Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely (born February 7, 1971) is an American entrepreneur best known as the founder of Spanx, a shapewear and apparel company. Raised in Clearwater, Florida, she graduated from Florida State University and worked in sales, including selling fax machines door-to-door. In 2000, she launched Spanx with savings she has said totaled $5,000, developing early prototypes herself and securing initial retail placement at Neiman Marcus. Spanx expanded into a widely recognized brand, and Blakely became one of the youngest self-made female billionaires, according to Forbes. She also founded the Sara Blakely Foundation, which supports women through education and entrepreneurship initiatives.