From Fax Machines to Fortune: Sarah Blakely's Billion-Dollar Spanx Revolution | Sarah Blakely EP 705

Have you listened to the FULL EPISODE yet? "I wrote my own patent. I went to Barnes and Noble and bought a book called Patents and Trademarks and I wrote the patent myself." -Sarah Blakely Sarah Blakely's journey from door-to-door fax machine saleswoman to billionaire entrepreneur is nothing short of extraordinary. Feeling trapped in a soul-crushing job, she took a leap of faith that would change the shape of the undergarment industry forever. With just $5,000 and an idea born from cutting the feet out of her pantyhose, Blakely persevered through countless rejections, writing her own patent and driving across state lines to find a manufacturer willing to take a chance on her "crazy idea". Her relentless determination and outside-the-box thinking not only led to the creation of Spanx but revolutionized how women feel about their bodies. From choosing the perfect brand name to navigating the male-dominated business world, Blakely's story is filled with unexpected twists, hilarious mishaps, and powerful lessons on resilience. She shares intimate details of her struggle to be taken seriously, including how she convinced manufacturers to give her a chance and the strategic thinking behind the now-iconic Spanx name. This episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, showcasing how creativity, grit, and a willingness to take risks can turn a simple idea into a global phenomenon. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most inspiring self-made female billionaires of our time. Sign up for the Greatness newsletter! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.