INSPIRATION FROM SARA BLAKELY

“Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else”

- Sara Blakely

My absolute favorite travel outfit. Chic and comfy. Spanx Top, Spanx Bottoms, New Balance kicks, and a Shop Chord hat made by another fellow female entrepreneur, Mary Orton.

Sara Blakley, the founder of Spanx, is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, persistence, and creative problem-solving. Sara has been a long-time inspiration to me, and not only because the Spanx products make me feel and look incredible. Her Net Worth is estimated at $1 billion, which made her the youngest self-made female billionaire in 2012. I appreciate the beautiful way she brings a lot of femininity to her presence and leadership. I’ll often read about the fun besties' trips she’ll host and the dance parties she has with herself after a stressful day. She posts pictures of when she was a cheerleader in high school and is often talking about all things mom life. Her ability to be an engaging storyteller is undoubtedly much of the reason for her success. While I am a solid storyteller about a client product or during a pitch, I personally struggle with storytelling about my own life and leaning in. She’s inspiring me to commit to being better and braver about this. Sharing some additional takeaways, I’ve had as I’ve reflected on how much I’ve learned from her:

A closeup so you can see this comfy material, not so you can see my unpolished nails…

1. Start Before You’re Ready

Sara's had no fashion, business, or manufacturing background when she started Spanx. She leaped with an idea and a willingness to figure things out along the way. The lesson? You don’t need to plan everything perfectly—just start and learn as you go.

2. Solve a Real Problem

She created Spanx because she personally experienced the frustration of visible panty lines and unflattering undergarments. Instead of just complaining, she found a solution. The best businesses are built around solving real pain points.

3. Stay Scrappy & Resourceful

While she didn’t have a huge budget for marketing or production, she wrote her own patent, negotiated directly with manufacturers, and personally pitched her products to stores. She kept costs low and focused on getting the product in front of the right people. Theres a good spot somewhere inbetween staying scrappy and knowing when to engage experts in a specific field. I like being scrappy; it keeps me hungry and in the game.

4. Sell with Conviction

She convinced Neiman Marcus to carry Spanx by demonstrating the product herself in the restroom! She believed so much in what she was selling that her passion made it impossible to ignore. If you don’t believe in what you’re offering, no one else will either. I refuse to pitch anything I don’t fully understand or don’t believe in. It makes all the difference not only in your ability to get the deal, but for a great customer experience during the engagement.

5. Control Your Own Narrative

Instead of traditional advertising, she leaned into PR and storytelling. She sent her product to celebrities and influencers, which helped create organic buzz. She understood that people connect with authentic stories, not just products.

6. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool

Sara’s father encouraged her to embrace failure, often asking at the dinner table, “What did you fail at today?” This mindset shift made her see failure as part of the journey rather than something to fear. I frequently ask my kids this now; they think it’s fun to come home with a fail story!

7. Keep Innovating & Expanding

After Spanx took off, she didn’t stop at one product. She continued expanding the line into different categories, ensuring the brand remained relevant and valuable to its customers. Business success is about continuous evolution.

8. Give Back & Stay True to Your Values

Sara's became the world's youngest self-made female billionaire, but she stayed grounded and focused on giving back. She committed to philanthropy, empowering women through the Spanx Foundation, and later joined The Giving Pledge. Success isn’t just about making money—it’s about making an impact.

9. Have Fun in the Process

From celebrating victories with “lucky” red cowboy boots to embracing humor in business, Sara's shows that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be overly serious. If you enjoy the journey, it keeps you motivated.

I’d love to hear what you think. Send me a message on LinkedIn. ❤️