Blakely retained a significant ownership interest and became Executive Chairwoman.1,2,4
01 — The profile
Background & perspective
After graduating from Florida State University, Sara Blakely was selling fax machines when she conceived an undergarment that would disappear beneath white trousers in 1998. She cut the feet from a pair of tights, researched patents herself, found a manufacturer after repeated rejection and filed for intellectual-property protection. Spanx launched in 2000; close attention to the customer problem, prototyping and in-store demonstration became the foundation of her entrepreneurial method.1,4
Blakely maintained control of Spanx without outside capital until the 2021 Blackstone transaction. Alongside the business, she established the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation and signed the Giving Pledge in 2013, making an explicit commitment to women’s empowerment. Her career therefore connects invention, consumer branding, founder ownership and philanthropy. The National Inventors Hall of Fame inducted her as part of its 2026 class.2,3,1
02 — Verified landmarks
The journey in a few dates
A selective timeline established from identified sources.
2000
Launches Spanx
Founds the company with $5,000 in savings and brings its first product to market.1,2
022013
Signs the Giving Pledge
Publicly commits a major share of her wealth to philanthropy, with a particular focus on women.3
032021
Partners with Blackstone
Sells a majority stake at a $1.2 billion valuation and becomes Executive Chairwoman.2
042026
Enters the National Inventors Hall of Fame
Is recognized for her invention and contribution to intellectual-property-led entrepreneurship.1
0503 — Ooléle
Read next
04 — Transparency
Profile sources
- 01Sara BlakelyNational Inventors Hall of Fame
- 02Blackstone Buys Majority Stake in SPANX, Inc.Blackstone
- 03Sara BlakelyThe Giving Pledge
- 04About UsSpanx