Undercover Billionaire: Sara Blakely Joins The Rich List Thanks To Spanx

[Not single-page] Sara Blakely went from auditioning to play Goofy at Disney World to founding an undergarment empire: Spanx. She still owns 100% equity in the company, making her the youngest female billionaire at age 41:

“Like many startups, Spanx began life as an answer to an irritating problem. The panty hose Blakely was forced to wear at both Disney and Danka were uncomfortable and old-fashioned. ‘It’s Florida, it’s hot, I was carrying fax machines,’ she says. She hated the way the seamed foot stuck out of an open-toe sandal or kitten heel. But she noticed that the control-top eliminated panty lines and made her tiny body look even firmer. She’d bought a new pair of cream slacks for $78 at Arden B and was keen to wear them to a party. ‘I cut the feet off my pantyhose and wore them underneath,’ she says. ‘But they rolled up my legs all night. I remember thinking, “I’ve got to figure out how to make this.” I’d never worked in fashion or retail. I just needed an undergarment that didn’t exist.'”

Source: Forbes
Published: Mar 7, 2012
Length: 14 minutes (3,708 words)
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