Sara Blakely

Businesswoman, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist

American Clearwater, Florida, United States

Quick Info

ProfessionBusinesswoman, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth27/02/1971
Age55 years
BirthplaceClearwater, Florida, United States

Latest News about Sara Blakely

01/01/2026

Sara Blakely was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in January 2026 for her invention of footless control top pantyhose, which revolutionized the shapewear industry. The induction recognized her journey from selling fax machines to creating a billion-dollar company that became synonymous with body-slimming undergarments.

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Bio/Wiki

SummaryAmerican businesswoman and philanthropist who founded Spanx, a billion-dollar intimate apparel company, and later created the footwear brand Sneex in 2024. She became the world's youngest female self-made billionaire in 2012 and was recognized by Forbes as a Global Game Changer and by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. In 2026, she was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for her invention of footless control top pantyhose.

Educational Qualification(s)

InstitutionFlorida International University
DegreeBachelor of Arts
FieldCommunications
Year1993

Relationships & More

SpousePatrick Blakely
StatusMarried
Year Married2000

Family

Full NameSara Treleaven Blakely
ChildrenTwo sons

Career

Early CareerDoor-to-door fax machine salesperson at Danka
Founding of SpanxFounded Spanx in Atlanta, Georgia in 2000 with $5,000 in savings. Created footless body-slimming pantyhose. Sold over 50,000 pairs in first three months from her apartment. Product featured on Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things list. Maintained 100% ownership by refusing outside funding and reinvesting all profits.
Other VenturesFounded Sneex footwear brand in 2024
TelevisionCast member on The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best, finishing as first runner-up and receiving $750,000 from Richard Branson
HonorsInducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2026

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Originally wanted footless bodyshaping pantyhose to wear with cream-colored pants and open-toed shoes, which inspired the creation of Spanx
2. Spanx revitalized the hosiery industry which had been in a 10-year slump
3. Received $750,000 from Richard Branson to start her foundation after appearing on The Rebel Billionaire
4. Met Nelson Mandela during her television appearances
5. Failed an audition for the part of Goofy at Disney's Orlando theme park early in her career
6. Hired a professional CEO to run Spanx so she could focus on sales and business development
7. Graduated from Florida International University in 1993 with a degree in Communications
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