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🚀entrepreneurship review

Sara Blakely

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Sara Blakely is an American businesswoman and philanthropist who founded the intimate apparel company Spanx. She is known for her entrepreneurial mindset and innovative approach to problem-solving, which has made her a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Sara Blakely founded Spanx in 2000 with only $5,000 in savings and no prior experience in the fashion industry.
  2. Blakely's entrepreneurial journey began when she couldn't find the right undergarment to wear with white pants, leading her to create the first Spanx product - footless pantyhose.
  3. Blakely's innovative approach to problem-solving and her ability to identify a gap in the market have been key factors in Spanx's success.
  4. Blakely has been recognized for her entrepreneurial achievements, including being named the world's youngest self-made female billionaire by Forbes in 2012.
  5. In addition to her business success, Blakely is known for her philanthropic efforts, including the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, which supports women's empowerment and education.

Review Questions

  • Describe how Sara Blakely's entrepreneurial mindset contributed to the success of Spanx.
    • Sara Blakely's entrepreneurial mindset was a key factor in the success of Spanx. She identified a problem in the market - the lack of an effective undergarment to wear with white pants - and was able to develop an innovative solution. Blakely's willingness to take calculated risks, her ability to adapt and learn, and her focus on creating value for customers all reflect the entrepreneurial mindset that has driven Spanx's growth and success.
  • Analyze how Sara Blakely's problem-solving approach led to the creation of the Spanx product line.
    • Sara Blakely's problem-solving approach was central to the development of the Spanx product line. When she couldn't find the right undergarment to wear with white pants, she didn't just accept the status quo. Instead, she analyzed the problem, identified the gap in the market, and then set out to develop a solution. Blakely's ability to think creatively, test and refine her ideas, and ultimately bring a new and innovative product to market demonstrates her strong problem-solving skills, which have been instrumental to Spanx's success.
  • Evaluate the impact of Sara Blakely's entrepreneurial achievements and philanthropic efforts on the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
    • Sara Blakely's entrepreneurial achievements and philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the youngest self-made female billionaire, Blakely has served as a role model and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, demonstrating that it is possible to build a highly successful business from the ground up. Her philanthropic work through the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, which supports women's empowerment and education, further contributes to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for entrepreneurs. Blakely's success and her commitment to giving back have the potential to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, ultimately strengthening the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem.