How Sara Blakely Became Successful With 5 Surprising Lessons
Discover how Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, became a successful entrepreneur through five unique lessons. Learn about her inspiring journey, key entrepreneurial insights, and her impact on the business world.
Sara Blakely’s journey is a vivid tapestry woven with threads of perseverance, innovation, and an unyielding belief in the power of a single idea. From humble beginnings to the heights of entrepreneurial success, Blakely’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of determination and vision. This article will explore how Blakely became successful and uncover five unique lessons from her remarkable journey.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of Resilience
Born on February 27, 1971, in Clearwater, Florida, Sara Blakely’s early years were marked by a nurturing environment that celebrated effort over outcome. Her father’s unique encouragement to embrace failure shaped her resilient mindset. This philosophy would become the cornerstone of her future endeavors. She attended Florida State University, earning a degree in communications. Initially, Blakely aspired to follow in her father’s footsteps and become an attorney. However, after failing the LSAT twice, she pivoted her path. Rather than a setback, this shift became a pivotal moment in her life.
“My dad encouraged us to fail. Growing up, he would ask us what we failed at that week. If we didn’t have something, he would be disappointed. It changed my mindset at an early age that failure is not the outcome—failure is not trying.”
Career Beginnings: The Crucible of Persistence
Blakely’s post-college career began at Danka, an office supply company, where she sold fax machines door-to-door. This role, far from glamorous, was a crucible that forged her persistence and tenacity. Imagine knocking on doors daily, facing rejection, and yet pushing forward with a smile. This relentless pursuit of success taught Blakely invaluable sales and customer understanding lessons—skills that would later become instrumental in her entrepreneurial journey.
“I failed at so many things before Spanx. I failed the LSAT twice, I was unsuccessful in other businesses, but I never stopped believing that I could make something work.”
Founding Spanx: A Spark of Innovation
The genesis of Spanx is a story of personal frustration transformed into global innovation. In 2000, with a mere $5,000 in savings, Blakely set out to revolutionize the hosiery industry. Frustrated by the discomfort and visible panty lines of traditional pantyhose, she envisioned a product that offered both comfort and a smooth silhouette. Armed with sheer determination and a clear vision, she developed the prototype of Spanx. Her innovative spirit and willingness to trust her instincts set the stage for a groundbreaking product redefining an entire industry.
“I had no background in fashion or retail. I had never taken a business class. I didn’t have any employees, no patents, and no clue what I was doing. But I had a really clear vision, and I was willing to do whatever it took to make it happen.”
Business Growth and Success: The Power of Endorsement
Spanx’s meteoric rise can be traced back to a pivotal moment in 2000 when Oprah Winfrey named it her favorite product of the year. This endorsement was a game-changer, catapulting Spanx into the spotlight and transforming it from an unknown brand to a household name almost overnight. Blakely’s ability to understand and meet the needs of her customers, combined with savvy marketing strategies, fueled the rapid growth of Spanx. The product line expanded to include bras, leggings, and activewear, making Spanx a staple in women’s wardrobes worldwide.
“The power of a single endorsement can be life-changing. Oprah’s support gave Spanx the credibility and visibility we needed to go from an unknown brand to a household name almost overnight.”
Philanthropy and Advocacy: Empowering Women Globally
Blakely’s success has never been solely about financial gain. In 2006, she founded the Sara Blakely Foundation, which aims to support women through education and entrepreneurial training. Her commitment to empowering women is further demonstrated by her decision in 2013 to join the Giving Pledge, becoming the first female billionaire to do so. By committing to donate at least half of her wealth to charitable causes, Blakely exemplifies a forward-thinking and socially conscious approach to business success.
“When you achieve great success, it’s important to turn around and help others. My foundation is dedicated to giving women the resources and support they need to create their own success stories.”
Mike Parsons
Personal Life: Balancing Success with Family
Despite her immense success, Sara Blakely remains grounded and dedicated to her family. She is married to Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Marquis Jet, and they have four children together. Blakely’s approach to life is marked by her ability to balance her career with her role as a mother, maintaining a down-to-earth attitude that makes her approachable and relatable.
“Success is about being able to stay true to yourself and your values, no matter how much your life changes. For me, family always comes first.”
Legacy and Impact: Inspiring Future Generations
Sara Blakely’s journey from a door-to-door fax machine salesperson to a billionaire entrepreneur vividly illustrates the power of resilience, innovation, and belief in oneself. She has transformed how women wear undergarments and inspired countless individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Her story is a powerful example of how taking risks and embracing failure can lead to extraordinary success.
“The biggest risk in life is not risking. Don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith. Your greatest failure is not trying.”
Blakely’s vision and tenacity have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and the business world, establishing her as a pioneering figure in entrepreneurship. Her legacy is a beacon of inspiration, lighting the way for future generations of innovators and dreamers.
Top 5 Entrepreneurial Lessons to Learn from Sara Blakely
1. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Sara’s upbringing taught her that failure is not the end but a crucial part of the journey. You can develop resilience and a growth mindset by viewing failure as a stepping stone. This lesson highlights the importance of persistence and learning from setbacks to fuel future success.
2. Believe in Your Vision: Even without a background in fashion or business, Sara’s unwavering belief in her idea for Spanx drove her to success. Trusting your instincts and maintaining a clear vision can help you overcome obstacles. This underscores the power of a strong vision in guiding you through challenges and uncertainties.
3. Harness the Power of Endorsement: Oprah’s endorsement was a turning point for Spanx. Leveraging influential endorsements can significantly boost your brand's credibility and visibility. Recognizing and utilizing the right endorsement opportunities can propel your business forward and open doors to new markets.
4. Commit to Giving Back: Blakely’s philanthropic efforts highlight the importance of supporting others as you achieve success. Building a legacy that includes social responsibility can profoundly impact your community and beyond. This emphasizes the value of integrating philanthropy into your business model to create positive social change.
5. Balance Personal and Professional Life: Sara’s dedication to her family alongside her business success illustrates the importance of maintaining a balance. Prioritizing personal values can help you stay grounded and fulfilled. This lesson serves as a reminder to strive for a healthy work-life balance to ensure long-term happiness and productivity.
Recommended Reading for Further Insight
1. “Start Something That Matters” by Blake Mycoskie: This book by the founder of TOMS is an inspiring read about creating a business with a social conscience, much like Sara Blakely’s approach to Spanx and her foundation. It provides practical advice on building a purpose-driven company.
2. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown: This book focuses on vulnerability as a strength and aligns with Sara’s philosophy of embracing failure and taking risks. It offers insights into how vulnerability can lead to more extraordinary courage and innovation in personal and professional life.
3. “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg: An essential read for understanding the dynamics of women in leadership, echoing Sara’s journey and advocacy for women in business. It provides valuable guidance on overcoming obstacles and advancing in your career.