Sara Blakely, $Billionaire$ CEO

Sara Blakely is the genius CEO behind Spanx and an inspiration, with a philanthropic mindset she credits to her Tri Delta experience at Florida State. She’s the epitome of what it means to hustle, innovate, and disrupt. 

The Spark of an Idea

After earning a degree in communications, Sara’s career took off in the least glamorous way possible: selling fax machines door-to-door. (If that doesn't build character, we don't know what does!)  She faced countless rejections, slammed doors, and long, thankless days. But this grueling job taught her resilience and the art of persuasion, which would become invaluable later on.

The real magic happened one night as she was getting ready for a party. Like many of us, she wanted her pants to fit just right. She knew control top pantyhose could do the trick, but her open-toe sandals made it a no-go. So, what did she do? She cut off the feet from her pantyhose, and bam! The first prototype of Spanx was born right there in her apartment.

Betting on Herself

Recognizing she had a million-dollar idea, Sara set her sights on making her dream a reality. But the road was rocky. She faced skepticism and rejections left and right. Hosiery industry bigwigs just couldn’t see the vision. But Sara is relentless. “I did not have the most experience in the industry or the most money, but I cared the most,” she said. This fierce determination is what set her apart.

Sara knew that her product had the potential to revolutionize the industry, but convincing others was an uphill battle. She spent two years researching and developing her idea, learning everything she could about the hosiery industry. She even wrote her own patent, which is very impressive for a not-lawyer before the days of ChatGPT! This DIY approach saved her thousands of dollars and gave her a deep understanding of her product and its unique value proposition.

From $5,000 to a Billion-Dollar Brand

In 2000, Sara launched Spanx from her Atlanta apartment with just $5,000 in savings. She hit the pavement hard, trying to convince manufacturers to take a chance on her idea. Many were doubtful, but Sara’s persistence paid off. She finally convinced a mill to produce her shapewear line. For those of us in the trenches of entrepreneurship, we know that hustle. When our founder Lizzy started mazi + zo, the NYC jewelry industry was skeptical about sorority members buying fine jewelry. Like Sara, she faced her fair share of naysayers.

Sara didn’t stop there. She wore a Spanx t-shirt everywhere, and her sales experience was put to good use. One legendary story involves a meeting with a Neiman Marcus buyer. When the buyer seemed uninterested, Sara didn’t flinch. She went to the bathroom, put on Spanx under her clothes, and gave a live before-and-after demonstration right there. That bold move sealed the deal. Talk about turning skepticism into success!

The Oprah Effect

Things kicked into high gear when Oprah Winfrey featured Spanx on her show in 2001. Overnight, Spanx became a household name, and sales exploded. This wasn’t just a fluke; it was the result of Sara’s tireless work and belief in her product. By 2001, she secured that patent, solidifying Spanx’s place in the market and protecting her innovative design.

Spanx didn't stop at footless pantyhose. The brand expanded to a full line of shapewear and undergarments, making women everywhere feel confident and stylish. Today, Spanx is a billion-dollar brand synonymous with comfort and empowerment, and Sara’s net worth is a jaw-dropping $1.3 billion. Her success has revolutionized the industry and sparked a wave of female entrepreneurship.

Overcoming Obstacles and Innovating

But the journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. As Spanx grew in popularity, Sara continued to face the challenge of scaling her business while maintaining quality and innovation. One significant obstacle was convincing traditional retailers to stock her product.

Another major hurdle was dealing with copycats. As Spanx gained traction, numerous competitors tried to mimic the product. Sara’s response was to double down on innovation. She expanded the product line to include everything from leggings to bras, each designed with the same commitment to comfort and functionality. For example, she introduced the "Arm Tights," a unique solution for women who wanted the look of a long sleeve without the bulk, showcasing her ability to identify and fill niche market needs.

Sara’s ability to listen to her customers and adapt to their needs has been a key factor in Spanx’s enduring success. She regularly gathered feedback and used it to refine her products. When customers complained about the waistband rolling down, she went back to the drawing board and developed a new design with a stay-put feature. Her willingness to innovate didn't stop at product design. Sara also embraced digital marketing early on, utilizing social media to build a community around her brand long before it became a common practice.

In addition to product innovation, Sara pioneered a culture of flexibility and empowerment within her company. Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, she implemented policies that supported her employees' needs, such as flexible work hours and generous parental leave. This not only fostered loyalty but also attracted top talent to Spanx, ensuring the company's ongoing ability to innovate and stay ahead of the competition.

Sara’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. By overcoming significant obstacles and continually pushing the boundaries of what her products could do, she transformed Spanx into a brand that stands for more than just shapewear—it stands for empowerment, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Shark Tank and Philanthropy

Sara’s charisma and business savvy caught the attention of "Shark Tank" producers, leading to multiple appearances on the show. As a guest shark, she quickly became a fan favorite, investing in and mentoring budding entrepreneurs. 

But Sara isn’t just about business; her heart is just as big as her ambition. In 2006, she launched the Sara Blakely Foundation to support women through education and entrepreneurial training. The foundation has provided scholarships for young women in South Africa and backed the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Sara’s commitment to philanthropy took a monumental step in 2013 when she became the first female billionaire to join the Giving Pledge, promising to donate at least half of her wealth to charitable causes.

One particularly touching example of Sara's philanthropy is the story of a young South African girl named Thandi. Thandi grew up in a community where educational opportunities were scarce, and her dream of becoming a doctor seemed almost impossible due to financial constraints. The Sara Blakely Foundation stepped in and provided her with a scholarship, covering her tuition and living expenses, thus enabling her to attend university.

Thandi’s story underscores the ripple effect of Sara’s generosity. By helping one young woman achieve her dream, the foundation indirectly benefits countless others who will be touched by Thandi’s future work as a doctor. It’s a powerful reminder of how targeted support can lead to widespread, long-lasting change, turning a single act of kindness into a beacon of hope for many.

Tri Delta Roots and a Legacy of Empowerment

Sara’s journey of empowerment and philanthropy has deep roots in her time with Tri Delta at Florida State University. Her experience in the sorority was more than just a social chapter; it was a pivotal period that shaped her values and fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. Tri Delta’s emphasis on charity, leadership, and sisterhood played a crucial role in forming Sara’s philanthropic mindset.

During her time at Tri Delta, Sara actively participated in community service projects which taught her the importance of giving back and the power of collective effort. She has often credited her sorority experience for instilling in her the confidence to take risks and the drive to support others. “Tri Delta taught me to be resilient and to believe in the power of women coming together to make a difference,” Sara has said in interviews.

One of the key aspects of Tri Delta that profoundly impacted Sara was the sorority's commitment to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The sorority's long-standing partnership with St. Jude inspired Sara's own philanthropic initiatives. She saw firsthand how sustained support and dedication could lead to significant, tangible outcomes for those in need. This realization planted the seeds for her future endeavors with the Sara Blakely Foundation.

Sara’s Tri Delta experience also forged lifelong relationships with women who shared her values and ambitions. The support and encouragement from her sorority sisters provided her with a network of mentors and cheerleaders who believed in her vision. This community of strong, driven women was a constant source of motivation, reminding Sara that she was never alone in her journey.

In essence, Tri Delta gave Sara a foundation built on the principles of resilience, leadership, and generosity. These principles have guided her through the highs and lows of her career, shaping her into not only a successful entrepreneur but also a compassionate leader dedicated to making a positive impact. As she continues to lead Spanx and champion various philanthropic causes, Sara’s legacy of empowerment traces back to the values and experiences she embraced during her college years with Tri Delta.